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.

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.

Experiencing Some Arkansas "True Grit"

Palm Beach sun, fun, food, and art!

First we rode in this, then this!

The first thing I did when I arrived was to greet Yemaya. It has been a long time since I danced in the ocean. It was good to feel the warm sand on my feet,  wind in my hair and jump a few waves. I made new memories and remembered the trips to the beach as a chiquita with my family.

Whooopie!

Whooopie…..Happy New Year to me…its my birthday. 

Tlazocamati Ometeo for another year and this year the beginning of the First Night of the Ninth Wave of the Mayan calendar. May we all begin to nurture the seeds we have planted as we grow more conscious of who we are and how we walk for the Greater Good.

As the years have progressed I have taken the tradition, (as soon to be Doña Sabrina) that I will celebrate for several days and will eventually take the entire month. Why? Because it is an honor to live another year and be given the opportunity to grow on my journey. To have been given the courage and spirit to fire walk and exchange life’s lessons with others on this journey. To have been given the love that flows from my mouth and hands to tell the stories in words and cloth so that they may not be lost. And be given the privilege to clear the path where possible so that those that follow will be closer, as the elders have done before me. So as this year approached I once again prepared to shed my skin. I sang to the silver moon, cleansed myself with the sweet scent of copal, sweet grass, and sage and now have begun another year on my journey.

Ropes course of life

We welcomed the Ninth Wave on March 9, 2011 and will continue with the Light (time for us to move/ action) and Darkness (time to rest) as we are told by the Mayan calender. This wave is about planting the seeds of unity consciousness and nurturing it to full fruit come October 28, 2011. Its a major shift in energy and so far this Mayan New Year has brought many lessons for me. Its an exciting time with lessons pouring in from all directions. Its also close to my personal New Year and that's always a time of shedding and rebirth. So this year its a double shot of the trinity: challenge, creativity, and change.

 I feel that lately I have been on my own personal ropes challenge course of sorts. I have been experiencing a mix of high and low elements. I know its an adventure. Its scary but one I have chosen. I've done my Myers Brigg Type Indicator and that shed more light on my known strengths and challenges. I put my fears in a hat, read them out loud and its time to step out and update my life map. I'm OK with the cat walking to help create balance and build my confidence. And I'm much better at mindful walks than I am at the trust fall. So I guess that means I have to stretch myself again.

Jardin color

Spring is here and color is everywhere. I lovingly remember my special one on one time with my Grandfather in his garden. He taught me many lessons. Not only about what plants are good companions, but life lessons as we moved our hands through the soil creating waves of color to enjoy the entire summer.

World Poetry Day

I honor you my word spitin sisters of the mic. 

We use our words to craft the stories that mainstream ears leave behind. 

Keep slingin the letters that create waves of revolution and move hearts to change.

I celebrate you..today is World Poetry Day.

 

 

International Womens Day

Detail of award winning, Elemental Women, art dolls by Sabrina Zarco

 I created these award winning art dolls in 2002. Three women, past present and future. They are holding between them symbols for water, fire, earth and wind. They were born out of grief at a most difficult time in my life. They created themselves during my break down to remind me of the basics of life. Art is good medicine and is often overlooked as a powerful tool for healing. They now remind me of the strength and power we carry within as women. Power to sacrifice for our children, move forward through the unknown, and let go for the Greater Good.

Until it becomes the "norm" that women are recognized in history books, honored for their contributions and celebrated for their art we will have a day to remind us. So take the time to remember significant women in your life, in history, healers, authors, change agents, artists and more. I honor you my Sisters and send you thanks for staying true to your journey and making your mark on my life and the lives of others.

Award winning Elemental Women, art dolls by Sabrina Zarco

Indiana winter

We recently took a trip to visit with family in Indiana. It was a beautiful winter wonderland when we arrived but by end of week all the snow was gone.

Amazing family piece of folk art! I really appreciate whimsy bottles as they are called and folk art in general is near and dear to my heart. The idea of creating a unique piece of art only from what is on hand because the need to create is so strong rings true to my spirit. This work has been in the family for some time and appears to date back to 1920's. Often they were created by workers passing through as a gift of thanks to a hosting family. This one has the Lord's prayer painted on wood with several dangling metal hearts. Its beautiful!

 

The river was frozen over in some spots but still moving in others.

Beautiful old covered bridge in the middle of the park.

The Universe is always speaking to us in a variety of ways and its up to us to open our eyes and ears. Goose medicine tells us to embark on a new quest, to map out our journey. It reminds us we are all on our own flight path we only need to access it. We may not always be able to see the end of the journey and must learn to have faith and trust the wisdom we all possess to guide us. Choosing new directions is what this trip was about so seeing these geese was a wonderful affirmation that all of us were moving in the right direction. We were all caring for one another in a variety of ways and levels and like the geese we were in it together. I am blessed to have had this family experience.

