new eyes

Each year I make heart shaped work to donate for Center for Artistic Revolution Inc., CAR's silent auction fundraiser. This year I was pressed for time and decided to revisit an old work that was, well it just was. I had previously done surgery on it to make a panel for another donation and what was left just called to be reinvented. One part of it had an image that appeared in the fabric, I just stitched around it so others could see what I see and so it found a home on one of the wooden heart bases. The second one had a section of layers of thread and shiny stuff covered in netting that I quilted down as flowing energy so that one was also born. I try to re purpose fabric from clothing or thrift stores so this time I gave an old work new life. Sometimes the work just doesn't end up the way you thought it should or could be and it has to marinate for awhile. Then going back to look at it in a different way lends itself to new possibilities.

Sometimes in life we toss out something or someone that appears to be no longer of interest, use or meaning in our life. Maybe the lesson here is to stop and take a second look, to see it with new eyes and how it might fit in our life without any of the past intentions or expectations. New beginnings and fresh starts, that's what spring is all about right? Hope you had a good Vernal (Spring) Equinox and that you find new beginnings and see through new eyes. After all isn't that what growing looks like?

spring...new beginnings...again

seasons change, people change, change means you have to change

life begins again...

Beautiful and cold ice water rushing down toward Cedar falls, Mt. Petite Jean AR

and she carried her dreams with her...

And she carried her dreams with her...

This work represents the death, the loss of combined dreams, a change in the journey. In the center is a bit of blue sky. Even through the death she holds on to the dreams and the hope.

Dreams, memories from other lives, goals, visions for your life ebb and flow on this journey ever present like the sea reaching always for the shore. They surge and grow as we move through this earth school and cross paths with others. Sometimes we find hope as another crosses our path and we begin to create our own tidal wave of dreams that include them. We want them to walk with us to share the joys, discover new paths, and ease the storms of life. We want to hold their hand and make the combined dreams come true. But that doesn't always happen.

Why does it seem the ones we feel most connected to, the ones we can really dance the same dance with because they hear the same drummer, are the ones that leave early. The intellect knows that life holds only more challenges; and intersections of life paths mean change. No matter the reason, and even if the leaving isn't intentional or planned, the pain is still real. We have to walk our path and sometimes it means leaving others or being left at the fork in the road. But our hearts tells a different story; our hearts want to hold on with hope and keep swimming in the rivers of laughter but sometimes the rivers are created by tears and the laughter is only an echo. Through the tears, heartache, and pain we have to remember that we were blessed to share love and dreams with one another even if for only one brief shining moment.

Then the time comes to accept that there is a change with the tide. You have to reformat the dreams if they can be found through the tears and try to heal and find the courage to keep moving on; hoping that you don't drown in the process.

Yemaya reminds us to breathe and I hear the comforting but difficult words of Yoruba priestess Iyanla Van Zandt: Always remember, no matter what is going on in your life, it is your responsibility to choose how you respond. Feel the pain. Honor the shock. Look for the lesson. Keep moving in a way that honors who you really are. You are a Spirit in a body having a temporary human experience. Experiences may knock you down, but it is your responsibility not to let them keep you down.

Si se puede! Dancing at the Revolution

Si se puede! Dancing at the Revolution 2009

I am honored to share with you my exhibit work for this historic time. click on the images for a closer look

Artist Statement with the work

The famous quote “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution” by Emma Goldman is a part of the inspiration for this work it explores the celebratory dimensions as change agents. This work commemorates community organizers and activists who came before us and share the vision of “Si se Puede”. Names of those who continue to work for the GLBTQI community and allies are recognized on this piece; including President Obama who began his career as a community organizer and is evident in his identity as an agent of change. "One of my fundamental beliefs from my days as a community organizer is that real change comes from the bottom up ..." President Barack Obama.

Press Release for Exhibit

President Obama: A Celebration in Art Quilts
Location: Cafritz Art Center, 150 King St., Silver Spring, MD
Dates: February 9 - March 5, 2009
Opening Reception: Friday, February 13th

This show, organized by Susan Walen, comes from an all-volunteer, grass-roots, multi-ethnic group of fiber artists from all across the United States and as far away as Australia. Our work is in tribute to our new President, in gratitude for the hope and inspiration he has brought us. We present these art quilts at an unforgettable historic moment in our country's history.

