The True meaning of the Sun Stone.

This year has been busy for all of us. Though I have to say we are all here.

That being said a little history for those that were interested in the "Mayan Calendar of Doom". Believe it or not it was something to do with potters and artisans of all sorts. And is of interest for many art historians in how something that was once made as Art has effected so many lives a few thousand years later.

First one must Understand that the culture that created this object was called Mexica (Ma-Shee_ka) a name that has lasted through to Mexico today. A branch of the Aztec's as they all migrated from an Island Nation Historically called Aztlán. The Migration was all of the Aztec Culture, many Settling first in a location known as Tenochtitlan (Modern Day Mexico City Area), while others Continued on to found the Mayan culture.

Later many people from a nearby dieing nation if artisans moved into the City of Tenochtitlan bringing with it much art, Pottery, and Skill. All this Brought an art revolution that included carvings of gods and and goddesses and the Sun Stone (Called Mayan Calendar). 

This Calender decided time into 18 month 365 day years, and 52 year centuries. There were ceremonies of rebirth and rejuvenation at the end of each cycle, accumulating with the end of Century (end of Calendar) with a ritualistic sacrifice of all of their earthly goods to the gods in a 12 day New Fire Ritual. They would put out ritual fires for 12 days, break of their pottery, furniture and more and morn the loss of the century, praying for a new one to begin. These 12 days were the 12 extra days now accounted for in the modern calender with leap year.

Once this ceremony was over they the fires would be re-lit, and the artisans would begin creating a new Era of beautiful art and goods for the people to have and use. This was a time of rebirth, rejuvenation and Creation. This being said we will be coming out of that day of re-lighting on Jan 1st. I for one will be making it my goal to be like those potters and artisans all those years ago. I will not think of the century that has passed with more then fondness. I will instead use the new calendar mark to create, build and make new all that has been distressed in the past.

The public may have been wrong about the the culture that made the "Prophecy", the name of the item in question, and even it's meaning. However they did express the importance that it had on the lives of people so long ago. It pointed out that true craftsmanship can last and effect people long after then hands of the craftier are gone. After-all is that not what we all want out of our art? For it to affect others and leave a stamp in time?

The Great Exhalation

After a change in Venue, Goals and Plans, I have my studio. Though one thing comes to mind. Be careful what you wish for. My goal was to clean out the basement and make my pottery studio there. It has drainage, and power for a wheel and kiln. Though as I was working this out an opportunity came along and offered me another way to go, and i jumped at it.

My uncle, a fellow potter, wanted to start a pottery studio and school. We are renting from family a small house that we have moved in wheels, kilns and much much more. This week was our Grand Opening and I can not say that I am in any way disappointed.

As a wonderful way to round out our week of festivities I was placed in charge of a local pottery event when the former hosts moved out of the area and passed the torch. This Saturday we will be holding a show and sale with all of our studio potters and a number of other local ceramic artists.

All of this said I feel like a new person, I get the thrown nearly every day. I will be teaching again soon, and to make things even better I will be showing my pieces. There has been a shift in my being. I have found my center (pottery pun) and feel like I can breath again, as though I had been holding my breath. While I may be covered in clay, I have a big smile on my face.