I admit that I chose this entry for today’s feature because of the impression it makes: The bangles arrayed across the deer antler look to me like the rungs of bejeweled ladder.
And so it was with their thematic pairing for their entry in Wings’s recent one-man show: The exhibit was divided into two components, photography and silverwork, and the silverwork pieces were organized into ten groupings that bore the same headings as the titles of the ten individual photographs. These bracelets were in the final grouping, one that took its name from an image of a ladder (and the theme of the posts from now through Monday will become clear at that time).
The antler is actually upside down, but so placed, the flared branches — uniting, becoming entwined as one — seem to be rising, spiraling, twisting , turning, all reaching upward toward the sky.
It’s a powerful metaphor for the daily lives of Pueblo peoples.
It’s a powerful reminder, too.
In the trudgery and drudgery of daily life, routinized and circumscribed by forces perfectly earth-bound and yet utterly beyond our control, it’s easy to forget the gifts each day brings. it’s equally easy to forget that we have gifts to bring to the world, as well — offerings of gratitude, talents lent to our communities, hands extended in aid and friendship.
But each step out into the world as the day begins anew is another chance: an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the simple and yet richest gifts we are given every day, of earth and air and fire and water. of soil and sun and warmth and rain. And it’s an opportunity to take stock of the gifts we can bring to our world in return, our own daily offering of thanks and our contribution to a world of beauty and harmony.
And sometimes, some of the smallest and simplest of Wings’s pieces serve as closely-held, very personal reminders of both. such is the case with these bangles, each its own delicate gift, its own subtle reminder. From their description in the Bracelets Gallery here on the site:
Every day, when we ascend the ladder into the light, we enact again our emergence, how we came to be upon this beautiful earth. Our emergence, midwifed by the spirits of earth and sky, and by the spirits of the waters, who bless and protect us to this day.
Every day, we arise into the gifts of this world. On our best days, we do so bearing gifts of thanks in return.
Sterling silver; rose quartz
$375 + shipping, handling, and insurance
Sterling silver; hematite; amber
$325 + shipping, handling, and insurance
Sterling silver; lapis lazuli; tiger’s eye
$325 + shipping, handling, and insurance
Sterling silver; malachite
$325 + shipping, handling, and insurance
Sterling silver; tiger’s eye
$325 + shipping, handling, and insurance
Sterling silver; lapis lazuli; garnet
$325 + shipping, handling, and insurance
Perhaps it’s a peacemaking ability; perhaps it’s the fiery passion of artistic talent or the cool level-headedness needed in times of crisis. Perhaps it’s leadership; or second sight; or the ability of make things grow; or an abiding love for humanity. Perhaps it’s all of those things, or something else entirely.
Whatever it is is, it’s there; we need only look for it. When we look just a little more deeply into the light, we find that which we have given, and that which it is our place to give in return.
~ Aji
