Robert leads group to series of petroglyphs along the rock face.
Robert explained that the markings on the rocks were often a combination of petroglyphs that were followed by shepherds that worked in the area.
"Solstice rock".... the sun will "climb" the triangulated peak of rock in conjunction with the actual start of the solstice.
Here the "solstice rock" begins the light sequence (near bottom right).
the group listens as Robert points out more petroglyphs and some of the theories about their origins and meanings.
Another petroglyph that the sun will continue to unveil.
Robert demonstrates the view of the owl with wings spread that is on rock behind him
the owl that Robert was describing (with wings spread)
The multiple drawings usually indicated a story or message.
The shepherds would put crosses on some of the rocks with petroglyphs as counter to what they considered pagan art. And can see the more modern residents have made the crevices their home
Gak Stonn, fellow photographer, printer and photo tour guide, climbs to getter better view of some of the higher petroglyphs.
if you trek with a photographer, you tend to see this look often.
Robert and Dawn.
Julie Arneson
Julie gets to help out another photographer, something she's gotten quite a lot of practice on.
Water streams everywhere this year...this acequia has not been running for many years.
water pouring through the acequia, again an uncommon view for this piece of land.
The sun continues to climb up solstice rock as nearer the official start of solstice.
The sun continues to climb up solstice rock as nearer the official start of solstice.
Happy face with happy face.
I read this as momma and baby bighorns.
Again, shepherd markings next to snake and more drawings considered pagan by the shepherds.
former shepherds cottage.
Above the town of Taos … the clouds are part of what provides the magnificent light talked so much about when describing Taos landscapes. They are ever changing … giving contrast to sky and land.
Some know Taos as an artist community, some know for the recreational activities, but what many do not know is that Taos is still an agricultural community. The image here was taken from the main road in Taos looking out toward Taos mountain, where a common scene is cows grazing in the grass — a particularly colorful scene as fall colors emerge.
I love to walk as the sun rises, and one of my favorite sunrise walks was when I Iived in the vicinity of one of the New Mexico moradas in Taos. As the sun would rise over the building and light begin to light up the structure it brought a sense of peace and wonder. Moradas (dwelling or abode) were created in early New Mexico territory when there were a shortage of priests, and Penitents for gatherings in absence of a formal church. There is a path that goes out from this morada that also has the white cross depicted in Georgia O’Keefe painting.
One could say that the art movement in Taos goes all the way back to ancient cultures that used the hard rocks in the area as their canvas. These works of art — called Petroglyphs — are found around the area — if you know where to look. The word petroglyph is derived from the Greek word "petra" (stone) and "glyphein" (to carve).
The dances are the centerpiece of the Taos Pueblo Pow Wow celebrations. And the regalia add to the movement and meaning.
An important part of the Taos Pueblo Pow Wow is the drumming competition that takes place during the dances. Pictured here is silhouette of one of the drummers.
From National Park Service: There were many reasons for creating the Petroglyphs, most of which are not well understood by modern society. Petroglyphs are more than just "rock art," picture writing, or an imitation of the natural world. They should not be confused with hieroglyphics, which are symbols used to represent words, nor thought of as ancient Indian graffiti. Petroglyphs are powerful cultural symbols that reflect the complex societies and religions of the surrounding tribes. Petroglyphs are central to the monument's sacred landscape where traditional ceremonies still take place. The context of each image is extremely important and integral to its meaning. Note each petroglyph's orientation to the horizon and surrounding images, as well as the landscape in which it sits. Today's native people have stated that the placement of each petroglyph image was not a casual or random decision. Some petroglyphs have meanings that are only known to the individuals who made them. Others represent tribal, clan, kiva or society markers. Some are religious entities and others show who came to the area and where they went. Petroglyphs still have contemporary meaning, while the meaning of others is no longer known but are respected for belonging to "those who came before." While viewing these petroglyph images, please consider their importance to both past and present cultures.
© Kathryn A. Hayden, NM Visions. All Rights Reserved.
Free range horses on the mesa west of Taos backlit by the setting sun that creates special glow of this special land and beings.
© Kathryn A. Hayden, NM Visions. All Rights Reserved.
Pretty in copper outside the “V” of TSV (Taos Ski Valley).
The appearance of Indian paintbrush typically signals the transition to spring in Northern New Mexico. And happens to be this photographer’s favorite New Mexico bloom.
One of the highlights of Christmas in Taos is the lighting of the Taos Pueblo bonfires on Christmas Eve. Here bonfire keeping community warm with Taos Pueblo in background behind the sparks of the fires.
Taos, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Suggested media (surface): Pigment print on laminate
© Kathryn A. Hayden, NM Visions. All Rights Reserved.
Crystal topped trees part of view at Taos Ski Valley.
Also available for sale at Taos Ski Valley Mogul Medical.
The beauty of spring blooms this year bring even more meaning … seeing blooms amidst isolation and turmoil.
© Kathryn A. Hayden, NM Visions
Middle Fork Lake, Red River, New Mexico. All Rights Reserved.
© Kathryn A. Hayden, NM Visions. All Rights Reserved.
Fall view of new high speed chairlift going in for the new ski season at Taos Ski Valley.
© Kathryn A. Hayden, NM Visions
Reflections along the Rio Grande River outside Taos, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden, NM Visions
Recent fires in California making for some tropical-style sunsets in high desert of Taos, New Mexico.
Taos, New Mexico
Suggested media (surface): archival print, canvas
Taos, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Suggested media (surface): fine art matte
Taos, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Suggested media (surface): Pigment print with laminate, metallic canvas print
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Recommended surface (media): metallic paper
Dixon-Truchas Region, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Suggested media (surface): Pigment print with laminate, framed print
Gallina Canyon Ranch, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Suggested media (surface): metallic paper, metallic canvas, metal
Taos, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Suggested media (surface): metallic canvas
Taos, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Suggested media (surface): metallic canvas
Wild Rivers, Cerro, New Mexico
© Kathryn A. Hayden
Suggested surface (media): Metal, metallic paper, metallic canvas
