Return of the Corn Mothers
I would continue the work that I've begun on the Return of the Corn Mothers project, branching out into other parts of the United States and abroad to record the lives of other Corn Mothers from different cultures and geographical regions.
The world is changing at an ever-rapid pace. As it does we are fast losing our connections to the past. It is the traditions of the past, the stories about our ancestors’ lives, culture, and art that allow our societies to continue to grow and thrive.
The Return of the Corn Mothers is a project based on a Pueblo myth of two sisters who represent the givers of life and are synonymous with Mother Earth. Though the Corn Mother is found in the Pueblo and other Native American traditions, the Corn Mother or something very similar is found in almost all agriculturally based societies around the world.
A Corn Mother keeps past traditions of her ancestors alive while helping others learn about the future. They represent a circle of life and the continuation of a never-ending story of love and perseverance, symbolizing growth, life, creativity, and the feminine aspects of the world.
This project is about today’s Corn Mothers. They are women in our society who are often overlooked and forgotten, who are dedicated to their communities and teaching others about the past. They are rarely economically rewarded for their work, but live their lives as examples of kindness, connected to both their surroundings and the universe.
I started this project almost three years ago with my writer friend, Renee Fajardo-Anstine. I have traveled the Southwest documenting eighteen amazing women in their home environments. In addition to each portrait, each woman’s life story is collected, relating what she does in her community, her life philosophy, and a story of a woman in their lives that influenced and mentored them to become the women that they are today.
Largely self funded, I would use this money to continue this work, branching out into other parts of the United States and abroad to record the lives of other Corn Mothers from different cultures and geographical regions.
The end result would be a traveling show with a book that relates these amazing stories with the portraits of these beautiful women. A portion of the proceeds of the book would be used to start an organization that would bring Corn Mothers from local communities into schools to teach children the importance of cultural connection and the passing down of traditions through verbal and written storytelling. You can check out some of these portraits on my new website at www.toddpierson.com under the Corn Mother Project section. There will also be samples of these women’s stories on Renee Fajardo’s website in the article section at www.reneefajardo.com in the next week.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Todd Pierson
47 Comments
Todd has done some wonderful work in this area.
Good Luck Todd, you surely deserve to win!!
A Cornucopia of a Corn Mother‘s essence through imagery.
Todd the photographs capture the essence of each woman. This project teaches generations on the importance of learning and growing from each other.
TOdd has a keenly observant eye matched with an artistic sensibility and an open heart to his subjects. What a gift! Gratefully, Cherie
Todd's work is spectacular!!!! A must win!!! Good Luck!!!!!
I like your idea!
I voted for you, will you vote for me? Let's do this and see how it turns out. Let's help each other!
Good luck!
i love this project its the best i hope it wins fiddy grand
Great work.
I Love It & can't wait to see the end result!!!! :)
i love this soooooo much!!!! I hope todd beats them all and wins the money!
i love todd its fab
I love this
hell ya
Todd Piersons work has definately involve mind, spirit, and soul
Return of The Corn Mothers was a complete hit and i hope it wins!
I saw part of this a few months ago what amazing photographs. I wish you luck.
I have seen your work i must say i think you are a colorful person with a sizzle of
creativity i hope you do well best wishes ~ jean
I vote for The Corn Mothers
outstanding work, i hope to see the show~ johnny lopez
amazing love it
Corn Mothers rock
if you don't like corn mother by todd he will take your mind away so keep getting votes
the corn mothers rocks!!
Unite against the “network” that is scheming votes. Support ideas that are “lost” due to unworthy ideas using low tactics. “Insulin” is not the best idea. Something is wrong here and many fantastic ideas are getting lost due to the “network.” If you like my idea on “Vanishing Cultures,” vote for it.
I love this idea! check out mine and Pic it if youd like! Congo here I come...
thanks, like it,certainly some good ideas getting lost in the mix amongst all this computer network votes..and if you like mine,about orhpans in USA and Africa, please return the vote!
you have some great pieces.wonderful work
What a great idea, good luck
I love your essay and did not know about Corn Mothers so I went to your site and went to that portfolio. GORGEOUS photos with lovely light and compositions. The peace you captured in each is AWESOME! Good luck!
I grew up on the TX/NM boarder- this idea hits close to the heart for me- Great concept, good luck!
Wonderful art you are truly a gifted artist. Good Luck.
You have my vote, If you get the chance, check out my dream "From Australia With Love" and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE vote for it!
Thanks.
-Adam
Love this! You've been Pic'd! Check out my dream if you get a chance!
What a cool idea.
i really love this idea, too! best of luck. i hope you stay in the top 20, you have my vote.
neat idea. good luck!
¡Muy interesante! Your images are vibrant and natural. Good luck!
How is it possible to add 100 votes in 30min?
Thanks everyone for their support if you get a chance please check out my friend Vic's idea and the the link http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/UPPhotog/changing-the-lives-of-250000000-people/. or search Dalit and vote for him.
I voted! As the contest is closing I'm trying to get a personal goal of 100 votes 2 to go.
Help me out
I like your idea! I wish u the best of luck!... if interested u can check mine too:
http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/pmiller77/russia-rise-and-fall-and-rise-again/
Thank you.
patty
Fascinating, I am happy to see it the Top 10. My project is over at http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/Lacey/global-artist-initiative/
I'd like to keep in touch and be of any assistance of your projects down the road. You can find me at http://laceylampe.artlogsites.com/
Through his photography, Todd is able to capture the personality of each subject. He makes the photo come alive with his intuitive, creative approach. His project is about culture, women and heart and touches the universal connection within each of us.