Capitol Ideas and reflections

I love the State of New Mexico. There, I've said it. I am biased in a way that is as shameless as new love and as solid as a love that is vintage. Oh, the good citizens of NM have their issues - growth vs. open space, identity being redefined, among other topics - but what community doesn't have those issues?

That being written, the view of the rotunda of the capital is gorgeous. It's filled with art, by adults and by children, and the zia is reflected throughout. Much more than a nod to the indigenous, it seems an embracing of the ideas of the zia.

Many documents on the internet share the following -

"...the number four is embodied in:

• the four points of the compass (north, south, east, and west);
• the four seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn and winter);
• the four periods of each day (morning, noon, evening and night);
• the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle years and old age); and
• the Zia's believe that with life comes four sacred obligations one must develop (a strong body, a clear mind, a pure spirit, and a devotion to the welfare of others)".

Pretty heavy stuff. A bit like the formality to this picture taken by James in the Atrium.

Somehow they balance the formality of interior by having this work highlighting children at a tug of war. Don't know if this is a comment on the legislature or just a fine bit of art.

This in turn is balanced by...

... the low-rider in the capital.

I don't know about you, but I love the juxtaposition and comfort at having all these elements come together. Glad to be home, but looking forward to a return trip to NM.

Images by James Grimes, State Captiol, W.C. Kruger; Tug O War, Glenna Goodacre; lowrider, unknown.