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"My
creative energy is often spiritual in nature. Each of my sculptures
invariably represent some aspect of praise and appreciation for
life’s beauty. Since my Pueblo religion restricts the realistic
unveiling of ceremonial life, the challenge is to use abstract art
to represent the sacred; images that specifically capture a reflection
of my spirituality and expressions of my intercession with the Creator."
-Joe Cajero
Bull Elk
:: Emerging from Spirit Series
Emerging
from Spirit :: Making of a Bronze Sculpture
Dimensions:
27.5" Height x 13" Width x 22" Length
Limited
30 Editions
The
Elk is the second of the big game animals to come from the Emerging
from Spirit Series. For me, it is an exploration about Pueblo People
and the Ceremonies that give reverence to the Wildlife that became
significant to our way of life.
The
incised images are similar to those found in my other works. There
is the Angel (or Soul) that gives the Elk guidance symbolized by
the segmented circle with the hoof print within it. The female and
male energy are beside the symbol of the infinity of life.
The
Father Sun, Mother Moon and the Star of the Child are acknowledged.
Lastly, the arrowhead to articulate the hunting relationship of
Pueblo People and the Big Game within the land we inhabit.
(Joe
Cajero) |
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“Moments
of Tranquility” :: The Gambel’s Quail
Moments
of Tranquility :: Making of a Bronze Sculpture
Dimensions:
20" Length x 10" Plaque Only
Add Approximately 3" for frame.
Limited
30 Editions
This
piece is inspired by the enjoyment I have with watching quail and
other birds feed near my home. While watching, I often find myself
daydreaming - creating thoughts of new sculptures or simply appreciating
my place in life. These moments of tranquility bring balance to
my life and influence my creativity.
(Joe
Cajero) |
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Kindred Spirit
:: Spiritual Being of the Antelope
Kindred
Spirit :: Making of a Bronze Sculpture
Limited
30 Editions
As
I contemplated that which gives guidance, I called for a vision
dressed with blessings of life. And, thus came forth "Kindred
Spirit".
"Kindred
Spirit" wears the Heavens with the Sun, the Moon and the Star
on his chest. In this sculpture, two white lines together, an ancient
symbol I used to symbolize celestial being in existence in this
and other galaxies. Beneath that is the kiva wall. Here extends
a rainbow with the energy of life placed in the middle. A cloud,
strengthened by lighting, showers the land.
Below
his knees are circles. The solid circles represent souls taking
on a physical life experience. The size of the circle indicates
various stages of spiritual engagement. The segmented circles in
white are the souls that have chosen to stay and give guidance.
On
his left side is the side of Alters. These Alters represent the
different spiritual hunting societies that give reverence in ceremonies
to the Antelope, to plant the seeds of life and to seek spiritual
blessings to be shared with all people.
His
back, with a granite rock patina, represents that which is organic
in our life. Upon it, remnants of an Ancient Pueblo People, the
blessings they created through art, knowledge and love of life.
(Joe
Cajero) |
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Pronghorn
Antelope :: Emerging from Spirit Series
Emerging
from Spirit :: Making of a Bronze Sculpture
Limited
30 Editions
The
Pronghorn Antelope is the beginning of the Emerging from Spirit
Series. This is an exploration of the relationship between Pueblo
People, wildlife and the ceremonies that honor them.
The
Antelope has images carved onto his body. The circles increasing
in size represents the evolution of the Antelopes' Soul. On the
other shoulder blade is a segmented circle; this represents the
Soul that gives guidance during the experience of its lifetime.
On the hindquarter are the Moon, the Star, and the Sun. We can draw
the analogy of the Moon representing the Mother, the Star; the Child,
and the Sun; the Father. Lastly, an arrowhead on the other hindquarter
represents the Pueblo’s hunters.
(Joe
Cajero) |
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Nurtured
By Prayer Pendant
Pendent
can be ordered in 18K Gold or Silver, with/or without handmade necklace.
Necklace designs are based on availability.
Nurtured by Prayer was inspired by the desire to reflect the more
feminine aspects of life. Nurtured by Prayer is the balanced response
to Embodiment of Prayer, my masculine form. The concept for this
piece of art began with a swirling emotion of being enveloped by
love. Thus a star shape formed at the base, moves upward in a circular
motion initiating curves that yield feminine features.
