The Spirit of the
Saguaro
Mindful Photography in the Desert
Desert Dream
his month a new photo- balance and strength, flower, and bear the beginning of a lifelong project that
T
graphic exhibition about fruit. They teach by example about the she hopes will include a collaborative
mindfulness in the natural simplicities and complexities of birth, gathering of many so that we all may
world opens at the Desert death, and inevitable rebirth. From be restored to balance.
Botanical Garden in Phoe- them I learn about the strength and
nix. Created by Holly Metz, The Spirit fragility of our natural world, and the Holly Metz has been passionate about
of the Saguaro Project is a celebration value of an appropriate relationship creating black and white images for
of the radiant presence and ancient with water...with all of the elements, nearly 15 years. Originally from the
wisdom of the Saguaro. According to and with time. I am slowly learning mountains of West Virginia, she is now
Metz, “The images are an expression the O'othham moons.” blessed to live, learn, and raise her two
of the teachings they offer; if I become Each photograph is taken in the baby boys in the startlingly beautiful
still, give myself over, and see with Gila River Indian Community within desert of the Gila River Indian Com-
whole body and mind.” a few miles of Metz’s home. Her munity. To learn more about the Spirit
Metz believes that the Saguaro intention is that these images offer the of the Saguaro Project or to bring the
are our elders. She says, “Each is a viewer a quiet space for contempla- traveling exhibition to your communi-
unique individual, easily recogniz- tion about the connections between ty, visit www.hollymetz.com or www.
able, with a beautiful story to tell. everyone and everything around spiritofsaguaro.com. The exhibit at the
Though they, like the O'othham (the them, inspiring awareness of the per- Desert Botanical Garden runs Sep-
original people of this land), have sonal relationship each of us has with tember 5-October 19. Visit www.dbg.
witnessed and suffered countless the original plants, water, air, animals, org for additional information.
indignities, they continue to grow in people and land of the desert. This is
I stand silently with the Saguaro in the blazing sun, and
the dark of night, as white clouds sweep by, and bird, bat
and bee visit. At times the land feels haunted by the lush
river that once fed this land, by the absence of the great
desert trees, and the many plants and animals who are
no longer here. Still, being in the presence of the Saguaro
is life-sustaining. I listen to them creak in the breeze, the
sound of wind in their spines like water. I touch and smell
their rain soaked skin, and feel the life force vibrations
inside them.
The Weight of Pollen
Pr i n t e d o n re c y c l e d Pa P e r t o Pr o t e c t t h e en v i r o n m e n t
September 2008 29
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