Giver of Water, Essence of Life
This female figure is an embodiment of water, an element which is vital to our New Mexico landscape, agriculture traditions, and life itself. The olla she holds is painted with a design based on pre-historic, Tularosa-inspired patterns. She is metaphorically the source of water, creating the Rio Grande to her right and the Bosque pond to her left. A great blue heron wades next to her in the pond, surrounded by Johnson grass and regional spring flowers.
The water pouring from the olla includes native fish such as rainbow trout, catfish, silvery minnow, and widemouth bass. Embedded in the fields of the background are patterns made with blossoms, seeds, and harvested crops. Also we incorporated the acequias that span the valleys like veins, bringing the life-giving water into our lands. Various plants and animals border the river lined with Cottonwood trees, and in the distance one can see the Albuquerque skyline. Behind everything are the Sandia Mountains at sunset, their vibrant browns, purples, pinks and yellows providing a dramatic backdrop. This mural is meant to honor water and our connection to this life giving resource.
Lead Artists:
Vanessa Alvarado, Margarita Paz-Pedro, Cassandra Reid
Lead Apprentices:
Staci Drangmeister, Will Guesz, James Long