An AMERICAN sale NATIVity

Original block print, pressed from the carved block onto handmade paper from Nepal. Image is 8”x8” and comes in mat, 10”x10”.

OPTIONS:
- unframed in mat $65
- framed: hand-painted distressed 8 coat glaze - $190

an AMERICAN NATIVity

All over the sky a sacred voice is calling your name.
– Black Elk

“…do not be afraid to take Bitter Tears (Mary) to be your wife, because the Holy Spirit has given her this child. She will give birth to a son. You will name him Creator Sets Free (Jesus), because he will set his people free from their bad hearts and broken ways.”
- First Nations New Testament

The incarnation of Christ was birthed into human form for all humanity. The love of the Cosmic Christ was extended to all peoples, tribes and nations throughout all generations. The beauty of God's creation is - it's worth making. The beauty sale of God's incarnation is - it's worth loving. It is good, and it is loved!

In the Nativity setting we tend to associate such animals as the Ox, donkey and lamb, a picture which has been filled in by the artist's imagination. So likewise, I've chosen to use animals that were important to the Native Americans:

The Bison, which represents the Great Mother, gives of herself so that others might live. The Bison meant food, clothing and much more for the Indians, and the termination of its life was not taken lightly.

One can see the Christ in the symbol of the Bison, laying down his own life, while desiring to gather his children as a mother hen gathers and protects her chicks. The eagle, bear, and wolf symbolize other various attributes of Christ - courage, strength, wisdom, and loyalty.

The following Native American prayer reveals a heart of gratitude and awareness, perhaps the perfect prayer to begin the New Year.

Oh, Great Spirit,

whose voice I hear in the wind, whose breath gives life to all the world. 
Hear me; I need your strength and wisdom. 

Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. 
Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. 

Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. 
Help me to remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me. 

Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. 
Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others. 

Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me. 
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy, Myself. 

Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. 
So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame. 

— translated by Chief Yellow Lark