We each have and will have stories to tell about our vision, our hopes and dreams, and our experiences during this historic moment in our journey. I share a part of mine with you. If not for special people in my life this work would not have been born so let me begin with my gracias por todo. Gracias con carino R for your continued love and support of my artwork you are a true patron of the arts love you! Gracias beloved L who has made sure I was fed, slept, and kept my focus during the creation. You were understanding of the time it took for this to be born, shared great ideas, added your special touch to the work, and gave me love and support, besos to you my love. And to those of you who use your voice, take a stand, challenge, teach, grow, and remember that this journey is not about the singular but about all of us, gracias for keeping it moving and keeping it real. “There is no liberation in isolation.” - Audre Lourde

This work is dedicated to the change maker in all of us! We all have the capacity; its just that sometimes the weight of oppression or just plain fear can slow you or even keep you frozen. Si se puede has long been a cry of change and now the Nation has also embraced it. Lets pray it sticks and when it gets hard ,and we know it will get more difficult, that the echos of those who didn't give up sing in our hearts to give it one more try. One more try, and one more again, for ourselves, for those who came before and for those who walk this path after us. Si se puede! Lets dance at this revolution and lift each other up! We are now in what the Mayans call 6th day; a time of awakening and unfolding to new possibilities!

DETAILS OF THE WORK

Sol y luna essential elements saludos to the elements

Esperanza sin fronteras
red ribbon on the tree reads: A people united will never be defeated.
Dancers wear signs that say: Silence = Death, Civil Rights are Human Rights, and Love not Hate.


Prayer for peace and true solidarity.
Dancer sign reads "Be the Change you want to see in the world" Mahatma Gandhi
This square features the founding mothers of S.O.N.G.
Gracias for your continued leadership, love ya!
http://www.southernersonnewground.org/?page_id=5



Obamanos (orale Gente!) and the Obama Pride symbol to celebrate the GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) leaders, agents of change, and everyday heros/sheroes who dare to live life as themselves! I celebrate you!



Si se puede! Yes we can! Organize!
GLBTQ Allies Dolores Huerta and Corretta Scott King names in this section


Bless the Change Makers!
More names of activists/organizers/agents of change: ccommunity organizers, artists, comedians, poets, writers, free thinkers, politicians, musicians and our new Pres!



Leaves of possibility on the tree of lessons.
Each grows with a positive word for us to embrace as we grow!
Ex. solidarity, prosperity, acceptance, love, equality, dignity, respect

Join the revolution! (don't be afraid it just means to change) Take some time to honor who you are and all that you bring! Spread the peace, hope, and most of all unconditional love.
tlazokamati, gracias, thank you

rainbows

Official Obama Pride Rainbow symbol

I've been spending time working on an Obama quilt for a special exhibit, details to follow with pics of the work later. I have been ill physically which to me is a signal that my Spirit needs some healing also. I have been dealing with things of the heart lately, missing loved ones more than ever and trying to put some chaos in my life back in order. Crying is healing so I have been doing a bit of that also. I think I read somewhere that tears release some chemical that has no other way of leaving your body so I guess if that's true then consider me cleansed!

This morning we went to the mountain, which I consider a healing place in itself, a kind of church if you will. Anyway it was a bit cool, fierce winds and a slight mist was falling, very magical. The dog noticed some deer so we got to watch a doe and her fawn cross our path at some distance. We were all silent as they moved up the moss covered rocks through the trees, it was beautiful. Deer medicine tells us to accept those as they are with love and peace in our hearts.

We made it back home just before the heavy down pour and then my down pour of tears started again. Just at that moment I looked out the window at the yellow sky and suddenly there was a rainbow. A beautiful rainbow and then another. They both intensified in color and then would fade. It made me think about all the meanings of rainbows: covenant, prosperity, hope, the healing number of 7 (7 colors meaning listed below), the hem of the Sun Gods coat, the souls of wildflowers from the forest, heaven, harmony, magik, faith, and healing.

I took some pictures to share and to remind me that even when I don't see them, there are rainbows in life filled with magic waiting for us to pass through. I pray that you will find healing, magic, hope and promise in your day. I wish you rainbows.
tlazocamati

Meaning of colors of the rainbow (one version)

V-Violet: Violet is a combination of the colors red and blue. This is the highest and the subtlest specialization of light. This is because it is at the opposite end of the red color. This color is viewed as the completion as well as the beginning of the energy vibration. Different shades of violet have varied meanings. A deep purple symbolizes high spiritual attainment and a pale shade symbolizes love for humanity. The shade violet brings about a stabilizing factor to the frenzied shades of red.