Like two sides of the same coin, Nurtured by Prayer wears both the
masks of sunset and sunrise. They are sisters born of the same elements;
bearing many of the same characteristics they remain unique. The
headpiece of Sister Sunset bears the stars and the vastness of the
universe while the headpiece of Sister Sunrise displays the radiance
of the sun’s rays from dawn to dusk. Sister Sunset wears the
rays of sunlight upon her chin as she awakes during the last moments
of day. Conversely Sunrise Sister has a star upon her chin as the
last visage of night fades into day.
Similar
to the Embodiment of Prayer, the sisters’ mouths are extended
in song. One might conceive a gentle whisper as this song softly
and continually yields praise and thanksgiving to our Creator.
(Joe
Cajero) |
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Natural Divinty
Pendant
Pendent
can be ordered in Silver. This piece was inspired by the union
and marriage of two friends. I wanted to incorporate all the
things a couple would want to create and experience in the union
of their lives as husband and wife. This piece reflects the
achievement of a harmonious balance among the natural elements,
as well as the importance of family and prayer.
The
stars at the top of the cross represent the vastness of the Heavens,
as well as the notion that we ascend to a higher level of knowing.
They represent the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. They
also represent the union of mind, body and spirit.
The
dragonflies on the right arm represent the masculine essence of
life. On the left arm, the butterflies acknowledge all that
is feminine. Together they reflect the metamorphosis of life
and the emerging of conscious awareness, the union between man and
woman through marriage, as well as the metamorphosis that occurs
within the individual who learns to integrate both masculine and
feminine aspects of the inner self.
Within
the bottom panel of the cross, there are two altar steps: one large
and one small. This altar is a place of worship, prayer and
meditation. Its creation is where I became conscious of the
often-unnoticed intimate beauty of nature. This came to me
as a result of long, quiet internal exploration while communing
with nature. Over time I believe this internal searching led
me to the awareness of God’s presence in all things.
The
second panel holds four circles of various sizes. These circles
represent human souls in their unique stages of spiritual evolution.
The circular shape embodies the cyclic nature of life itself.
The various colors indicate individual paths of creation in which
the soul chooses to engage.
The
third panel reflects a wave pattern symbolizing water’s life
giving properties, fluidity, and an openness for prosperity and
wisdom to flow into one’s life.
In
the center of the cross is a star. This represents God's divine
energy, which exists in all living things. A fully blossomed
miniature flower represents the very soul of God. This serves
as a gentle reminder that the presence of God can be found in the
simplest display of nature and that divinity is all around us.
(Joe
Cajero) |
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Love
Those Melons - Honeydew Edition
Limited
30 Editions
The
idea for this came from something I witnessed. I was at a sacred
ceremony, closed to the public, and It was during a slow time of
the day. Five or six kosharis were standing in the middle of the
plaza when a woman in all her ceremonial regalia walked by.
She
happened to be well endowed, and one of the kosharis couldn't resist
falling into step behind her and mocking the way she walked. He
raised his hands up to emulate breasts and she saw him there behind
her. She blushed beyond shades of red threw her shawl across her
face and ran off.
The
koshari was left standing in the middle of the plaza, his hands
hefting air, looking bemused by her reaction. From that image, it
wasn't hard to add the melons and the gleeful smile.
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Relationship
/ The Eternal Journey
Relationship
/ The Eternal Journey :: Making of a Bronze Sculpture
21.5"
Height x 17.5" Width x 7.5" Depth
This
piece was created to honor the "Relationship", the opportunity
to discover and nourish a bond with another person. Before beginning
the material work, I meditated on how different spiritual and physical
elements converge and interact within a fulfilling loving relationship,
and how I might represent these ideas in the symbolic language of
sculpture.
I
began to see the piece in my mind as a story with movement and drama,
but a story without an ending. Two energies are born into physical
life. Separate and unaware of each other, they begin their particular
journeys, discovering the material and the spiritual world around
them, learning and preparing themselves through their diverse experiences.
This time before the opportunity of a relationship presents itself
is just as important as the time in which the relationship eventually
exists, for if one or both of the individuals are unprepared for
the experience, the relationship may not fully manifest.
