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Sweet Bliss · 03-14-2013, 09:46 AM

Living in the Southwest for decades made me very aware of using the symbols of cultures I was surrounded by, Native American tribes, Mexican and Spanish.

When asked why I don't make pots that look more Native, I have always replied, 'It's not my culture." Meaning I'm not going to exploit the ignorance of tourists or others and claim to be Native, and therefore 'my pots' are authentic. Although my great grandmother was Native, I still am not sure what tribe or other affiliations she may have had. So NO, I do not consider myself Native. Using Native signs and symbols for personal gain is a major no-no in my world. Using their pottery making techniques is different to me. It's a technique that many cultures have used over many thousands of years. However, I don't make Native pots for sale. I have made them yes, under the direction of my Native teacher. I gave them away as gifts.

As for Spanish influences, I have a huge family still living in Spain. Until recently when my father explained that we are actually French Basque, I believed otherwise.

My thoughts are that we pull images, colors, feelings from a vast collective unconcious. For some it appears to be from our similiar cultures, and others from cultures we believe we have no affiliation, but a deep regard or pull.

I think it matters not where we find these images, symbols, but our intent when using them. Respect is the key word here for me personally.

03-14-2013, 09:46 AM	#17
Sweet Bliss Senior Member How Do You Identify?: I Am Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: solo Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: the Beach, Pacific side Posts: 4,160 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 5,354 Thanked 7,268 Times in 2,159 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	Since you brought it to light Living in the Southwest for decades made me very aware of using the symbols of cultures I was surrounded by, Native American tribes, Mexican and Spanish. When asked why I don't make pots that look more Native, I have always replied, 'It's not my culture." Meaning I'm not going to exploit the ignorance of tourists or others and claim to be Native, and therefore 'my pots' are authentic. Although my great grandmother was Native, I still am not sure what tribe or other affiliations she may have had. So NO, I do not consider myself Native. Using Native signs and symbols for personal gain is a major no-no in my world. Using their pottery making techniques is different to me. It's a technique that many cultures have used over many thousands of years. However, I don't make Native pots for sale. I have made them yes, under the direction of my Native teacher. I gave them away as gifts. As for Spanish influences, I have a huge family still living in Spain. Until recently when my father explained that we are actually French Basque, I believed otherwise. My thoughts are that we pull images, colors, feelings from a vast collective unconcious. For some it appears to be from our similiar cultures, and others from cultures we believe we have no affiliation, but a deep regard or pull. I think it matters not where we find these images, symbols, but our intent when using them. Respect is the key word here for me personally.