Lessons from the Spider Woman

Announcing Pigment Project #5

Coming in autumn of 2012.

Lessons from the Spider Woman

Spanning all the way from Rembrandt’s bling in the Dutch 17th Century to the dazzling riches in Land of the Pharaohs and most recently, the protective arms of Athena in Ancient Greece, this latest in my Lessons pigment series will focus on the folklore, art, and colors of the American Desert Dwellers.

Throughout the summer, I will be deeply enmeshed in the culture of the Southwest Native Americans, researching the pigments used during both the historical period and present time by the various Southwest peoples. All along the way, as in previous projects, I will post my findings and experiments with pigments here on this blog.

Spider Woman’s place in Native American culture equals not only that of Isis in Ancient Egypt but also Athena’s wisdom in Ancient Greece. Spider Woman lit up the night by creating the stars, taught women and children to weave splendid rugs and blankets, and made real people from clay. Endless stories describe her powers, which will be revealed as this project progresses. Follow along with me as I unearth myths about the naughty coyote, the shimmering dragonfly, and so many other creatures, and how they relate to art and culture of our American Southwest.

What are your favorite stories? Please let me know if you have any special ones you would like me to research and write about here, or weave into the Lessons from the Spider Woman paintings. I would love to hear from you.