When the opportunity does present itself, the life path of the individual
lives intersect, and here is, to me, a mystical event. The two lives
still exist as separate beings, but at the point where they intersect
in time and space, they become a third thing, another entity, a
relationship. The relationship continues even as the individual
lives continue, so that where there were two, now there are three.
The sculpture is two-sided, meaning to represent the physical world
on one side and the spiritual on the other. This duality is most
specifically noted in the headdresses of the two figures. The night
sky, full of stars, represents that part of the universe which is
untouchable except through the spirit. The butterflies (feminine)
and the dragonflies (masculine) both experience a metamorphosis
in life. They represent the physical world, the earth on which we
live. The moon is another symbol of femininity, while the sun represents
masculinity.
On the faces of the figures are altars, one on top of another, to
signify the undiscovered levels of spirituality, knowledge and wisdom
that may be accessed through life experience as well as prayer and
contemplation. On the bodies are more altars, steps representing
life’s progression, often uneven. Along life’s way,
we receive Blessings, which are indicated by clouds above some of
the altar steps. The recessed areas on the bodies represent the
non-physical world, where spirits reside and guidance may be received.
The circles are souls waiting to be made manifest. The different
colors symbolize the choosing of individual path of remembrance
of who we really are. The sizes of the circles indicate various
levels of awareness each soul has chosen to experience life, while
the parallel lines are ancient symbols of masculinity.
The colors, blending into one another, were chosen for their suggestion
of intimacy, of Mother-earth and Father-sky, the rising and setting
of the Sun, implying the warmth of love as we engage in our relationship
and the Eternal Journey.
(Joe
Cajero)
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The
Embodiment Of Prayer
The
Embodiment of Prayer :: Making of a Bronze Sculpture
7'-4"
Height x 36" Base Width
5
Editions Available
My
creative energy is often spiritual in nature. Each of my sculptures
invariably represent some aspect of praise and appreciation for
life’s beauty, ebb and flow. The Embodiment of Prayer is a
created image that specifically captures what is a reflection of
my spirituality. Since my Pueblo religion restricts the realistic
unveiling of ceremonial life, I am constantly challenged by the
use of abstract art to represent the sacred.
This
masculine form is the expression of my intercessions with God on
behalf of mankind and our tumultuous world His mouth is both elongated
and vibrant with energy as he sings for all creation a song that
is eternal. His headpiece represents the blue sky of day as well
as the majesty of heaven. The figure is made up of three distinct
sides that bring meaning to the whole.
The
front-left side is divided into four panels, each embodying a scared
element of life. The wavelike pattern in the top panel represents
not only the life giving properties of water but also the never
stagnant flow of meaning and purpose within the individual, moving
from generation to generation. Stars of various sizes make up the
second panel representing the night sky and the harmonious order
of the universe. The third panel celebrates the organic elements
of life, earth and all that have been nourished by her. Large and
small altar (kiva) steps framing this panel symbolize the prayers
of adults and children while the swirling texture within the framework
of the kivas is reminiscent of the ancient, hand-finished pattern
found on the kiva walls. The fourth, bottom panel has raised circular
designs, each of varied size and texture. The circle represents
the maturing of the soul while its texture speaks of the soul’s
desire for God.
The
front-right side of Embodiment is a place of shadows reflecting
the trials and tragedies that are common to all people. Examining
my own period of depression caused by personal loss, I experienced
four periods of growth within the emotional darkness. An altar shrouded
in blue represents each of these four phases and Dragonflies sail
beyond the altars free from the darkness. Like nymphs emerging from
dark waters to fly on wings in the air, so might man emerge from
his own dark moments. We experience this place of beauty by choosing
to embrace the freedom of forgiveness, letting go of the past and
embracing the present with soaring hope for the future.
The
backbone of Embodiment is a stately stalk of corn. This life-sustaining
food is central to Pueblo spirituality, being regularly used in
prayer and Pueblo ceremony. A magnificent symbol of renewal and
regeneration, corn is ever faithful to grow toward the sun and sway
joyfully with the wind.
May
your life be so blessed that you too might dance in rhythm with
the Creator.
(Joe
Cajero)
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Nurtured
By Prayer
7'-4"
Height x 36" Base Width
8
Editions Available
Nurtured
by Prayer was inspired by the desire to reflect the more feminine
aspects of life. Nurtured by Prayer is the balanced response to
Embodiment of Prayer, my masculine form.
