Blown away by the beauty and artistry.

[Dennis S]

As many of you know, the man in the Jemez Eagle photo series is John Toya. Perhaps a few know that, members of the Jemez Pueblo are recognized as some of the greatest potters in the world.

John has incredible talent as a potter. Some time ago I suggested that, if he cared to create a "premium" nativity set, that I would do my best to put together a series of photographs featuring the set, and perhaps find a buyer amongst my old crowd of Doctors, lawyers, etc.

John and his mother stopped by for dinner this evening, and brought the nativity set for me to plan a series of photographs. This is truly one of the great pieces of art I have ever seen. I don't have a picture to post yet, because I want my pictures to do justice to the set. This will take some thinking and experimenting on my part. This is definitely a museum quality work. I will work on the pictures, and will have something to post in the next 24 to 48 hours. However, as for assisting in selling the set--Mrs. Smith appears to getting quite attached to it already. This may never leave the house. And I may be looking for someone to build an appropriate piece of furniture to store it. I will be finding out the cost in the next day or so - stay tuned. And please come back to see the pictures once I get them done.

 

[Ross]

Look forward to seeing it. Lyn will probably want to hijack a plane and come see him!

 

[hensylee]

that really is exciting. have to give it to you, Dennis. You retired to a place of your dreams, discovered photography and just keep on rolling and taking everybody along on the ride. What a lovely life you live with such zest.

can't wait to see the nativity set. want to see it through your eyes.

 

[Dennis S]

Nativity Scene Picture

Nativity Scene Picture

This photograph turned out to be a more difficult assignment than you might think. There are a lot of fabulous details that don't show in a single picture.

For example, this particular arrangement doesn't show the shawls of the three kings who came bearing gifts. The shawls are the kind of detail you would only get from a Native American artist. If you have the figures on a table where you can look from several angles you would see the shawls.You may recall earlier posts where I mentioned that Pueblo Governors were first given (by the Spanish about four hundred years ago) canes signifying the Governor's authority. The Governor's were later given similar canes of authority by Abraham Lincoln. The shawls are important because that is where the Governor/King/Wiseman would carry his cane of authority.

Also, if you looked very carefully, and knew what you were looking for, the designs on the figures do not totally come together. I doubt that anyone would notice, but if you know the Jemez people, you know that their elders have always decreed that the designs, in some small way, not be entirely finished. As I understand it the purpose of this decree is to remember that, in life, some piece of the puzzle is always missing. There is more to come, always additional things to be discovered.

We talked a lot last night about how the figures are created. At least in John's work the face is always done first. John believes the work is done better when the figure is looking him in the face while the rest of the body is being created.

All of the figures have a small touch of turquoise jewelry, which the Pueblo's associate beauty, and "finery", sort of like our "Sunday Best". Except for the turquoise, all of the colors you see in the nativity are derived from the environment. There is so much more I could say. The backs of the figures have been created with as much care and detail as the front. As I prepare to post this picture I just now realize it doesn't show the Angel's wings, or the exquisite "sign of the cross" on the back of the donkey. In fact, the donkey and the cow are incredible works of art in their own right.

The picture does not do it justice, but I hope it conveys a feel for such a great work of art.

 

[Dennis S]

A little better picture.

 

[palmaceae]

Very nice!!!

 

[Nancy]

That is lovely! There are several items on eBay.com when I searched for Jemez, and also when I searched for Toya, which was interesting.

 

[Freddie]

I totally agree with your wife Dennis. I wouldn't let it out of my house.
Better start thinking of a padded, velvet lined piece of furniture with individual sections for each piece - its a keeper.

Its beautiful.