Sister Maria

I'm naming this piece after my Great Aunt, Sister Maria Sato. The entire time I worked on this piece, (which was several days in the making), I thought of Sister Maria.

Sister was not your typical Nun. She did not live in the vestry behind the church, next to the school like I remember in my grade school days. She did not scurry about...(or behind) Father so-and-so, head bent low, eyes cast downward, like you see in the movies. Rather she lived in a trailer for the last 20 something years of her life next to the St. Anne mission and church in Ganado, Arizona on the Navajo reservation. She stood stall, spoke clearly, and looked you straight in the eye.

I remember her when I was a small child. Some are little 3 second flicks from a time that I'm really not supposed to remember all that much I suppose. I remember her coming to visit and singing the ABC's with me. I remember her painting on a canvas. I remember her encouraging me to create something on a piece of paper.

She was an artist.

I had always had a special relationship with Sister. We would not see eachother for years, and we could easily pick up where we had left off. I felt a current between the 2 of us everytime we were together. I felt special, talented and smart in her eyes. I felt like she understood me. Now as I am older....I realize Sister probably made everyone feel that way.

In my early 20's I went to visit a friend in Arizona. It was one of those trips without a gaol or purpose for the most part. We threw tents and backpacks in her car and wandered Arizona, Nogales, California, Tijuana, etc. Near the end of the trip I went to Ganado to stay with Sister for a week.

I met one of Sister's many, many friends and contacts in Tempe. (Sister's arm could reach clear down to Tuscon if she needed something). The eccentric older lady drove me about halfway to the reservation, talking to me the whole time of Sister Maria, and Sister's beloved mission on the reservation. We were met by Sister someplace non-descript. I just remember, there was Sister Maria pulling up in this huge old van (the size of a small bus) I was laughing before we even spoke. On that treck up to the reservation, we made many stops. One was at a motel that was getting rid of all of their old bedding. I found myself chatting with strangers while loading up trash bags full of linens and pillows into the back of the van. Sister was someone they admired. They would not dare throw a thing out without consulting her first, as she may need it for her mission.

Another fun stop was to visit two ladies (a mother and a daughter) that had EI (environmental illness). Into the dessert and up some hills, and I found myself at a most beautiful location 2 homes could ever sit on. The Mother of the two was so happy to see Sister. She had us in and fed us lunch. She told me some of her life and how she came to be where she was. She loved Sister dearly.

When we crossed into Navajo country, I knew Sister was home. She visibly relaxed, and could not stop telling me every detail of what we were seeing. I believe to this day, something called her home to that place, and that is where she stayed until she died. It must be nice to know you are where you're supposed to be, and since you know you are there, you can just relax, and do what you are supposed to do.

I could go on and on about that first day. The ride to the reservation was a journey in itself. And every little stop we made was because she was helping someone. In one single day, at 24 years of age, I realized how self involved my life really was. In one day's journey to a place I had yet to fathom, I all ready felt like a foolish girl. I had been on my own since I was 16, and at 24 thought I pretty much had it all figured out. I knew at that moment I didn't know a damn thing.

Over the week, at night after dinner, after the neighbor ladies went home from cooking me yet another authentic Navajo meal. Sister and I would talk about life, our family, the thing that drove me to want to be independent, and on my own, yet the crutches I used along the way to help me not be so alone. I could be extreme and frank with her, and I know she did not judge me. She didn't judge anyone.

One day I'll tell more of that week's story. I have some photos I'd like to share eventually, and some thoughts on what & who help shape us. That trip on the reservation, working in the mission, meeting some quite unusual characters was still the most rewarding of my life. Right now I feel the pressures of life knocking on my door, telling me I've got to get a move on...I've got things to do, and I don't want to rush this story.

It is strange, that everytime I sat to work on this piece I thought of her again and again. It would be a shame for you to assume that it was because it's a cross. I began this piece with the idea of it being an old gothic relic....I really did not set out to make it a "Sister Maria" piece. I was not thinking of her when I thought it up in my head, or when I started looking through my stash for the elements I would use. When we create we think of lots of things, and I do feel that the thoughts find you rather than you finding the thoughts while being in the creative proccess.

I actually stopped working on that piece midway to work on another piece, "We are Spirits". Sometimes the thoughts that found me while working on "Sister Maria" were heavy, and I needed a break.

I think Sister was around me, reminding me of our talks, and the lessons I learned that week. Lately I have had opportunities to venture into new territory...territory I've always wanted to visit, and I am scared, scared to fail, scared to let people down. I think she was giving me a gentle reminder that I am me, and I can do anything, simply because, I can.

xoxoxoxox

posted by: sweetpeas at May 21, 2007 15:27 | link | comments (13) |
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Comments:

#1  21 May 2007 - 17:49

 

what a great look back at your life! I feel as if I were on your trip with sister!
what a amazing journey our life's are when we look back and know who we have became and who helped to forum us along our ways, such rich tapestries!
all of your new work is so full of sprit!

Anonymous

#2  21 May 2007 - 17:50

 

ok, I think you know that post was from me because I left my blog link but just incase its me Ruth :)

Anonymous

#3  21 May 2007 - 18:44

 

wow!, i just love those two new pieces!!
/maria (who is busy + tired, but you'll hear from me sooner or later ;-) )

Anonymous

#4  21 May 2007 - 18:54

 

Awww... I loved reading about Sister... she sounds like a truly awesome woman who left an amazing mark on the world... What a legacy!

Anonymous

#5  21 May 2007 - 18:57

 

Wonderful story, Jes! Thanks so much for sharing these memories, it was a joy to read them! And the new pieces are both beautiful!
Lea :)

Anonymous

#6  21 May 2007 - 21:03

 

Oh Jes, both of these new pieces are so very beautiful...as are the stories that go along with them. :)

Paulette
--
http://www.pauletteinsall.com

Anonymous

#7  22 May 2007 - 01:49

 

Wow, Jes! I found myself wrapped up in that story. . .it makes the piece all the more beautiful!
Miss you!!!!!
~Leslie

Anonymous

#8  22 May 2007 - 10:03

 

Okay, nice. Get me all teary eyed right before I have to go to work. Sister did have a way of making everyone feel like she was looking right into their heart and soul. Wouldn't she love to see you now... in person that is. i have a feeling that she can probably sense that you've found a way to do what you're inspired to do.
Marissa

Anonymous

#9  22 May 2007 - 15:26

 

Jes~Beautiful post. I learned a lot about you in a short amount of time. The whole time I was reading of your dear aunt I was thinking of my own dear aunt that I share a special relationship with. I am losing her to alzheimer's now and wonder how much she knows of me anymore. It's good to reflect on the lessons we've learned from these wise women and I wonder if anyone will look at us and feel the same. *huh*

Tam
10 days and counting

Anonymous

#10  23 May 2007 - 02:48

 

Oh my!!! I love "We are Spirits"--gorgeous!!! The green glow it gives off is so ethereal!

Suasn
xo

Anonymous

#11  23 May 2007 - 02:50

 

Suasn?--I mean Susan--but my mispelling definitely has an interesting ring to it--perhaps it should be my pen name? lol!

Susan (got it this time)

Anonymous

#12  04 June 2007 - 19:53

 

Beautiful! The pieces, the story, the memories you shared. Thank you so much. I can't wait to hear more.

abelle

Anonymous

#13  05 June 2007 - 12:57

 

That was a wonderful story about Sister M, I can see how you would have been inspired while making this jewellery. !hey are both wonderful pieces! Cheers, Shelagh

Anonymous

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