The
concept for this piece of art began with a swirling emotion of being
enveloped by love. Thus a star shape formed at the base, moves upward
in a circular motion initiating curves that yield feminine features.
Like
two sides of the same coin, Nurtured by Prayer wears both the masks
of sunset and sunrise. They are sisters born of the same elements;
bearing many of the same characteristics they remain unique. The
headpiece of Sister Sunset bears the stars and the vastness of the
universe while the headpiece of Sister Sunrise displays the radiance
of the sun’s rays from dawn to dusk. Sister Sunset wears the
rays of sunlight upon her chin as she awakes during the last moments
of day. Conversely Sunrise Sister has a star upon her chin as the
last visage of night fades into day. Similar to the Embodiment of
Prayer, the sisters’ mouths are extended in song. One might
conceive a gentle whisper as this song softly and continually yields
praise and thanksgiving to our Creator.
The
sisters share one body with a common base. Dragonflies, caught up
in the body’s swirling motion, are symbolic of individual
growth as seen on the Embodiment of Prayer. Likewise altar designs
of various sizes represent the unique stage of spiritual maturity.
While
working on this piece, I paid close attention to the sunrise and
sunset. Dawn brought the sound of a lone bird in morning song. Within
minutes a whole chorus of birds could be heard. It reminded me of
a mother awakening her children. The New Mexican evening sky was
filled with the opulent colors of temperate reds and intense yellows.
The warmth of these colors felt like the magnificent hue of love,
very feminine and nurturing. Nurtured by Prayer hopefully captures
the essence of this significant emotion as well as demonstrates
my desire to show reverence to all women for their scared role as
bearers of new life.
(Joe
Cajero)
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Freedom
Works
in Progress :: Making of a Bronze Sculpture
16"
Height x 21" Width x 7" Depth
Limited
30 Editions
The
idea of doing a bronze horse came as a result of being invited to
an art show in conjunction with the 2003 Kentucky Derby. While viewing
other horse figures at my foundry’s gallery, what struck me
was the fact that they all looked alike. They were anatomically
correct and superbly portrayed. I knew I had to do something different
so I focused instead on the essence of the horse; it’s superior
strength and vitality.
I visited Kentucky prior to the show in order to view some of the
thoroughbreds that would be participating in the derby. It was wintertime,
so they weren’t very active. This gave me the opportunity
to view them up close and touch them. Looking into their eyes, there
was so much depth. It was there that the image I would portray came
to me.
After
studying the muscle structure of horses, particularly when they
are in full stride, I decided to emphasize the angular lines of
their muscle patterns and give my horse an almost geometric touch.
With the piece near completion, I visited a horse that lived near
me to make sure I had the final touches correct. This horse was
far from a thoroughbred, but as I got close and studied him for
some time, he began to frolic and kick, as if showing off for me.
His actions showed me the unbroken spirit of a horse, regardless
of how domesticated they may be.
I
carefully sculpted the eye sockets to express the vitality and depth
I see when I look into a horse’s eyes. Along both sides of
the neckline there are lightening bolts. The left is jagged, symbolizing
the masculine energies of the universe, while the right bolt curves
softly, representing the feminine. The left shoulder blade displays
a sun, moon and star design, which again, emphasize the duality
found in nature; the sun being male and the moon, female. The merging
of the two results in a child, signified by the star.
On
the right shoulder blade are three circle designs. These circles
are a common theme in my work, symbolizing the journey of the soul
and it’s progression towards greater enlightenment or knowledge.
On both thighs is a handprint. The circled handprint on the right
thigh represents the divine guidance that humans and animals alike
receive from the non-physical realm. The left handprint recognizes
the relationship between man and horse. The horse has aided us in
war, agriculture and travel.
These
days, as in the Kentucky Derby, horses are bred and primed for athletic
competition. Nevertheless, there is a part of them that will always
be wild and untamed. This spirit of freedom is what I saw in their
eyes and actions, and how the title of this piece came to be.
