Therese is a student at the Institute of American Indian Arts
I am Therese. I just completed my first semester at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I am on Create My Canvas Path, majoring in studio arts and museum studies. My Native affiliation is what I refer to as “mixed media”-Native, Mayan, and Mexican.
Around three years ago, I entered into a rite of passage in my life, commonly referred to as a woman’s change of life. I named it, “Create My Canvas Path.” I pondered what my life purpose was at this stage in life. I began pursuing interests that were UNLIVED. I stepped away from what felt OUTWORN-the experiences that are no longer meaningful to me.
Through prayer and meditation, what was revealed to me came in the form of three visions. The first catapulted me to make a sudden and unexpected move to New Mexico, which is known as the “Land of Enchantment.” I released many personal belongings and traveled with meager finances across the country. My initial idea of why I had come to New Mexico quickly became altered.
Upon arriving, I received a message from spirit. “You are here as an expansion of your purpose and to delve deeper into your spirit.” Shortly thereafter, I was guided to IAIA through serendipitous (or “happy accident” as defined by Webster’s dictionary) events that unveiled my purpose at IAIA have revealed to me two significant purposes that bring JOY to my heART (Yes, heART, the presence that I find in art)
The Spirit whispered to me that I was coming home, to the RED SHAWL, a shawl unworn… I would be held and I would be connecting with my tribe.
Startled by this message, I questioned, which tribe?
The answer surprised me. After enrolling at IAIA, I have discovered more about my family lineage and I am meeting relatives in the most precious situations.
I have also discovered my dormant heARTIST archetype has been stored in the vault of my spirit waiting for a curation!
