Show Preview | Star York

Santa Fe, NM
Sorrel Sky Gallery, September 5-19

Star York, Touch the Earth, bronze, 55 x 24 x 20.

This story was featured in the September 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art September 2014 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

“There have been many wise pro
phets from all over the world and throughout time,” says prominent New Mexico-based sculptor Star York. But perhaps just as important as the prophets themselves, she says, are those who keep and pass down their wisdom from generation to generation. Sometimes ancient knowledge is shared through oral tradition and storytelling, while other times it is through “objects that represent spiritual strength,” she explains. This month, in a solo show titled Wisdom Keepers at Sorrel Sky Gallery’s brand-new location in Santa Fe, York presents a series of works that represents the important role these traditional figures can and should continue to play in modern times. 
Wisdom Keepers opens with a reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 5, and continues through September 19.

“This exhibition is a collection of sculptural images that celebrates those who steward the fundamental knowledge for living a rewarding, expansive life,” York says. The show features 25 pieces that range in scale from 3 inches tall all the way up to 4 feet. Several works in the show are new, while others are pieces that haven’t been cast in quite some time and are reappearing in bronze just for this show. “Sometimes I hold back on works when they are nearing the end of their edition,” York says, explaining that she sees this show as an excellent opportunity to bring together a large body of work that exemplifies her longtime interest in this particular genre of sculpting “wisdom keepers,” which she’s been doing for more than 30 years now.

“This exhibition clearly demonstrates what I find valuable in being mindful of, and celebrating, the wisdom keepers in our world, in all of their manifestations,” she says. Some of the pieces in the show depict storytellers or ritual practitioners, while others feature sacred objects, such as fetishes or talismans, from Native American culture. “What I wish to share through these works is that the keeping of ancient wisdom is of value to all mankind,” York says. “This knowledge can help us find balance in a chaotic, ever-changing, and challenging world—and that, in turn, can help uncover the strength and peace within ourselves.” —Lindsay Mitchell

contact information
505.501.6555
www.sorrelsky.com

Featured in the September 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art September 2014 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!