(Joe
Cajero)
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Grandfather
Story Teller - "In the Moment"
16"
Height x 9" Width x 10" Depth
In
Pueblo tradition, storytellers are the elders who relay cultural
history to the younger generations through animated tales and often
amusing anecdotes. Before there was television and modern conveniences,
families gathered together in the evening and listened for hours
as grandmothers and grandfathers shared the events of the day, and
told stories of days gone by. This reinforced the closeness of family
and still continues to this day.
This bronze storyteller was initially created out of natural clay
from Jemez Pueblo. My intent was to create a storyteller set, complete
with grandchildren sitting around him, listening to his lively recollections.
I finished him first and he sat in the studio for about six months,
while I worked on other projects. Meanwhile, there were offers to
buy him, but I kept saying no, that he was part of a set that had
yet to be completed.
One day the owner of the foundry that castes my bronzes, came to
the studio to deliver some pieces. He noticed the storyteller sitting
there and inquired about him. Again, I said "He’s not
finished," but he disagreed. "As a bronze piece, this
is done. It’s great!" he insisted. Seeing that he felt
so strongly about it, and with a little coaxing, I agreed to let
him take it right then and there. Unfortunately, I knew I’d
probably lose the original piece during the casting process.
Because of his beginnings in natural Jemez clay, he took on an earthy
feel from early on. I enhanced this organic look by keeping a roughly
textured finish. I chose natural pigments for his clothing and skin
color, opting for delicate washes as opposed to detailed patinas.
On
the back of his shirt is a design consisting of clouds hovering
above two altars. Below the two altars are two triangular symbols
representing rain. The title, "In the Moment," refers
to this grandfather being fully engulfed in the story he is telling.
It is as though he is reliving the entire experience again as he
conveys it to his captive audience.
(Joe
Cajero)
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The
Embodiment Of Prayer
21.5"
Height x 8" Width x 8" Depth
The
Embodiment Of Prayer :: Making of a Bronze Sculpture
My
creative energy is often spiritual in nature. Each of my sculptures
invariably represent some aspect of praise and appreciation for
life’s beauty, ebb and flow. The Embodiment of Prayer is a
created image that specifically captures what is a reflection of
my spirituality. Since my Pueblo religion restricts the realistic
unveiling of ceremonial life, I am constantly challenged by the
use of abstract art to represent the sacred.
This
masculine form is the expression of my intercessions with God on
behalf of mankind and our tumultuous world His mouth is both elongated
and vibrant with energy as he sings for all creation a song that
is eternal. His headpiece represents the blue sky of day as well
as the majesty of heaven. The figure is made up of three distinct
sides that bring meaning to the whole.
The
front-left side is divided into four panels, each embodying a scared
element of life. The wavelike pattern in the top panel represents
not only the life giving properties of water but also the never
stagnant flow of meaning and purpose within the individual, moving
from generation to generation. Stars of various sizes make up the
second panel representing the night sky and the harmonious order
of the universe. The third panel celebrates the organic elements
of life, earth and all that have been nourished by her. Large and
small altar (kiva) steps framing this panel symbolize the prayers
of adults and children while the swirling texture within the framework
of the kivas is reminiscent of the ancient, hand-finished pattern
found on the kiva walls. The fourth, bottom panel has raised circular
designs, each of varied size and texture. The circle represents
the maturing of the soul while its texture speaks of the soul’s
desire for God.
The
front-right side of Embodiment is a place of shadows reflecting
the trials and tragedies that are common to all people. Examining
my own period of depression caused by personal loss, I experienced
four periods of growth within the emotional darkness. An altar shrouded
in blue represents each of these four phases and Dragonflies sail
beyond the altars free from the darkness. Like nymphs emerging from
dark waters to fly on wings in the air, so might man emerge from
his own dark moments. We experience this place of beauty by choosing
to embrace the freedom of forgiveness, letting go of the past and
embracing the present with soaring hope for the future.
The
backbone of Embodiment is a stately stalk of corn. This life-sustaining
food is central to Pueblo spirituality, being regularly used in
prayer and Pueblo ceremony. A magnificent symbol of renewal and
regeneration, corn is ever faithful to grow toward the sun and sway
joyfully with the wind.
May
your life be so blessed that you too might dance in rhythm with
the Creator.
(Joe
Cajero)
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Nurtured
By Prayer
Nurtured
By Prayer :: Making of a Bronze Sculpture
18.5"
Height x 7" Width x 7" Depth
Nurtured
by Prayer was inspired by the desire to reflect the more feminine
aspects of life. Nurtured by Prayer is the balanced response to
Embodiment of Prayer, my masculine form.
