Messengers

I went outside just as I do every morning and for the second day in a row I was greeted by a hummingbird. The first day it hummed as it circled my head and looked me in the eye and then flew off.

Today it came up behind me making a high pitched chirpping sound as if to get my attention. Once I turned around I found that we were once again eye to eye. Then it moved to a nearby tree and landed. It sat for some time and at first I thought to run inside for my camera but I realized that this moment was for me to be still, to stop my humming around and get quiet. We sat looking at one another for some time before the beautiful green and red bird few away. I am always open to the messages and in the midst of my chaos lately I guess I needed a reminder to sit still, that the answers will come and its ok to just be quiet. Thank you sweet bird for the reminders of this and so much more.

There is a legend from Mexico about a Taroscan Indian woman who was taught how to weave beautiful baskets by a grateful hummingbird to whom she had given sugar water during a drought. These baskets are now used in Day of the Dead Festivals.

An Aztec myth tells of a valiant warrior named Huitzil, who led them to a new homeland, then helped them defend it. This famous hero's full name was Huitzilopochtli, which means "hummingbird from the left." The "left" is the deep south, the location of the spirit world. The woman who gave birth to Huitzil was Coatlicul. She conceived him from a ball of feathers that fell from the sky. Huitzil wore a helmet shaped like a giant hummingbird. It is believed that hummingbirds are the warrior angels who travel between worlds with messages for us.

If you have Hummingbird medicine, you adapt easily to whatever situation you may find yourself in, and make the most of your new circumstances. You don't waste time looking back and wishing for "what was" for you are concerned with making the most of "what is". You take great pleasure in spreading joy and love and beauty to all around you, and have the gift of taking that inner joy into new and different surroundings.

another one comes home

Colors of the Earth

I am currently finishing a summer project working with preschoolers who are "lacking in their language scores". Some of them are learning English as a Second Language and struggling with culture shock coming from various Latin American families. I am a consultant to the teachers providing training and I get to do some art with the children. Yesterday we made friendship bracelets and disucssed our various skin colors, colors of the bracelets, and how being different is ok. Its refreshing to work with the children sometimes, reminds of why I do this work.

Preparing the Caldo

I have been busy shedding and cleansing my home and studio. I often do this before I begin making what I call the caldo(soup) for a new project. It helps since once I begin its usually organized chaos and no room in the house is spared. I gather items, pictures, colors that feel like what the work calls for and I place them in a wooden or basket bowl. These items marinate and serve to further the inspiration. Then comes the auditioning of fabrics, paint, and all the embellishments. Sometimes none of them end up on the work, other times everything does. I am not in control, the process leads the choices. Back to letting things simmer as I clean out more stuff...I came across this picture, one of my favorites, reminds me of those that came before me and where I am going.

Here's a bit about the artist: Yolanda M López,“The Portrait of the Artist as the Virgin of Guadalupe"Her mother supported their family by working at an industrial sewing machine for 30 years. She worked as a community artist in the Mission District, CA with a group called Los Siete de la Raza. She views her work as an artist as a tool for political and social change.

Every day Art in Austin

Hunab Ku and Horses

I made this small work as a gift and am thinking of creating a larger version which is very unusual for me, lets see if it happens. Usually if I sketch a design I am done with the idea and it rarely if ever makes it past that stage into another medium. I create letting the materials speak to me and surrender to the process letting my inspiration take over, in this case it was a discussion about symbols and dreams.

more than making tortillas

I had a request to see this quilt, Tortillas para Mama, from a new friend. She commented on the detail picture and wanted to see more, seems it evoked memories of her mother so I decided to share it with all of you.

I had forgotten how much this work meant to me since its been away from home on tour for several years now. Its part of the traveling exhibit featuring art quilts from the book I Remember Mama by Karey Patterson Bresenhan. Its a beautiful book featuring artists work and their stories.

I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of the traveling exhibit and book. Its always nice to know that the work speaks to people especially since in some areas finding work that speaks to cultural traditions are rare.

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This work honors the Mexican/Mexican-American/Chicano families and artists. To serve as a reminder of their experiences and loved ones.To challenge us not lose the things that make us unique as a culture, but to share with others as we dismantle misconceptions about our passion for preserving and promoting tradition.

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As a diversity trainer, community activist, and artist I often encounter those who have lost that connection to tradition. We each have something that is a part of the core of who we are passed on for generations, most times its unspoken. Maybe its clothing, holiday foods, music, dance, gardening, or a home remedy.

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I believe that its in the holding onto the old and integrating the new traditions to share where we create community with one another. Many grassroots activists and artists can testify that often times its the kitchen table conversations where great ideas are born. I believe that relationship building within families, friends and community become stronger when you create together and in my case share a tortilla.

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My Grandfather would often say don't go visiting someone empty handed and there is always room for one more at our table. I hold steadfast to the meaning behind his words. The actions he modeled for me as he created a loving authentic community where we could explore new people, ideas, and ways of being.

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Tradition and ritual can create a sense of belonging, teamwork, and can provide security in a sometimes unstable world. So I say carry on the traditions, make new ones, share the stories and remember we are all part of the ever changing fabric of this country.

Here's the story that goes with the work:

Making tortillas is one of those time-honored traditions and for me it meant that the family gathered there was lots of conversation and perhaps a visitor or two. I remember standing on a chair to reach the kitchen counter covered in flour. Grandmother and Grandfather Nunez, who was a wonderful chef, tried to teach me. Then my mother had a try, but somehow my oddly shaped bread never looked as beautiful as the ones shaped by their loving hands. My memories are strong. The sounds of the soft dough patted in their hands, the noise of the rolling pin on the table top or kitchen counter, flour everywhere and that wonderful smell. I remember eating them warm, with butter. We would each have a turn and each one would come with a story or lesson.

As I grew older I would pray for help to the Great Tortilla Goddesses so that I would be given the gift of how to make my tortillas look pretty. Well I guess its the artist in my but mine never came out round, but they still taste great when I do have time to make them. Now with my daughter, son, and grandson I call them creative shapes, trying to pass on the tradition of lovingly made warm tortillas and sharing time in the kitchen together.