Skye Tafoya
Relatives, 2022
Serigraph, Ed. of 43
30 x 22 in.

Kin highlights my present relationship to my surroundings through abstract representation. Within the print, there are colors and motifs that depict the sky, spirits, ancestors, animals, plants, weather, crops, water, and humans. Although, each of these Beings has always been presently relevant in my life, each of them now connects me to my toddler. I have a responsibility to teach my child to respect and learn from these entities, and I do a partial part of that through my art practice. Another way of teaching is by telling traditional stories, which give a deeper connection to the Kin that we (un)fortunately do not encounter in our daily lives. One story, in particular, is about the Uk’tena, a giant snake-like serpent known for its mesmerizing physical appearance. The Uk’tena was an elusive beast hiding in the lonely mountain passes or in the deep water after four days of heavy rain. The Uk’tena had shimmering scales reminiscent of copper that were impenetrable by any man-made weapon. The Uk’tena could only be defeated by damaging or taking the U’lvsvdi (crystal/diamond/shining rock) that laid between its eyes. The prized U’lvsvdi was beyond an ordinary crystal, it is why Uk’tena means “keen-eyed” because the beast would use it to hypnotize anyone who tried to take it. The U’lvsvdi emitted a light so enchanting that anyone who stared into it either froze or ran toward it... becoming its prey. While the history of this great serpent has been passed down for generations, very few have actually obtained the U’lvsvdi. The Uk’tena and the U’lvsvdi remind us to be humble and not to take what is not ours. *The Uk’tena influenced the infinity shape that the motifs reside in within the print and the double diamond split fountain is a loose translation of the U’lvsvdi.