The
concept for this piece of art began with a swirling emotion of being
enveloped by love. Thus a star shape formed at the base, moves upward
in a circular motion initiating curves that yield feminine features.
Like
two sides of the same coin, Nurtured by Prayer wears both the masks
of sunset and sunrise. They are sisters born of the same elements;
bearing many of the same characteristics they remain unique. The
headpiece of Sister Sunset bears the stars and the vastness of the
universe while the headpiece of Sister Sunrise displays the radiance
of the sun’s rays from dawn to dusk. Sister Sunset wears the
rays of sunlight upon her chin as she awakes during the last moments
of day. Conversely Sunrise Sister has a star upon her chin as the
last visage of night fades into day. Similar to the Embodiment of
Prayer, the sisters’ mouths are extended in song. One might
conceive a gentle whisper as this song softly and continually yields
praise and thanksgiving to our Creator.
The
sisters share one body with a common base. Dragonflies, caught up
in the body’s swirling motion, are symbolic of individual
growth as seen on the Embodiment of Prayer. Likewise altar designs
of various sizes represent the unique stage of spiritual maturity.
While
working on this piece, I paid close attention to the sunrise and
sunset. Dawn brought the sound of a lone bird in morning song. Within
minutes a whole chorus of birds could be heard. It reminded me of
a mother awakening her children. The New Mexican evening sky was
filled with the opulent colors of temperate reds and intense yellows.
The warmth of these colors felt like the magnificent hue of love,
very feminine and nurturing. Nurtured by Prayer hopefully captures
the essence of this significant emotion as well as demonstrates
my desire to show reverence to all women for their scared role as
bearers of new life.
(Joe
Cajero)
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Gentle
Spirit
26"
Height x 12" Width x 9" Depth
Limited
to 15 Editions
This
maiden is a highly spiritual piece for me. She represents Mother
Nature, the feminine force that takes care of all living beings,
plants and animals. She came about during a very difficult time
in my life and I truly believe she guided me through the formative
process. At that time, I was in no position to create such beauty
on my own. Due to the subject matter being dealt with and because
I felt it was the most natural means of effectively capturing her
essence, I employed more abstraction into this piece. It was nice
change from the realism that I’m known for.
The
design work on the shawl she wears has religious significance in
my Pueblo culture. The three-tiered steps (shiny bronze) represent
kiva altar steps. The triangular shapes pointing downward are the
feathers we offer in prayer, one on top of the other symbolizing
the prayers of the people. The clouds above each tier are the blessings
being received when we pray for rain, moisture, abundant rivers
and healthy run-offs that will nurture all growing things. On her
backside, the shawl turns into the ground, Mother Earth. From the
earth grows an Acoma stylized flower, surrounded by two hummingbirds.
When
you turn her around, the ground surface turns back into the shawl.
I wanted her to embody the idea of continuation, the cycle of life.
The design on her left arm extending outward symbolizes rain and
is borrowed from the Hopi. The two feathers in the middle, once
again, are the people’s prayer for rain. The textured area
on the inside of the shawl, as well as within the feather and clouds,
was my attempt to capture the energy and atmosphere of love that
I imagine exists within the spirit world. Lastly, I designed the
shawl in such a way that if she were to bring it together, both
altars would connect.
The
patina colors I selected for the back of the shawl are the subtle
colors of fall and the changing of the leaves. The patina is darker
at the base, closer to the ground and lighter at the top where the
hummingbirds fly. Her tablita (the head dresses women wear during
our corn dances) is turquoise blue, the color of the sky, with red
altar steps on both sides and a rain cloud in the center. Finally,
I gave her a slight smile, a common characteristic of my work. I
thought this added a nice balance to the overall seriousness nature
of the piece.
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Muni'
Ka's Dance (Ragdoll's
Dance)
15"
Height x 6" Width x 8" Depth
Limited
to 25 Editions
In
this sculpture, I wanted to show how much I love to dance the corn
dance. There is an enthusiasm and anticipation I feel and I think
all of our community shares the week before the feast. I especially
enjoy going into the kiva in the evenings to learn the songs and
practice the steps in the dances. When the day finally arrives,
it is exciting to get up in the morning and start getting ready.
