like a falling star...

Time was like a falling star for me so as I look at the date of my last post I realize that it has been awhile. In the spirit of taking care of myself I found it was necessary that I take some time to process the experiences in my life. Sometimes as we walk this Good Red Road of life we need to pause and find a place to rest and just be totally present in the moment. Being still can be challenging work and I find it necessary for growth. Being still and soaking in all that is around you to connect with yourself and where you are in the universe, physically, mentally, emotionally, creatively, and spiritually can be good medicine.

I took some time to look back down the path, acknowledge where I have walked and celebrate the messages and lessons learned. I stopped to take a deep breath and gather what I need to begin walking forward again. So after time for reflection, re framing, and shedding new skin I am once again ready to begin moving forward. Take time to pause on your walk and celebrate where you are on the road right now.

Venado Blanco...White Deer Medicine

Venado Blanco (c) Sabrina Zarco 2011

The summer heat changes the air around the trees and the creek is eerily silent. I live surrounded on three sides by trees and wildlife. Lately outdoor visions and movements seem dream like as we are slowly drained of our energy. I had to do a double take on the way to work one morning as I left the driveway. I looked up and saw a 5pt buck and doe standing on the asphalt of the cul de sac. I have to admit my first thought was who put the fake Christmas deer in the road? Then I realized they are real and were just as stunned looking back at me. And like a cheesy commercial lovers moment we lock eyes, no breathing, and then they turn into wisps of fog as they fade into the woods.

As I drive to work I relive the moment, searching for the message. I remember the art work I have in my studio. The fabric is not readily accessible yet since the move. And I really enjoy romancing other materials so the love affair is always fresh and new. So right now I am working on assemblage work. I have been digging through boxes of pieces parts to see what it wants to become, always a fun unexpected process. 

I have been in a struggle about what materials want to bond with each other so as I often do, I ask my dreams. I literally go to sleep with the question and very often dream about the answer. The answer is not always evident, sometimes I have to let it marinate a day or two for it to become clear. Several days and nights pass and I keep getting a visit from a white deer! Venado blanco and maize. I reach into my boxes and start to assemble my altar to the sacred corn and powerful deer.

Deer medicine brings us gentleness in thought, touch, and word. Purity of purpose, to walk in light and out of the shadows. Deer let nothing keep them from their path, moving around and over obstacles. No hidden agendas, ulterior motives, lies or misrepresentations. Its impossible for deer to knowingly hurt someone because of their innocence and gentleness. Deer reminds us of unconditional love and kindness. 

The gift of Aspergers has given me a naivety as that of a child and sometimes in my innocence I unexpectedly become wounded by others. My trusting nature allows for disappointment when I expect others to walk beside me in a good way. I have been struggling with some of these things in my life lately. All this work has been creating more of a warrior stance and some of my gentleness has been absent. This was a reminder to be gentle with my boundaries and with myself.
 
Now white animal medicine is very sacred, its a huge sign of prophecy. A sign from the Great Spirit, Great Mystery, God, or Creator  that a major shift in my world is about to come. So I must be like deer and be swift, gentle, graceful, and alert to what is moving my way. So if it has not been present lately add some gentleness to your life. 

Venado Blanco (c) Sabrina Zarco 2011

Mother and her young one crossing our garden. The family lives along the bluff that surrounds the house on three sides. They cross the creek bed and move through the back yard and garden path, over the rock wall, and back into the woods. Its a gift to be able to watch them and be reminded of what they bring.

 A young friend of mine ended his journey on this Earth school today. He was a gentle Spirit like the deer. He cared for children and families in his work as a social worker. He touched my life with laughter for the brief time we shared and I honor his gentle spirit with these photos. We light a candle for you Tony on your new journey. And send love and peace to your beloved husband Justin who is finding the courage to keep walking without you. Amor y paz

What a doll!

One of my favorite things to do is go treasure hunting, antiquing, thrift store shopping, visit estate sales and sometimes garage sales. Its about the entire process and the unexpected treasure you find on the journey. Looking for tesoritos that as my Beloved says,"tickle my eyes". I look for things that inspire, to add to my artwork, home collections or just appreciate. I like to find patterns in things and listen to the stories each item holds. A recent trip had me fascinated with dolls. These munecas were filled with stories about how they were loved, not loved, cast out or treasured. They sat in displays and I could hear them shouting out to be seen. Life is about the stories. The ones we experience, hear or create. So here I honor the small simulated human forms that caught my eye for one reason or another. I shine light on their stories and challenge you to stop and listen to the story of the one that catches your eye. 

