Monkey Mind and a Life before Mind.

I try to be in tune with my physicality. During times of stress and upheaval it is difficult to do so, although, I'm realizing that it is the most important time to be connected. A few years back, I began researching the Toltecs, an ancient civilization. They believed that humans tend to have a "monkey mind" - a constant stream of consciousness that lacks direction. A monkey mind, leaves you at a stand still. 

Monkey dressed in the guise of the Aztec/Toltec god
Ehecatl-Quetzalcoatl, the Wind God.

Monkey mind prevents our bodies from guiding us. Our biology, which I believe is also where God exists, is the 'life before mind'. Before mind we existed to create and to project our existence into the physical world. I believe that conformations of our modern existence has sabotaged us from following this innate, biological and even Godly desire.

Recently I had been spending many hours in thought with a furrowed brow, desperately searching for the answers. I was looking outside of myself. Then, one morning, I was somewhere between unconsciousness and consciousness (sleeping and being awake) when I had a realization, a calm feeling. I realized that because I was putting too much thought into it the issue, I was not allowing my own biology to guide me. 

It is hard to trust instincts that seem to be suppressed by almost everything we see and experience on a daily basis, however if you quiet your monkey mind, you will be free to enjoy your own biology and allow yourself to live a life before mind. 

A D I D E M

O F   T H E   S A M E   M I N D


I have always been the type of person who can pick up scraps and discarded materials and create something interesting with them. Since I was a child, I was carving swords and toys out of scrap wood and branches I found laying around.

Nothing has changed as I've grown. I love scavenging through old materials and scraps and creating something new! This has and will always be a very stimulating and fulfilling experience for me.

Every once in a while, I receive a contact from the brilliant wooden spoon artist, Norm Sartorius, asking if I'd like a shipment of scraps from his shop. Norm's work flips the concept of form and function on its head by taking a very functional object, the spoon and creating a piece of art out of it. After he is done carving, the spoon is now a decorative piece of fine art and craft. I like the idea of taking a simple thing we often take for granted and placing it on a pedestal. We need to do that every once in a while. Be aware of the objects that allow us to perform everyday tasks.

This idea also relates to the belief that objects that we use everyday should be simple and beautiful. I create lamps with this idea in mind. My lamp design plays on the same concept of form and function, as norm, however in a slightly different way. I always strive to create functional pieces that could easily be mistaken for sculpture. The difference is that I want the piece to be used as well as appreciated for their form.

I've been continuing the Ad Idem collection since 2011. The majority of the work is in the form of rings. I incorporate the discarded material that Norm shares with me. They become an homage to the minds ability to produce an unlimited number of ideas, thoughts and concepts and to the ones we actually take to heart. The whisps of consciousness that stay with us.

Here is the first of the Third Edition of the Ad Idem Collection. Thanks to Norm Sartorius.

See more pieces from this collection on my Facebook Page
http://www.normsartorius.com/

Ingrained at Patina Gallery

Allison and Ivan of Patina Gallery in Santa Fe, New mexico have been supporting my work for over 3 years! I am so grateful for their continued support and appreciation.

I am honored to be featured in my first show at Patina Gallery called "Ingrained" also featuring wood turning artist Liam Flynn. The show should be an incredible display of the ways in which wood can be formed and crafted.

I've been asked to create a collection of pieces from the Signature Collection. (Photos)

Are you in the Santa Fe area during October? The show opens on October 4 and runs until October 27.  Catch the details at patina-gallery.com.

New Brooch Design by Gustav Reyes

This month I have some free shop time since I don't have any shows! I'm excited to go in different directions with the work. Check out the new brooch.