"ARROYO"

A dry channel through which water flows intermittently and irregularly. Kind of like this blog.

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

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Santa Fe Splendor

I've finally returned from what seems like a month long trip..... since my show mid month I feel like I haven't stopped.... I driven more than I care to, shopped more than I should have and missed working in the shop more than I thought.  Many miles and $$$ passed through my recent trip to Santa Fe.  My friend Anna joined me the last five days of the trip and showing a newcomer all the Splendor of the "Land of Enchantment" was fun - she was thoroughly Cultured and SantaFied and had sticker shock more times than she cares to recall, especially buying gorgeous textiles at Serets and Sons - a must see if you go.
Anna purchased the prize of the day - a stunning Suzani bedspread !!!  I did drool on it a bit however.


Then we were off to the wonderful churches that are a stones throw from each other - each so different from the next. 
THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA
OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI


The stairway's carpenter, whoever he was, built a magnificent structure. The staircase has two 360 degree turns and has no visible means of support. Also, it is said that the staircase was built without nails—only wooden pegs. Questions also surround the number of stair risers compared to the height of the choir loft and about the types of wood and other materials used in the stairway's construction. The design was innovative for the time and some of the design considerations still perplex experts today.

A budding tree with hundreds of rosaries hanging from it.

A huge bronze leaf as tall as me.  Barry... this one's for you!!

On to the Plaza for YES... more shopping

El Santuario de Chimayo


We drove up to Chimayo to see my favorite of all churches and collect some dirt from the blessed hole in the chapel called  "el pocito," which means the little well, a small pit of holy adobe-colored dirt that some say possesses the power to cure. Just one touch, say those who believe, and cancer might go into remission, an injured knee might heal, and leukemia might be held off long enough to witness a child's birth. Along the wall hang crutches that are no longer needed, material proof from those who say they've been helped.   I bought a beautiful 3ft tall St. Francis wooden sculpture that I've always wanted - forgetting we were driving a Prius. We did manage to shove one more thing in it.


Lunch at the beautiful "Rancho de Chimayo".... sipping prickly pear lemonade.
 and one last stop to see the beautiful sculpture of "Our Lady of Guadalupe" 
I guess it's always a religious experience in "The Land of Enchantment" and I'm not even religious.  You'll always leave lighter of your cash but richer for the experience!

I'll be back to the grind on Monday finishing up on some commissions from the last show and I do hope to catch up with all of you soon.  I know you've all been busy!

4 comments:

Barry said...

SZQ- what a wonderful trip - so many experiences and so many treasures. That leaf is just incredible - goes it is a maple or oak leaf - but to cast a leaf that size - what an opportunity. The rosary tree is very much like what I have been thinking of for our Peace Tree - based on a weeping willow. Glad you are home safely; and look forward to a rush of creativity. Go well. B

Jerry Carlin said...

Thanks, Soozee for the tour! Nice trip and it didn't cost me a dime!

Corrine said...

Oh I remember all those spots. Need to get back there, thanks for the tour. xox Corrine

Anonymous said...

Dear SSQ-OMG!!! I have missed you so much!!! And drooling over all the treasures you posted...okay...I want that staircase!!! Is it ever gorgous or what?? And that Suzanni bedspread...am all over Suzanni right now (bought some amazing curtains for my studio)...and love that tree with all the rosaries. Glad to see you had such a great time...and sold lots + lots of your amazing art. xxx Soraya

Takin' the back road from Greer to Morenci was gorgeous. This was waiting at the end.

Takin' the back road from Greer to Morenci was gorgeous.  This was waiting at the end.
Alpine Cliff Jumper

Don't you just love bugs! My first car.... but RED.

Don't you just love bugs!  My first car.... but RED.
Lamy, NM

This was a great old Studebaker Truck in Lamy, NM . It has seen better days. I love Lamy,

This was a great old Studebaker Truck in Lamy, NM .  It has seen better days.  I love Lamy,
Studebaker in Lamy, NM