Presidents House Quilts Exhibit

 

My dear amiga Michelle Flamer has done a wonderful job of curating an amazing exhibit. The Constitution Center, with the Independence Visitor Center and the African American Museum of Philadelphia, will mount the joint exhibition, "The President's: Their Untold Stories in Quilts" - more than 40 quilts inspired by stories of the nine enslaved Africans held by Washington at the President's House in Philadelphia.

The President’s House: Their Untold Stories in Quilts

Curator: Michelle D. Flamer, Esquire

           

The truth is stark and the irony undeniable: the first President of the United States, who established a new democracy built upon principles of freedom and equality, was himself a slaveholder.  George and Martha Washington kept nine people enslaved as their domestic servants in Philadelphia’s First Executive Mansion. 

Like the West African “griot” or storyteller, this collection of art quilts relates the history of the President’s House and its nine enslaved inhabitants. The artists represented in this exhibit are a geographically diverse, multiracial and multicultural group of both internationally acclaimed and novice art quilters. With only fabric and thread, we celebrate the humanity, dignity and courage of slaves in the President’s House. These art quilts are intended to provoke a uniquely American dialogue about slavery and freedom in the paradigm of democracy.   
 

http://articles.philly.com/2011-02-23/news/28620686_1_quilts-exhibit-planners-artifacts

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110222_Constitution_Center_to_highlight_Washington__quilts.html

http://www.ushistory.org/presidentshouse/news/whyy022311.htm

  

 

"Divine Nine"

(c) Sabrina Zarco, 2011

On exhibit in the African American Museum of Philadelphia 

The President's: Their Untold Stories in Quilts

This work honors the divine human spirits held as slaves by those in leadership promoting freedom. The juxtaposition of these concepts is at its core incomprehensible. President Washington’s “ownership” over slaves dictated where and how they would live, what they could wear, separated families and even removed slave’s teeth to replace his own. Slavery in this country continues in various forms. Let this work remind us that none of us are free until we are all free.

The "slave shirt" is made of burlap often what was used to "cut down costs". Names of the Divine Nine are listed above, background fabric is the US Declaration of Independence. There is bead work and hand and machine quilting. I  will post detail and more clear photo later. If you are in or near the Philly area stop by and enjoy the exhibit.


Gracias Michelle for all you have done to make this powerful truth telling exhibit a reality!

a visit from turtle

I had a visit from turtle. Slowly and silently he appeared along the deck to remind me to be grounded to the Earth, honor my creative inner voice, and mother myself in the process.

 Like turtle we have shields that protect us from hurt, envy, jealousy, and the unconsciousness of others.

Turtle teaches you how to use protection. If you are bothered by the actions or words of others, it is time to go inside yourself and honor your feelings.

Turtle reminds us that we need to be grounded. To be focused on the pace in which we move and to move with intention.

We are not to hurry through the process but keep a steady pace. Do not harvest or plant before the time is right.

By moving with intention we arrive at our destination with our ideas expanded. Be OK with slowing down and honoring your feelings in the process.

The Animal Medicine cards remind us that turtle is a symbol of Mother Earth. And serves as a reminder of the ally you have in Mother Earth. It does not matter what situation you have created: ask her for assistance and abundance will follow.

 Gracias brother turtle for your visit and the lessons your life give to us.

Experiencing Some Arkansas "True Grit"

Traveling in AR to present workshops of various topics we decided to explore some local culture in the historic "True Grit" http://fortsmith.org/things-to-do/truegritfortsmith.aspx town of Fort Smith AR. I am drawn to the exhibits at the museum that are fabric/textile related or "domestic" according to the exhibit sign. Interesting items with few if any womens names documented as opposed to the very documented weapons and hanging history.

I look for inspiration and individual stories that might have been missed/marginalized. This is the inspiration for much of my artwork. Doing anti-bias anti-racist work in a state with a big history of oppression of many layers, many of which are still present today, can make a social justice warrior weary. I try to seek out people and places where I can recharge my Spirit. One of my most favorite restaurants to recharge the body in AR is Rolando's Neuvo Latino Restaurante in Hot Springs. http://www.rolandosrestaurante.com/   I was so  pleased to see they have a location in Fort Smith so we wasted no time in ordering nourishment for the body and Spirit!

                                                         

Salud e alegría crían belleza

Health and happiness create beauty

Mexican dicho