“Harvest of Life”
Written by admin on August 20th, 2008
Corn Mother Harvest of Life
Corn Mother Harvest of Life
This image was one of the first commercially successful artworks for Padilla; it garnered awards at several major Indian art competitions in the USA, received recognition from fellow artists as a truly special original and launched the professional career of one young man.
Taking liberties with the Pueblo story of the Twin Sisters the artist tells this story: Corn Mother has put to work her responsibility of procreating a community of Pueblo people from the never ending supply of corn seeds that adorn her life form. Having no arms, most of her work is done by thoughts, words and desire, she spreads her manta shawl like a mother hen protecting her children from the forces of nature brewing up as a storm behind her allowing only life sustaining moisture to nourish the emerging Pueblo children for their journey to their new home. After all plants are “harvested” she continues watch care over the village and begins the process of educating these new ones with the knowledge and wisdom to make their way in the new world with all the resources of sustenance any person would need. She reminds them to be deliberate in showing their gratefulness to Creator Father on a regular basis for all that is placed under their care. She warns them that all good things can be taken from them due to their neglect of responsibility, goodwill, and separation from community. Sacred cornmeal is given as the sign of this continued blessing for their mortal lives and as the consecration when their life journey has ended. As we, who live in the Pueblo way, know the Pueblo world is a delicate heritage and walk of life that remains balanced on the Sun/Son of Creator Father.
In research of this story and figure as well as conversations with fellow artists from nations and tribes, it was discovered that almost every indigenous tribe in North, Central, and South American countries has within their oral and pictograph history a Corn Mother or Mother Corn deity.
Written by Fernando Padilla, Jr. © 1987 Padilla of San Felipe
“Harvest of Life” is an award winning image that has long been a collector favorite and is available in both the 8×10 framed format and the 11×14 framed format.
