By now, I hope that you have seen my blog post of last night with the beautiful example of a quilt made by Linda Laird, based on Mayan symbols. The art of primitive man is fascinating and often limited in the color palette used. Of course, man had to adapt to color pigments available to him from the earth and from the blood of animals. The urge for creative expression appears to be as old as mankind.
After seeing the designs by Linda, I recalled a book that was a gift in 1994 from my brother, Jack. The name of it is simply Indian Designs and it reflects collected designs from the Southwest – Four Corners Area – where he visited, at that time.
I can’t help but notice the similarities in themes to the Mayan Indian symbols. Stylistic birds, faces, deer, fish, and an iguana, cricket, and buffalo plus other motifs, as well as abstract depictions of various spirits, are represented in the black and white drawings. An Egyptian “Banu Bird” is a symbol of immortality, according to this book. The authors of the book recommend their designs for quilting, needlepoint, appliqué, and other artistic applications. Many of the motifs are taken from extant clay pottery.
This week seems to be one in which we have seen or talked about symbols, if only mentioning them in passing. There is always so much to know, and short blogs can’t cover gigantic topics. I always like to leave you with ideas for a couple of books that will aid you in looking into any subject a little further. Many of the books I recommend, I own and have enjoyed in my own library. Others, “look good” and seem as though they would elucidate a subject. I love books, as is readily apparent.
In peaceful pursuit of creativity, wherever I find it!
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications and Virtual Museum
