>> huichol art
traditionally, Huichol art is made for the gods.
bracelets
while reading Huichol Art and Culture: Balancing the World in the studio today, i came across a passage that addresses the dual role that art plays in Huichol society today.
C. Jill Grady writes:
“The economic benefits of producing Huichol art for sale outside the Sierra contribute to the acquisition of materials and goods for ceremonies, pilgrimages, and the ongoing production of sacred offerings inside the Sierra. Sacred art guarantees that the gods are content so the world stays balanced and keeps going. Outside art augments that balance, yet, Huichol know that only the gods can bestow prosperity. One especially positive result of this dual system of art production is that cash-poor Huichol no longer feel compromised by economic pressures to sell their sacred objects for survival. Outside art provides resources to help sustain the creation of their sacred art. Both art forms simultaneously work to insulate the culture. By creating a separate art for sale, the Huichol people have elegantly mediated the risks associated with compromising their traditional and historical cultural experience. In this way, they are continuing to choose when and how to interact with the outside dominant society on their own terms. They remain firm in their commitment to maintain balance in the world, while adapting to change over time and space.”
i'm headed back on a short trip to the Sierra Madre mountains in a few weeks to visit the Huichol people. in the meantime i too am working on "adapting to change over time and space."
>> the constant
love
a lot of change these days. ian and i both have new work endeavors. and we've decided to head back to sayulita this fall - we'll stay longer this time. i'm crazy excited about it all, but am often overwhelmed by these tectonic shifts.
when i feel that way, i remind myself of one of my favorite of our marriage vows:
I promise to move creatively through stillness and change with love as the constant.
love. constant love, y'all.
> > new projects <
there's a whole lot of new over here. i've been working on a new jewelry line, blog format, and online shop. at the moment, i'm pouring my heart into a new collection of jewelry called Huichol Love. i hope to have it online and in select boutiques this fall. i have long wanted to work with the Huichol people so the chance to create this collection feels like a dream come true. i get to work with exceptionally skilled artisans while helping to preserve an endangered culture that i deeply admire.
painted on the wall of a coffee shop in sayulita
there is still much work to be done and i'll share the process along the way.
thank you to the friends, family, and acquaintances who are already supporting this endeavor with your enthusiasm, time, and energy.
with tremendous love,
the alchymista signature
Herndon Heald
For 7 years, I had the pleasure of owning Herndon Heald with 2 great friends, Mark and Naomi Herndon.
hh2
For 7 years I had the pleasure of owning Herndon Heald with 2 great friends, Mark and Naomi Herndon. We decided to let go of Herndon Heald so that we could each pursue other passions.
celebs 2
Thanks to all of you who wear our jewelry and to Sundance Catalog for continuously supporting us through the years. It was fun.
hh3