..It's like a concert tour, but with sketchbooks

Here is the cover of my book on tour!

The Sketchbook Project 2011 is under way and my sketchbook is in the mix!  In the midst of several other projects I made the time to get it complete and I'm thankful for the support that got it in the mail to Brooklyn.

Creating this book is not one of my great works but it was a healing book for me to create. Creating for me is always a Spiritual experience and an escape from the world; a respite. For me there is no right or wrong only authentic expression and becoming free in the process. This project focused on my view of living life with Aspergers. Its not always an easy story for me to tell, but the more I embrace it the more others can also. And like all the other stories I am called to share through art.  I did it with carino, a true heart, and in a fun creative way. 

Feliz dia de amor y amistad! aka Happy Valentine's Day

As a Chicana I celebrate holidays and traditions bi-culturally. In Mexico and a few other Latin American countries Saint Valentine's Day is know as Dia de amor y amistad (Day of love and friendship). Its a time to let your Beloveds know you care. Its not uncommon for it to be a day of acts of appreciation for friends. 

 

We have had lots of snow this year and I had a great time playing in it. I made my first snow angelita, enjoyed watching the deer cross the bluff, and discovered icicles in the creek.

cocina corazon

Magicians and Alchemists used the heart symbol for incantations pertaining to matters in love and romance. Various food and drink are also often part of the heart ritual.

The story of Valentine. He is said to be originally a physician who was also s a gastronomist, who made his medicines more palatable by mixing them with herbs, spices, honey, and wine.

heart of hearts

Tribute to the Loteria card El Corazon in the private collection of L.Orta, Austin Tx

Another theory says that the modern drawing of a heart is modeled after the actual human heart because the ancients and even some today, believe that the heart contains all human passions.  The drawing we have come to known as the heart more closely matches that of a cattle heart, which was more readily available to view in past centuries. They modeled it after a cattle heart. However, the resemblance to the cattle heart is still very slight. Some say that the drawing of a modern heart originated because of botched drawings of the human heart by medieval artists after a philosopher inaccurately described the shape. The medieval tradition of courtly love may have reinforced the shape's association with romance.


 

Corazon femme

Here's another theory why the heart shape represents love. Some say that the traditional heart shape actually represents body features of a female, such as the vulva, breasts, or buttocks. The female pelvis is also somewhat heart-shaped. Because the female gives birth to life, this could be the association with the heart-shape and love. Bottom line the female human form is beautiful and we love it!

from the corazon

Since I was a child I sought out and felt a connection to the shape. I find the soft curves inverted triangle an inspiration with various meanings. Culturally the heart is part of the folk art images of my heritage and they show up in my artwork in various ways.

In some cultures a red heart meant love, joy, charity, compassion. Others see it as a symbol of truth or loyalty. Over the next few days I will post some of the ways the corazon has appeared in my life and inspired my art. I will also share some theories about why the shape became a symbol of romantic love.

Toma Mi Corazon 2011 in Austin!

 Si se Puede! 

My corazon for this years silent auction for my Beloved La Pena!

Mixed media on wooden heart. Details of the Austin event below check it out!

Toma Mi Corazon

The 18^th Annual Art Exhibit and Silent Auction Fundraiser

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Preview Party: 4:30 – 6:00 pm

$10 admission (includes admission to silent auction)

Silent Auction: 6:00 – 8:00 pm

$5 admission

Austin, TX – La Peña presents “Toma Mi Corazon” on Saturday, February 6^th, 2010. The 18^th annual art exhibit and silent auction fundraiser will be taking place at their gallery space at 227 Congress Avenue in Downtown Austin. The event kicks off at 4:30 pm with a preview party featuring food, drinks, and live music followed by the silent auction at 6:00 pm. Admission to the preview party is $10, which includes entrance to the silent auction. Admission to the silent auction only is $5.

For eighteen years La Peña has invited everyone to “Take My Heart” as hundreds of wooden hearts given out and decorated by artists, children, and many others. Then they are sold in a silent auction where the proceeds from the heart sales are used help support La Peña’s arts and educational programming. Toma Mi Corazón is not only people’s chance to help support La Peña but also own some unique, original artwork. Many hearts are currently on display at La Peña’s gallery and more will continue to come in as the auction approaches.

La Peña is an interdisciplinary cultural and educational organization dedicated to the enhancement of art in all its forms. La Peña's mission is to support artistic development, provide exposure for emerging local visual artists, musicians, poets and other performing artists, and offer Austin’s visitors and residents the full spectrum of traditional and contemporary Latino art. More information can be found at http://www.lapena-austin.org.

 Feminista Freedom Fighter Femmes!

Today we honor Martin Luther King, Jr. ...now lets do the work

Some of my favorite quotes......Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

 

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.