As an artist with both European and Native American ancestry, I found I could embrace both worlds through a palette of beads. I am immersed in the history of beads and the migration of techniques through time and cultures. My bead inlay work combines old world and new world bead inlay methods and design. Along with the Wixarika [Huichol] style of application technique, my work utilizes sacred geometry that transcends time and culture. From my European roots I utilize the ancient guild method of teaching.
“Old craft methods, apprenticeship and master classes survived the Industrial Revolution and remain the most effective methods of professional training in the Arts.” - What are the Arts?, Compiler Press, Harry A. Hillman Chartran January 24, 2002.
"Radical Traditionalism" refers to a worldview that stresses a return to traditional values of hard work, craftsmanship, local culture, tribal or clan orientation, and non-material values in response to a perceived excess of materialism, consumerism, technology, and societal homogeneity. Most Radical Traditionalists choose this term for themselves to stress their reaction to 'modern' society, as well as an equal disdain for more 'recent' forms of traditionalism based on Judeo-Christian and early-Industrial Age values. It is often allied with branches of Paganism that stress a return to old cultural values that predated the existence of the state system. - Wikipedia
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Maureen Nelson has been consciously creating sacred art for over 20 years. She found destiny in what at the time seemed like a happenstance encounter with the Wixaritari in 1990. Little did she know her adventure to join the Gathering of the Eagles in Nambe Pueblo would change her life. Within hours of her arrival, her camp was joined by Mariano Valadez and several other Wixaritari, spending the next few weeks sharing stories and art in what they described as from the beginning times.
During those days, Maureen learned about the meaning of art according to the Wixaritari, which overall function is to communicate with the Gods or their ancestors. Each band of color represented a doorway or portal in which the Maraakame (Shaman) travels to the spirit world and in which to return. Traditionally, every action in the creation of this art is a prayer. When Maureen expressed her similarities of experience with the Wixaritari, she was greeted with laughter and told that was because they had met since the beginning times where all is one.
At the end of this encampment, Maureen was invited to join the Wixaritari in their homeland which she promised she would do when her household duties with her children were fulfilled. With this time come to fruition, Maureen will rejoin her friends in a journey back to the beginning times where we are all one.
* Wixaritari [Huicholes] is the plural form of Wixarika [Huichol]
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Since 1980, I have worked with tribal members and elders exploring pluralism (the quality of existing in more than one form) within art and culture. I have found that sharing of art across cultures, the transvangarde, a dynamic force for reflecting the ways of the world past, present and future. It is within our commonalities of experience that attract our attention to each other.
-Maureen Nelson
Maureen's work is currently available by commission only.
Contact her via email
"For art to be valued, it is important to understand what it is. Art is a powerful, pervasive force that helps to shape our attitudes, beliefs, values, and behaviors."
- Graeme Chalmers
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