In traditional Buddhist sculpture, and maybe in other traditions as well, it is customary to wait til the last gesture to open the eyes. Even if it's simply my choice to listen more to the Spirit of Earth in the stone, the feeling that it has something to say is stronger than usual with this one. From the overall gesture to the tiniest details, there is the sense of where things should be; what I should do. I am very much in awe of the stone-being, grateful we are spending time together. I decided to honor its strong character and bring the face out early - now - to acknowledge this sense that it is directing its own evolution, of which I am an agent.

This Thanksgiving, so grateful that I have a place to work, the tools and time I need and sufficient know-how to make these things happen.

From very early in the carving process I started to call this piece 'Holds Water'. This was several months ago, before I was aware of the story unfolding at Standing Rock. It will be dedicated to the Water Protectors.