A big thank you to my friends here.
A big thank you to my friends here.
I went to John Toya's house this afternoon. Before leaving, I had printed out all of your comments, since John hadn't had the chance to see them. He was very impressed with my friends (you guys), and truly appreciated the many kind things that each of you said. If any of you do pass through this part of Northern New Mexico, John would be pleased to meet you. I hope that happens.
Lance-I had the chance to ask about any meaning for the various colors. I wasn't taking notes, but here is what I recall. The color turquoise implies something special, beyond the ordinary. Perhaps something similar to what we do when we put out the fine china. The pinkish and any other light colors are (and these are my words, trying to express what John was telling me) symbols of universality, or inclusiveness. For example, among the Jemez, when baby gifts are given before the gender of the baby is known, the choice will be among lighter colors, which are deemed appropriate to a child of either gender. In the same way, these colors are intended to make the experience applicable to all.
Finally, I want to express a few comments. First, thank you to all who took the time to write such meaningful comments. There is a sense in which each of us is represented by our friends. And you, my friends, put me in a very good light.
Second, I didn't really take the time to respond individually to your many kind expressions to me. Your encouragement and compliments are the fuel that stokes my search for beauty and meaning in the images I take.
One final comment that is probably bragging, but perhaps of interest to those of you who have contacted me for prints. For the sake of context: John has traveled across the country on the basis of grants given by various wealthy patrons who have an interest in making the arts available in places where they would otherwise be unknown. For example, I have much more money to spend than John, but he has been an honored guest in the homes (and beach homes) of people I would never even rub shoulders with. And he has never been taken by, or consumed with goods or money.
I provide this context to explain that John recently came into contact with a very successful professional photographer. This photographer arranged to travel to John's home on the Pueblo for a photo shoot. In fact, John had arranged for me to meet with him, as it would have been a chance for me to ask a lot of questions. I couldn't make the date as we flew up to Minnesota for my grand-daughter's first birthday. When John invited the photographer into his home, several of the Eagle Dancer images I had taken were displayed on the walls of John's house. Seeing these, this photographer asked John for the chance to take similar photos. John and I had never talked about this possibility. However, John immediately told him that no one but Dennis would ever be allowed to take the "Eagle pictures". This was an indication of a special relationship that I took as a great honor. Hearing this was the perfect ending to the afternoon. And for those of you who have the images, this is an assurance that they will remain rare and genuine. Good night to my good friends.
