de Saisset Museum Exhibit ‘Out of Tradition’ 2019 Postcard.
Three of the Spirit Dolls are exhibited, along with several of my photographs from work produced over the last 20 years in Northern California while I conducted genealogical research to better understand my ancestors, and as an act of recovery and healing – not knowing where you come from, you can’t know where you’re going.
Sea Horse, Spirit Dolls Series, Sept 2018,’ photography Catherine Herrera. Contact for Products and License. Intl (C) Reserved.
It was an emotional experience going into the Santa Clara Mission prior to the opening of the exhibit, having read so many records from the Mission, and learning the history of the California Ohlone, Yokut, Tulare, Miwok and Pomo who were forced to work at the Missions.
It was that history that I carried with me as I entered the Mission, and later, speaking to the visitors at the inauguration.
It was a wonderful experience.
The second exhibit, ‘Contemporary Traces in Ancient Lands,’ is a group exhibit opening at the Triton Museum of Contemporary Art in Santa Clara, California.
Up through April 19, 2019, this group exhibit brings together Native artists from various parts of California to reflect on contemporary artistic reflections of ancient cultures and land cared for thousands of years by California tribal peoples prior to contact, and today.
The largest number of Spirit Dolls to date were on view at the Triton, and I gave an artist talk which was well attended with people interested in learning more about the creative process in making the Spirit Dolls, and the story of how the Spirit Dolls Series began.
Both the de Saisset and Triton exhibits of my photography and coastal wood sculptures were meaningful in many ways, including that my grandparents lived not far away in San Jose and it was from them that I learned the coast and land of this region that roots me today.
The land knows and remembers us, I believe. Generations of my family driving over the 17 Highway, passing Redwood and Pine trees alive long enough some have witnessed year after year generation generation driving by where earlier ancestors rode horses, even before, walking this land.
I was so happy to hear the Director of the Triton say that visitors reported to her that they felt ‘joy’ and positive spirit in the Spirit Dolls and I know I reached the goal of leaving audiences with a sense of happiness while serving in a transformative manner to educate about the painful history of the California mission system, and specifically, San Juan Bautista, Santa Cruz and San Francisco.
I’ve been in San Francisco for nearly 11 years, and still, I adjust to the chilly, foggy summers, and, delight when I have the chance to visit Bay area destinations with warmer weather! My skin warm, my spirit soars!
Today’s feature,’Swirling, Whirling Energy,’ was created in 2013, during one of those warm summer spells.
Admittedly, I have not been keeping my blog up-to-date over the last year and a half. The Good News is that my creative time was divided between exhibiting work at various places here in San Francisco and Bay Area, and, further developing the Spirit Doll Project.
Before I go on too long, trying the impossible of catching up on everything in one sitting, a quick posting from the latest releases this May from the Spirit Doll series –
Here is ‘Robin Girl, 2015,’ featured in the ‘Capturing Resilience’ exhibit at U.C. Berkeley’s Phoebe A. Heart Museum of Anthropology in a show bring together the work of four Coastal Native California artists in the museum’s remodeled entryway.
I was honored to be included with the next generation of California Native artists and to learn more about their experiences and common points where our paths meet.
photo by Catherine Herrera, Intl CR Reserved. Contact for License. photo by Catherine Herrera, Intl CR Reserved. Contact for License. (Catherine Herrera Photography, Catherine Herrera Photography)
I’ll be sharing more about the Spirit Doll series and materials soon.
Thank you for visiting, and for the encouraging comments, you are appreciated too!
Would you like to contribute to the Spirit Doll Project, promoting greater coastal marine ecology and the use of creativity for resiliency, please visit our How to Participate page!
2015 is off to a great start and I hope you are enjoying the winter and planting seeds for spring.
Today’s offering is a unique fine art print, ‘ Joining Forces for Good ,’ is a new work from this year, and is part of the Print Collector’s Special on for this January.
For an archival, signed print of this limited edition of (25) please click on the link below. The size is 11 x 17, museum-quality print produced locally in San Francisco and personally reviewed for quality prior to shipping.
For more accessible prints and products with this image, please contact me at orders@catherineherrera.com
photo by Catherine Herrera, Intl CR Reserved. Contact for License. (Catherine Herrera Photography)
As we move into Fall – or here in San Francisco, our summer! with 70 degree weather in November – I am drawn to the Oranges and Reds and Browns and Greens of Fall.
As the time change goes into effect, everyone shifts with the chilling weather and climate.
This exquisite photograph has very subtle and deep green that prints a beautiful contrast when custom ordered and printed locally here in San Francisco with my partner, Dickerman Photos. I ensure the quality of the shipped print, signed and carefully packaged for safe travel to your home.
Visit the shop by clicking here to visit the image, and select the shopping cart, and choose the print type, framed or unframed, or whether you’d like to share the image on a quality-printed note card and envelope set. (Gift Certificates are available).
Interior Designers in San Francisco – please remember all first-time cash sales will receive a 10% discount from November 03-November 12, 3014. Framing options include: sustainable recycled distressed frame, gold leaf and archival framing/matte, or simple metal or wood.
Thank you so much for viewing, and visiting. Leave a comment, or connect with me if you have any questions on your order: orders@catherineherrera.com.