One of the most important lessons shared is the concept of death as the ultimate “advisor” in earthly matters. This is the reality of death. By living with a reminder of death riding on one’s shoulder, one can truly live. This icon/quadrant corresponds to the setting of the sun in the evening and the parallel stage of mature adulthood. It represents transport on the spiritual plane (wind, spirit). The panther’s (jaguar’s) mouth is the portal/birth canal to the Milky Way galaxy, cosmic “highway of the spirits.”
“Jaguar Panther Power Dress” is part of the Indigenous Iconic Earth Altar (I.I.E.A.) and was inspired by Native American science and traditional hide garments. It is a five piece ‘walk-around’ fiber installation, an octagonal medicine wheel encircled by four free-hanging ‘Power Dresses.’ With it I am directly referring to metaphysical concepts, including those related to traditional Indian astronomy, cosmology (creation stories) and earth spirituality. Symbolizing the revival of Native culture, this circular piece contains overarching themes relating to the unity and interdependence between humans and the universe. The combination of this wheel and the corresponding Power Dresses creates an altar of connectivity, celebrating the pervading Indigenous ‘We Are All Related’ philosophy.
Exploring both old and new technologies, the project has also been an experiment in media integration through the recycling and ‘sampling’ of a wide range of materials and processes.
Original Media: mixed media digitally printed appliquéd fiber composite. The individual components are made of hand and machine stitched painted, printed and pieced or layered cloth.