There is a great, vibrant energy that lasts throughout the day,
which is what I wanted this piece to convey.
This
girl is about seven years old, from one of the northern pueblos.
It is the morning of the dance and she is so eager to dance, that
she runs out the door, forgetting she has her ragdoll in her hand.
As she gets closer to the kiva, she begins to skip to the beat of
the song in her head and make her doll dance. Running next to her
is her puppy, her best buddy. Even he feels the energy. He is jumping
up, snapping at the doll, which she joyfully swings in the air.
Sculpturally
speaking, creating a girl this young, with feminine yet childlike
facial features was tough. In each new piece I create, I strive
to challenge myself. It is important to me to push myself harder
artistically and to try techniques that are new or more difficult.
I worked very hard at giving her as much motion and energy as possible,
while still maintaining a very traditional feel and way about her.
She embodies my love of our Pueblo songs, dances and traditions.
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Natural
Divinity
Wall
Bronze: 16" Height x 12" Width x 1.5" Depth
This
piece was inspired by the union and marriage of two friends. I wanted
to incorporate all the things a couple would want to create and
experience in the union of their lives as husband and wife. This
piece reflects the achievement of a harmonious balance among the
natural elements, as well as the importance of family and prayer.
The stars at the top of the cross represent the vastness of the
Heavens, as well as the notion that we ascend to a higher level
of knowing. They represent the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
They also represent the union of mind, body and spirit.
The
dragonflies on the right arm represent the masculine essence of
life. On the left arm, the butterflies acknowledge all that is feminine.
Together they reflect the metamorphosis of life and the emerging
of conscious awareness, the union between man and woman through
marriage, as well as the metamorphosis that occurs within the individual
who learns to integrate both masculine and feminine aspects of the
inner self.
Within
the bottom panel of the cross, there are two altar steps: one large
and one small. This altar is a place of worship, prayer and meditation.
Its creation is where I became conscious of the often-unnoticed
intimate beauty of nature. This came to me as a result of long,
quiet internal exploration while communing with nature. Over time
I believe this internal searching led me to the awareness of God’s
presence in all things.
The
second panel holds four circles of various sizes. These circles
represent human souls in their unique stages of spiritual evolution.
The circular shape embodies the cyclic nature of life itself. The
various colors indicate individual paths of creation in which the
soul chooses to engage.
The third panel reflects a wave pattern symbolizing water’s
life giving properties, fluidity, and an openness for prosperity
and wisdom to flow into one’s life.
In
the center of the cross is a star. This represents God's divine
energy, which exists in all living things. A fully blossomed miniature
flower represents the very soul of God. This serves as a gentle
reminder that the presence of God can be found in the simplest display
of nature and that divinity is all around us.
(Joe
Cajero)
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Love
Those Melons
24"
Height x 9" Width x7" Depth
The
idea for this came from something I witnessed. I was at a sacred
ceremony, closed to the public, and It was during a slow time of
the day. Five or six kosharis were standing in the middle of the
plaza when a woman in all her ceremonial regalia walked by.
She
happened to be well endowed, and one of the kosharis couldn't resist
falling into step behind her and mocking the way she walked. He
raised his hands up to emulate breasts and she saw him there behind
her. She blushed beyond shades of red threw her shawl across her
face and ran off.
The
koshari was left standing in the middle of the plaza, his hands
hefting air, looking bemused by her reaction. From that image, it
wasn't hard to add the melons and the gleeful smile.
(Images
Courtesy of Blue Rain Gallery) |
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Windmaker
14"
Height x 6" Width x9" Depth
Limited
to 25 Editions
In
our ceremonies at home in Jemez Pueblo, we have racer kachinas.
The koshares, like this one, enjoy teasing the kachinas and challenging
them to a footrace. The koshare will keep egging the kachinas on,
saying they are faster and can beat them. Finally, one of the kachinas
will agree to the challenge. The two will line up at one end of
the plaza and at the count of three, take off running as fast as
they can. The
racer kachina usually takes the lead early on, as they are the fastest.
However, part of the blessing of the kachinas is to let others win,
whether it is a koshare or a young child.