I-Indigo: The color indigo means infinity. It also symbolizes wisdom and self-mastery. The indigo color is known to be the bridge between the finite and the infinite.

B-Blue: Blue is known as the color of divinity. This is the color of the open skies and the oceans. Using the color blue in our daily lives is said to bring about a peace and understanding. This color also helps to soothe and relax.

G-Green: The color green is formed with the merging of yellow and blue. Therefore, this is located in the center of the spectrum. The color green, symbolizes harmony, balance, growth and good health.

Y-Yellow: The color yellow is vibrant in itself being close to the color of the sun. This is known to be full of energy. Yellow also means something bright and happy and the usage of this color is know to bring about a proper clarity of thought in a persons mind and also improve the decision making skills.

O-Orange: The color, orange is a combination of red and yellow. This is not as fiery as red and but symbolizes a lot of energy and wisdom as well. Although dynamic, the color orange is more thoughtful and controlled. This color can increase the creativity of the person and bring about equilibrium in life.

R-Red: This is the color of energy and enthusiasm. This is also the color with the longest wavelength. Red symbolizes passion, energy, vibrancy and success.

Creating Solidarity for the Greater Good

Sometimes creativity comes in different forms. The art of organizing and standing in solidarity in the face of injustice is an art form worth perfecting! Randi Romo (pictured above) and I are co founders of the Center for Artistic Revolution aka CAR. CAR members took the lead and together with other organizations we all created some art and made public our fight for justice. We marched in the streets and stood in freezing weather on the State Capitol steps to be heard in Little Rock, AR.

Judge Wendall Griffen supports the crowd of 350 in the fight for justice!

Article and video http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRvZGF5c3Rodi5jb20vbmV3cy9sb2NhbC9zdG9yeS5hc3B4P3N0b3J5aWQ9NzYxNDImY2F0aWQ9Mg==

Arkansans March To Protest Act One

Hundreds of Arkansans gathered to protest Act One which passed in the last election and bans unmarried couples from fostering or adopting children.

The Center for Artistic Revolution helped organize the protest encouraging all participants to wear black and walk in silence to represent children who don't have a voice, but people with Family Council Action Committee say Arkansas has already voiced what's best for children by voting against Act One.

In two single file lines, they silently march to the State Capitol hoping to block the measure to ban unmarried couples from fostering or adopting, but John Thomas with the Family Caouncil Action Committee says it will be established law come January.

Thomas says, "What it tells me anyways is that there are people in Arkansas who are much more concerned about their own rights than they are about the welfare of children." Thomas says kids coming from troubled homes don't need to move to a home with roommates. He adds, "What they need is stability that's exactly what the intention on Act One is."

Judge Wendell Griffen says to the crowd of protestors, "There are people who said you would not come thank you for proving them wrong." As the crowd walked onto the capitol steps, Judge Wendell Griffen offered hope saying they can repeal Act One.

Judge Griffen says, "In the name of justice I am here to ask you to say to legislatures please respect the judges that the people of Arkansas have elected to do their job." Judge Griffen says every home open for foster care or adoption has to go through a rigorous screening process and it wouldn't be any different for cohabitating couples.

Jeania Waid adds, "Me and my sons father are not married I don't think my three-year-old has any concept of that whatsoever. He knows he lives in a loving home with a mother and father that care about him."

Randi Romo says until she is able to legally adopt her granddaughter, she will fight for equality. Romo says, "We know that a marriage license and sexual orientation do not make good parents; it's the quality of the parents the commitment of the parents and it's the love in the home."

Act one passed by 57 percent, but Judge Griffen says it will require two-thirds majority of the legislature to repeal the act.

Journal Quilt Elements :Viento Agua Tierra Fuego

"Viento Agua Tierra Fuego, Venido a mi lado, Wind Water Land Fire, Come to my side"

Wind water land and fire are sacred elements of my spirituality as an indigenous woman. They remind us of the four cardinal directions and the stages of life. Just as the number 4 the elements are an essential part of spirituality, prophecy, story telling and music.

The words "viento agua tirera fuego, vendio a mi lado call the wind, water, land and fire come to our side" are a call to the elements during a drum ceremony song. This work displays the spirit of the elements with leather strips that overlay each element in the traditional symbol going in a cycle or clockwise motion.The work celebrates the people of the drum circle as we invite forgiveness, healing, love and peace into our daily lives.

This artwork is currently on display at the International Quilt Festival in Houston and will travel with the show. I am thankful for the opportunity to share a part of my culture.