Women are the keepers of the plants in most early societies. The planting, watering and harvesting.

The Americas, North and South, grew several varieties of edible plants. Most important were beans, squash and corn. They were considered sacred.

Planting The Sacred Maize. 1992. 45 x 71 in. Oil & acrylic on linen. (top)
Watering The Sacred Maize. 1994. 71 x 45 in. Oil & acrylic on linen. (a)
Harvesting The Sacred Maize. 1994. 71 x 45 in. Oil & acrylic on linen. (b)

Early European exploration was fueled by legends of golden temples. Columbus did not find a culture with golden temples, but, in spite of the cruel treatment the Natives endured, the foreign invader’s survival was dependent on the keepers of the plants - the women. Eventually they would realize the real gold was corn.

Mimbres Bowl And Corn. 1994. 18 x 24 in. Oil on wood. (a)
Harvest. 1994. 25.5 x 30.5 in. Oil and acrylic on linen. (b)

There are many varieties of corn. I have chosen yellow, red, blue/black and white to correspond with the colors of the Four Directions:

NORTH: Wisdom (White)
SOUTH: Innocence (Red)
EAST: Illumination (Yellow)
WEST: Introspection (Black)

The spiritual message from all parts of the planet is shared with mankind.

Four Directions. 1995. 48 x 71 in. Oil and acrylic on linen.