Weaving the Stories

I've been thinking a lot about the performance aspect of the my piece. I feel like I've been neglecting it as I try to finish the physical work. I have been using the concept of Grandmother Spider as inspiration for my piece. I have been rereading one of my favorite books, Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko. The book is written as a ceremony and emphasizes the importance of change and flexibility in order for the people to thrive and grow. It's a tough lesson, but necessary. The 'wise ones' (in this case, the matriarchs) have to change the ceremonies in order to keep the family safe and moving forward. Anyway, I have also been doing some online research to find other stories featuring Grandmother Spider. Below is an excerpt I found on this website http://www.herbshealing.com/herbal_ezine/September05/goddess.htm

THE WEB OF LIFE
by Taino Ti (I share the Spirit of the Earth with you)

When the Universe was still so dark that not even shadows could be seen in the night, Grandmother Spider sat in her web in the Sky World, waiting and watching. No one knows how old Grandmother Spider is, or how long she sat waiting for the Universal Mind to awaken. But, every Creature Being who has ever lived knows her song and dance as the weaver of the Web of Life.

From her web, Grandmother Spider observed the first thoughts as the Universal Mind awakened from the dream. Seven energy beings floated out from the shining light in the center of the Universal Mind and solidified into bright, shining stars who went out to take their places in the Sky World. Grandmother Spider took a very deep breath and softly began to sing her weaving song while she danced across the Sky. As she spun her thread, Grandmother Spider envisioned the Web of Life. Within moments, she had woven her web connecting the seven stars and creating the Spirit Doorway through which all of the rest of life would enter.

Progress

Well, it is the second day of 2010 and already it is 100% better than 2009. I was happy to host 3 One Stone Collective members and their families for a traditional sauerkraut meal. To be blessed with good food and good friends is something I'm eternally grateful for. And this little holiday vacation has been the best gift. I spent some time in PA with family and was able to come back to Brooklyn refreshed and inspired. I even got in some much cherished studio time. The second 'net' is well underway and things are looking lively. It's not the easiest to photograph so bear with...but I think you can get an idea of what's developing. Until soon...peace and wellness...

Woven

So, I have spent this quiet afternoon at my desk watching the sun move across the pale Brooklyn sky and contemplating my installation for the upcoming show. I'm reposting the description I wrote for our press release. There is still some editing and figuring, but I think I'm getting close...

Corey R. Breneisen
The Matriarch
"Woven"
Rubber bands

Using the Native American concept of Grandmother Spider as a jumping off point, Woven, explores the archetype of the matriarch. The keeper of family ceremonies, rituals and stories, the matriarch is both revered and reviled. Her piece addresses the concept of the loss of family connections, traditions and rituals when the matriarch passes. The use of rubber bands emphasizes the fragility of familial relationships as well as the lengths to which the matriarch is stretched in her role as head of family. In a performance to take place ______, the artist will be adding to the installation by weaving new sections of rubber bands. Through the repetitive action of weaving materials together, the artist invokes the establishment of family rituals and routines.

Musings in the Autumn Sunshine

As I sat drinking coffee in the late autumn sun today, I had a lot of time to reflect on the various new opportunities that are before us as a collective. I'm excited about this new journey and the many people who are supporting our efforts. Although we have yet to decide a specific topic for our next show, I am intriqued with this idea of evolving archetypes. I am particularly interested in exploring the archetypes of Matriarch or Healer/Shaman. I have been rereading my books on feminist theory and Native American studies and have found the recurring theme of 'Thought Woman' or Grandmother Spider...spinner of the people's histories and ceremonies fascinating. I've also been talking with family members and friends who have some revealing information about what happens to family connections when the matriarch is gone. Many have told me that the family literally becomes unraveled. In thinking about these ideas, I've begun to weave a web or net in my studio. It has become mediative and calming to work on. And as I work, I think about my own ceremonies/rituals/traditions and the roles the women in my family have played in keeping them alive.

The second archetype that interests me is the idea of the woman as Healer. I find it interesting that within the family unit, the woman takes on the role of healing/caring for the sick family members but the practice of medicine as a profession is still predominantly male. I'm also curious to explore women's inclination towards wholistic and "natural" healing treatments. I have a number of ideas for sculptures that would explore this theme, but nothing too tangible yet.

Apart from reading, I've also been looking for art images that speak to these ideas as well as critical art writings. Some of my favorite images are by collage artist Romare Bearden in which he evokes the idea of "Conjure Woman". Conjure Woman is a African American concept of Woman Shaman that was prevalent in Southern culture. I've attached some images of his work above.

I'm hoping to have some images of my work posted soon. Until then...peace and wellness...