These pieces are a story about relationship: heaven and earth, the sun, wind and water; between humans and the earth, the elements, the four directions and all creatures of the earth. These are traditional indigenous teachings that can guide us today, at this time.

Mitakuye Oyasin, from the Lakota, means literally, “I acknowledge everything in the universe as my relations.” It is spoken before, during and after ceremonies. In itself, the words are a prayer. In the English language, it is often used as “all our relations.” My indigenous roots go back to my Assyrian ancestors in ancient Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in what is now called Iraq.

Traditional indigenous peoples all over the world have different names for the plants and animals they know, the stars, fire, the wind. They have different stories of Creation and their mythic heroes go by different names. The commonality among all is respect for the balance of the relationship between Creation and humanity, and gratitude for all we are given. The story tellers here have their roots in the Americas, north and south. These are the lands they loved and cared for, the lands that hold their bones, the lands we walk on.

The art work is made from plant pulp: cotton, abaca and hemp. The colors are derived from plant materials or crushed minerals. Some pieces are suspended from dried plant pods. Simple materials from the earth, they are ephemeral. A splash of water or a strong gust of wind and they will return to their original form.

An ephemeral material used to express an eternal message: we are all connected.

Note:

Huichol Song is quoted from The Fertile Darkness by Joan Halifax.