Paul Daniel is an Apache Native Artist, raised in Los Angeles, California. At his earliest years without knowing it, he was placed in a city where he would be influenced for the rest of his life, a Los Angeles Native, with roots in the San Carlos Apache Tribe, a combination of passion and creativity.
Some of his early influences while living in the City of Angels, where he grew up with a strong influence of artists that not only inspired him to become an artist, but also were a huge part of his growth as an active member of the community to give back and teach the youth the importance of expressing oneself in the most creative yet positive way. Such influences came from Graffiti Art, lettering, and vibrant colorful murals in East Los Angeles. Paul Daniel grew interest in lettering as a form of art at a very early age, thanks to the guidance of his childhood friends legendary Fine Artists Defer and Tempt One.
“Art has always played a major role in my life my family are a family of artists in several disciplines. My artistic direction came first and foremost though as a direct result of being with my shiwoye hastiin, my maternal grandfather. My grandfather’s influence was beyond measure and I often think of him while painting. The stories of our people the Chiricahua Apache that he shared with me during those special private moments that only an elder can bestow upon you. The visual and oral history that he conveyed to me through his artwork left an indelible mark on my life and my art”– Paul Daniel
Paul Daniel is an active member of his community and when he is able to he returns to his reservation the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona to help in any way he can. Mentoring at risk youth to make better decisions for their future by utilizing art as a positive tool. He believes his art and personal life experience can teach many not only about his tribe’s traditions and beliefs but also to inspire others to learn about their true selves. Paul Daniel’s art has been exhibited in The Apache Cultural Museum located in San Carlos, Arizona, the Apache Sky and Apache Gold Casinos also located in Arizona, the Wild Horse Casino in Dulce, New Mexico on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation, the Santa Fe Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Co-Op Art District in Los Angeles, California. His work has been published in Native Ink Magazine as well as a feature in Native Peoples Magazine.