SooZeQues Arroyo Junkers and Other Resurrections: Mission San Xavier

My art is an infectious need for me, sometimes a burden but most often a blessing.

This blog is about me and my obsessions, my loves, my need to create and my need of JUNK. I'm addicted to thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets and all roads leading off the beaten track to discover that perfect piece of junk. I recycle old license plates, old shovels, wheelbarrows, saw blades and anything else that's funky using my hand held plasma cutter. I love working with steel, sculpting, photography, watercolor painting, stained glass, and turning everyday utilitarian objects into art. Junked cars ~ I will always veer off the path to search out the beautiful wrecked Arroyo JunKers throughout Arizona, New Mexico and anywhere else the road may lead. When I'm not searching for those JunKers

I ~ RESURRECT ~ STEEL

www.SooZeQueDesigns.Shutterfly.com

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Mission San Xavier

On a little road trip a couple weeks back, I went to one of what I consider one of the most beautiful Catholic Churches in Arizona. It had been at least 25 years since I last was there.

San Xavier is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona. It has a very long history and dates from the late 1700's when Southern Arizona was part of New Spain. Then following Mexican independence in 1821 it became part of Mexico and then again with the Gadsden purchase of 1854 the Mission joined the US and now it is ours!

The Baroque architecture style features playful dramatic elements such as theatrical curtain displays, faux doors and marbling and an overall sense of balance. It is constructed of low-fire clay bricks, stone and lime mortar, the entire structure is roofed with masonry vaults making it unique among Spanish Colonial buildings with U.S. borders.

See the "shell" in the windows, it's a symbol of pilgrimage after the patron saint of Spain, Santiago or St James the Greater. It is replicated all through the structure.

I was mesmerized by the shadows that I saw. The sky was an incredible ocean blue and the sunlight bounced off the pristine white walls and was blinding. It was totally beautiful.

If you ever visit Arizona please put this on your list of beautiful places to visit. It remains a testament to the endurance of culture throughout our history.