This image is a representation of the many faces and forces of nature personified by Native American culture. Through their imaginative use of designs and symbolism, indigenous deities and regional icons almost come to life as portrayed by dancers and religious leaders. One of the most sacred is the Buffalo, its life and survival parallels the Tribes very own existence, for at one time it was believed, if the buffalo died off so did humankind.

The powerful and billowing clouds transports the Buffalo Guardian, whose rhythmic tempo is inspired from the rumbling echoes from the thunderstorm, soon He begins dancing.  With every step lightning flashes out of the dark clouds and earth-shaking thunder roars. He shakes the rattle and rain falls as he sweeps the rattle back and forth. He has come not just to bring the much needed rain but he has come to gather up all the animal spirits that have given their life, in one way or another. Death comes so that new life may enter the world, that’s the circle. He will release those spirits to run free in their eternal home when He returns to the heavens.

Written by Fernando Padilla, Jr. © 1997 Padilla of San Felipe.

“Thunder on the Plains” is available as an open edition fine art print, framed to 8×10 inches for $60 or framed to 11×14 for $95.

Framed Sizes and Prices

8×10 $60.0011×14 $95.00

During the summer Vacation Bible School at Mayfair Heights United Methodist Church, the fifth and sixth graders were challenged to complete a hands-on mural project depicting “The Last Supper”. Apprehensive at the beginning, they soon found it to be an exciting expression of discovering or exploring who those individual men were sitting around the Passover meal with Jesus. Every day for the entire week, these art students actually enjoyed our 45 minutes of mini art classes. Before the week was up even a few curious and willing adults contributed their talents to this “Last Supper” project. During the following morning worship service, it was an excited congregation that saw the unveiling of this glorious masterpiece, which now hangs in honor as a testimony of a combined effort by the following individuals:

After several years this project has once again come to the forefront in a different format. By unanimous approval, it is with great pleasure that Mayfair Heights UMC and Fernando Padilla offer to everyone the opportunity to secure their very own reproduction of “The Last Supper” as depicted by the Fifth Grade VBS class of 1999. An image measuring 8 ¼” x 14” is matted and/or framed to 16” x 20”. Priced at $45 for matted only, or $95 for matted and framed. Each open edition print is signed by teacher and students of that 1999 class.

Format and Prices

Matted print $45.00 Framed print $95.00

Zuni Mudheads by Fernando Padilla, Jr.

Zuni Mudheads is available as an open edition fine art print, framed to 8×10 inches for $60 or framed to 11×14 for $95.

Framed Sizes and Prices

8×10 $60.00 11×14 $95.00

The day of the dance started early in the morning, with mass services at the Catholic Church in the village, and then the dancers of various clans make their way to their respective kivas for their final preparations. And by ten o’clock the first procession begins with the shrine of the patron saint being carried from the church through the village to the arbor in the plaza prepared for it.

Its then that the drummers and singers begin their procession to the plaza, followed by the sounds of gourd and turtle rattles, shells on bandoliers strapped across the shoulders, brass bells fastened on the waists, silver & turquoise with shell necklaces, and pine branches swishing in the hands of men, women, and children as they silently and in single file walk to the plaza. Even while they are still walking they hear the drum beat rhythmically louder and the baritone sounds singing from the chorus that they begin dancing in time and synchronizing their movements as one. In our present day world there may be at least hundreds of dancers bringing to life the way of the Pueblo, it can be a “hair rising on the back of the neck” experience for many that have been fortunate enough to be in attendance today.

Without understanding every word to the songs you can sense that these songs are filled with pure thanksgiving and joy for the good life of being a Pueblo. Feet are beyond worn and tired, sashes, mantas and other regalia may have loosened up and are hanging on by leather threads. Faces are shiny with sweat, legs are dusted with earth and hearts are happy that this turned out to be a good day for feasting, for seeing family, friends and guests. Relief from the clouds that brought a cool breeze and shade for the afternoon dances was welcomed by all. The clouds also are evidence that Creator Father was pleased with the outcome of the dances, for the offerings of praise, and the satisfaction of community well-being. As the clans make their final way to their kivas, a Koshare spots Creator Father looking from behind the clouds and he points and says “Because of you our Father we have all things good that we need, and this has been a good one.”

Written by Fernando Padilla, Jr. © 2000 Padilla of San Felipe.

A Good One is available as an open edition print, framed to 8×10 inches for $60 or 11×14 for $95.

Framed Sizes and Prices

8×10 $60.00 11×14 $95.00

In gracious appreciation for the goodness and blessing that flow out of the heavens to the village below, the community has prepared for days to sing and dance their thanksgiving with a feast gathering. Neighboring villages are invited to join the feasting and celebration. The songs tell of the love of Creator Father, the drums echo the thunderclouds and the colorful outfits of the dancers mimic plant and animal life in designs and symbols handed down from generation to generation.

Creator Father is pleased with this celebration and comes down to see for himself, since Father travels in the clouds he sends a light sprinkle as his path, and in the brilliant sunlight of his love we see he has put on his rainbow and stretched himself over all the earth to bless it and to kiss it with more love.

Written by Fernando Padilla, Jr. © 1991 Padilla of San Felipe

“Rainbow Dances” is available as an open edition fine art print, framed to 8×10 inches for $60 or framed to 11×14 for $95.

Framed Sizes and Prices

8×10 $60.00 11×14 $95.00

Traditions Alive is available as a fine art print framed to 8×10 inches for $60 or 11×14 for $95.

Framed Sizes and Prices

8×10 $60.00 11×14 $95.00

Sky City is available  as an open edition framed to 8×10 inches for $60 or framed to 11×14 for $95.

Framed Sizes and Prices

8×10 $60.00 11×14 $95.00

The day is coming to its end for this special feast time. The harvest has been plentiful, the hunting’s successful, and the village is content with the thanksgiving celebrations. Songs full of stories of how the people and the buffalo have come to live in balance together, how the prayers for food and well-being have been met through the sacrifice of brother and sister buffalo. Praise and thanks also to Creator Father for His wisdom and watchful eye as He peers over the tops of the clouds pleased with the people’s offerings of love, respect, and honor.

Special care and attention is being given to Buffalo Woman by the Guardians, the Warrior, and the Elder, no one is allowed to know where she resides. If her life should come to an unfortunate end the existence of the buffalo on the earth would come to an end as well. In fact, not even the Warrior knows where this special place is, no one can find it by looking for it, the only way to go there is to listen to the Spirits’ leading. He may take the wrong path by relying on his visual senses, so he prayerfully closes his eyes and trusts with his whole heart that listening to the Spirits voice will lead him to the sanctuary of safety. Making time of personal fasting and consecration, the Warrior can be led in this mystical way, a prideful heart could not respond to the whispers of the wind. The Warrior’s most significant role in life is to lead while being led.

This image of the warrior is also a self portrait of the artist. He desires to be in that place of humility to find his role, to find the path and to find peace and safety for others. To live contentedly in the tradition of his ancestral heritage with love, respect, and honor.

Written by Fernando Padilla, Jr. © 1989 Padilla of San Felipe