The first painting in this Southwest themed project, Lessons from the Spider Woman, is finished. The entire painting, actual title, and size will be revealed as time draws closer to the exhibit date. My artistic license is used lavishly here not only in the Spider Woman mythology but also in the imaginative depiction of the story. Spider Woman is associated with several Native American tribes including Hopi, Keresan, and Navajo. One of her most important roles is to teach girls how to weave beautiful rugs and blankets.
In my painting, she weaves her own wedding veil. Before she begins weaving she rubs her hands in spider webs to gather her auspicious innate powers. Her skill is so perfect she is able to weave the finest threads into splendid shapes creating motifs of flowers, leaves, and repeating delicate designs. Here is a snippet of the work she has just finished to prepare for her wedding day.
Sometimes lace like this is so lovely, it boggles. Do any of you have an heirloom from Grandma or an Auntie that dazzles you? It was this actual piece of lace that inspired my story-painting of Spider Woman and her veil.
The coyote fetish, which I will talk about next time, was painted with natural azurite, seen below, of course, not from this actual chunk, (I value my freedom) but made in my studio.
You make me want more lace in my life, Margret!
I know what you mean, Alyson. Sometimes it is enough just to fondle and admire the craftsmanship used to create something like this. Antique shops are a perfect place to find old pieces, torn, stained, or whole, doesn’t matter.
Margret, I have just found your blog about historic pigments and am fascinated with your work! I feel like a kid in a candy store with the prospect of getting to read your blog. I live in Casa Grande, AZ and will be very interested in following your project. Check out the collection of incredible pigmented rocks at the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum west of Tucson…I have some lovely pictures that I am happy to share. Happy searching, Kathryn Givre
Hello Kathryn,
So happy to know you are enjoying the blog. It sounds like you are crazy for natural pigments also. The Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum is hosting our American Women Artists show in November 2012. My Spider Woman paintings will be on exhibit there.
Maybe I’ll see you there. Best, Margret
Margi: Your studies of color are truly amazing and fascinating. I always treasure your writings and, of course, your beautiful paintings.