Randy L. Barton, aka Randy Boogie, is putting his experience as a DJ and artist on the dance floor into actual floor coverings through a new collaboration with American Dakota Rugs.
Randy L. Barton, known on the streets as Randy Boogie, is a multi-talented Diné-Navajo artist who shares his unique culture and traditions as a designer, dancer, DJ, live-performance painter, and music producer. His events often juxtapose surprising elements: turntable poetry with experimental earth dancing, live painting on the street with backdrop beats. But his latest combination may be the most unusual. Recently, Barton has embarked on design collaboration with American Dakota Rugs.
According to Mark Ford, president and founder of American Dakota Rugs, the small Georgia company that prides itself on its ability to capture authentic Southwestern hues and rustic Western designs is “constantly looking for opportunities to collaborate with Native American artists.” An artist himself, Ford minored in Native American studies in college and developed a passion for the culture. American Dakota Rugs discovered Barton through the social media platform Instagram and immediately connected with the artist. “We knew that we could capture his color and imagery, and our first strike-off was stunning,” Ford says. The vibrant colors and intricate movements of Barton's brush are captured by the two featured rug designs, making each one a distinct work of art.
Not only has this collaboration provided a great way to celebrate Barton as a talented artist, it has also become a positive force within the broader Native American community by providing an additional outlet for Native American art in the consumer market. “Part of American Dakota's mission is to align ourselves with creative Native Americans who project a positive message in their art," Ford says. "In an effort to be true partners with Native Americans artists, we split the profits of their rug sales 50-50.”
Ford hopes the joint venture, which he calls "a blessing I don't take for granted," will help to promote Native American art in a new and exciting form. And he's not just talking about the floor coverings.
“He’s a really cool guy if you’re lucky enough to catch him live [at the Santa Fe Indian Market]. It’s a great experience. He’s someone that you can look up to. We certainly do.”
Next time you're in Winslow, Arizona, check out Randy L. Barton's new art boutique, PNTD DZRT (short for Painted Desert).