In my story, I indicate that awards and recognitions are not what motivate me. And that’s true. This is not what keeps me going through good times and bad times.
But when I get one, please allow me to brag about it 
One out of my 15 limited editions of Jaguar Knight, Lord of the Forests, has been selected for the 2009 Arizona Governor’s Commission of the Arts Award. This is a huge honor and I am really excited about it.
Each year, only 6 artists are chosen in a particular media. In March, there is going to be an exposition in a local museum (I do not know yet where it is, but stay posted…) and in April, a diner where the Governor will present the awards.
More information about the piece:
Kiln-formed and cold worked glass disc.
Displayed on custom made wrought-iron stand.
Can be available formed as a bowl.
17″ large, 22″ high, 4″ deep
Glass disc 16″ diameter
Limited edition of 15.
Of all the big cats, the jaguar remains the least studied because they are extremely rare. The reason for this will be explained later.
What is known about jaguars is that they are solitary animals, meeting only to mate. The young stay with their mother for a few years before leaving to find their own territory. At about three years, they are fully mature and able to mate. An adult jaguar weights from 200 to 250 pounds, making him the largest cat in the Americas. A jaguar fur is generally yellowish brown with black spots. Some jaguars are black with black spots and are called blacks panthers.
Jaguars are found mainly in Mexico, Central, and South America where they live in forests and swamplands. Jaguars are excellent swimmers. They hunt at night for forests and river animals such as deer, pigs, sloth, fishes, and even small alligators.
Today, the jaguar is officially listed as endangered species in the US, South and Central America and Mexico. Although there are conservation efforts, criminal activities like poaching and illegal fur trade still reduces numbers and continues to make the future of the jaguar uncertain.
The jaguar is a common symbol of strength and power in Central and South America. Like the lion in Europe and Africa, jaguars were associated with royalty and bravery in warfare. In Maya civilization, the jaguar served to communicate between the living and the dead as well as protect the royal household.
The Aztec civilization had the image of the jaguar associated to the ruler and the warrior. Warriors were highly honored and a jaguar helmet was considered as a protection. This is best seen in the elite military order of the Jaguar Knights who also convened for worship of Tonatiuh, the Sun God. According to Aztec mythology, Tonatiuh looks after warriors, particularly those who die in his service and rule the present Age of the World.
The central design of this piece represents a Jaguar Knight wearing his protective jaguar helmet. On the border, the jaguars are kneeled around the Sun God, Tonatiuh as a sign of worship and reverence. The jaguar design is from Oaxaca, and the sun design is from Veracruz.
A bientôt!
Patricia
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Congratulations, Patricia! Fantastic work… You brag all you want. You’ve earned it!
Hi Sally! Thank you so much for your support.