By
the middle of the race, the koshare begins to gain speed. Really,
it is the kachina slowing down so the koshare can catch up. Everyone
gets a good laugh watching the heftier koshares run. In the end,
it always appears to be a close race and we cheer them both on,
even though we know who is going to win. This is where the inspiration
for this piece came. I wanted to capture the extreme physical movement
of a big-bellied koshare in his efforts to win; his head tilted
up to the left and his tongue poking out of the corner of his mouth
in exertion.
This
koshare has just lifted off from the starting point. His feet have
the slight inward turn of when a runner first sets in motion. Notice
that his right arm and right leg are in sync. This is opposite of
how we really run. When the koshares say or do things, it is a part
of their ritual to always do things backwards or opposite of what
they mean. I wanted to emphasize this aspect of their society. Also,
you can see that by the direction his breechcloth and turquoise
beads are flying, his strong side is his left. For balance, I gave
him a small prayer bag on his right. The same goes for the vegetation;
the smaller shrub is on his stronger side, while the larger is on
his weaker. I like the effect this gives, with all things being
complementary.
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Navajo
Woman at Miami Beach
21"
Height x 21" Width x 18" Depth
Limited
to 15 Editions
When
I first began this piece, I had no clear idea which direction it
would take. In my mind, there was an image of a woman sitting down,
wearing a flowing skirt. As I began working, I soon came to the
conclusion she would be a Navajo woman. They are known for their
long skirts. Her face is very similar to my grandmother, Petra Romero,
who passed away a few years ago. We were very close and I had wanted
to create a sculpture in her likeness. She was a happy, lighthearted
woman who loved to laugh and brought much joy to our family. I have
a distinct recollection of the tiny wrinkles that would form on
her nose when she laughed. I captured those well in this piece.
I am also pleased with the patina (painting process) on the skirt.
If you look closely, you will see a flower pattern; a subtle compliment
to the flower designs on her bonnet and fan.
As
she took form, her personality emerged. I felt as though she were
telling me her story and guiding me, along with my own grandmother,
as I worked those long days. This woman had never been off the reservation
more than a hundred miles or a couple of days, to visit her relatives.
One day, a tour bus came through the reservation. By chance, the
elderly Navajo woman had a brief conversation with one of the tourist
women. She thought it was a nice conversation and went about her
daily business. The tourist however, was taken by the calm strength
and serenity of the Navajo woman and never forgot her.
Some
time later, the tourist is back at home in Miami, Florida and her
health is rapidly deteriorating. As she is lying in her hospital
bed, her family appears to be more concerned with who will inherit
her beachfront property. As a lesson about greed and ingratitude,
she decides to leave her property to the Navajo woman she met years
ago. This sculpture depicts the woman on the beach, in front of
her new home. She is dressed in her finest clothing, while people
walk around her in bathing suits and swimming trunks. Coming from
the arid Navajo reservation where water is scarce, it is her first
time seeing the ocean. She has just finished making an offering
and is sitting contentedly, quietly contemplating the circumstances
that brought her to this foreign and beautiful place, as she playfully
wiggles her toes in the stand.
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Sharing
The Spirit
20"
Height x 18" Width x 12" Depth
Limited
to 20 Editions
This
was my first bronze piece and the beginning of what I consider to
be a big turning point in my career. I had completed several pieces
prior to this, which I knew were helping me build my confidence
towards bronze work. "Sharing the Spirit" is the result
of a week-long bronze workshop that I attended in Bloomfield, New
Mexico in 1999, instructed by Orland Joe. Considering the duration
if the workshop, I decided it would be best to concentrate on the
upper torso of the human figure, which at that time, was still a
challenge for me.
This
koshare is singing a medicine song, a prayer for the beginning of
a ceremony. This particular song makes reference to hummingbirds
and other small, winged creatures. A hummingbird that happens to
be buzzing by, hears the song and is drawn to it, not only because
of it's content but also by the koshare's kind calmness. The gentle
way about him gives the hummingbird enough confidence to come, land
on his finger and share in the koshare's blessing to all.
His
necklace of turquoise beads and red chile, is a symbol of thanks
and praise for another year of abundant harvest. The canteen at
his side is filled with water that has been blessed and will often
be passed around for people to drink from. The bright smile on his
face is a reflection of this particular koshare's ability to delight
and attract even the smallest of earth's creatures.
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