Judaculla Rock, a boulder covered with petroglyphs is not far from where we live.
We had trouble finding it . . . probably because it is right out in the middle of a field. Hidden in plain view.
Archaeologists estimate that most of these glyphs are between 300 and 1500 years old. It is thought that this petroglyph is on the site of a council house mound and served as a boundary marker for Cherokee hunting grounds which were closely guarded by the legendary giant and master of animals, Judaculla.
(In Our Own Language 3.79)
(In Our Own Language 2.2)
(In Our Own Language 3.102)
(In Our Own Language 2.2)
(In Our Own Language 3.56)
As we walked around the rock, I was taken with the similarity between these drawings and Nancy’s drawings, finding both evocative and an invitation to introspection and wonder.
I am tickled beyond description to be participating in a two-day workshop with Dorothy Caldwell exploring human marks and expressive stitching. I’ve long admired her work and though our work varies in its theme, focus, and purpose, I am hoping to conjure ideas (as in be inspired) for faster and creatively intriguing ways to present Nancy’s work. In her talk tonight, Dorothy showed photos of petroglyphs she saw while working in the Outback of Australia, many bearing a striking resemblance to those on the Judaculla Rock.
(In Our Own Language 3.260)
Most petroglyphs tells the story of the people who lived there; some offer directions, warnings, or blessings. often wonder what Nancy is saying with her drawings, with her marks. My theory is that she’s expressing her emotional response to what’s happening around her.
In Our Own Language, indeed.
beautiful to feel this connection so deeply human, no matter when or where. these express the urgency to communicate in the moment and last beyond that moment to reach us. beyond all imagining.
most glyphs tell a story of the people who made them, and they speak to me in ways words can’t reach.