I Am One With The Jaguar

I AM ONE WITH THE JAGUAR

This is a series of spells that will protect me and guide me through my journey into the underworld. The spells are based on the Mayan language which used logographs complemented with a set of syllabic glyphs. The process begins with a meditation session to reveal a vision/message for each piece then I create the artwork. I have always been obsessed with the preparation and training required for my soul to enter the underworld and the path that my artwork will create to guide me into this unknown experience.

Jamie Martinez, Permission, 2021, paint, ink, spell, and scratches on terra cotta modeling clayclay, life-size, 14 x 5 x 4 inches (approx.)
Jamie Martinez, Permission, 2021, clay, paint, spell, marker, scratches, wood, dirt, snake plants, 36 x 26 x 18 inches (approx.)

In this sculpture, I am materializing a vision from Chichaan asking the Mayan Gods God A and God L for permission to use my hands in the underworld and the afterlife. I honor and sacrifice them in this lifetime so when I transition into the afterlife through the cave, I can have access to them again. There are two original spells I wrote, one on each hand, asking for permission.

Jamie Martinez, Permission to Breathe without my Lungs in the underworld, 2021, paint, ink, oil pastels, spell, and wire on terra cotta modeling clay, 25 W x 14 H x 6 D inches (approx.)
Jamie Martinez, Raven Self Portrait, 2021, paint, ink, wire, and spell on terra cotta modeling clay, 11 x 5 1/2 x 6 inches (approx.)
Jamie Martinez, Permission to Hear my Heart Beat in the Underworld, 2021, paint, ink, wire, and spell on terra cotta modeling clay, 12 x 8 x 4 inches (approx.)
Jamie Martinez, Dresden Mayan Codex Leaf 1 – 4, 2021, paint, ink, and scratches on terra cotta modeling clay, 24.4 x 10 inches. The four Banana leaf size codex combine to make a banana plant.

DRESDEN CODEX LEAF (1 – 4), 2020, paint, ink and scratches on clay, 24.4 x 10 inches. The four Banana leaf size codex combine to make a banana plant.

The Dresden Codex is a Mayan book, the oldest surviving from the Americas, dating to the 13th or 14th century. The codex was rediscovered in the city of Dresden, Germany, hence the book’s present name. 

-Wikipedia

Jamie Martinez, Metamorphosing in to a Snake, 2021, paint, ink, spell and scathes on terra cotta modeling clay, 9 x 6 x 6 inches
Jamie Martinez, Failed attempt to metamorph into a snake, 2021, paint, ink and spell on terra cotta modeling clay, 4 x 5 x 2 inches (approx)
Jamie Martinez, The Bite, 2021, paint, ink, spell, and scratches on terra cotta modeling clay, 10 x 6 inches (approx.)
Jamie Martinez, Metamorphosing into an Octopus, 2021, paint, ink, spell, and scratches on terra cotta modeling clay, 9 inches round (approx.)
Jamie Martinez, Vision Serpent, 2021, thread, paint, ink, and scratches on terra cotta modeling clay, 7 x 4 inches
Jamie Martinez, Metamorphosing into an Owl, 2021, paint, spell, ink, and scratches on terra cotta modeling clay, 3.5 H x 2 W x 3 D inches
Jamie Martinez, Snake boy with Cat, 2021, Chaulk, paint and oil stick, oil pastel on canvas, 24 x 24
Jamie Martinez, I Am One with the Jaguar, 2021, Carved caulk, paint, oil pastels, assorted feathers, 24" x 24" x 1.5"
Jamie Martinez, Light Horse, 2021, acrylic, oil pastels and spell (back) of canvas, 30 x 24 Inches
Jamie Martinez, Raven Self Portrait, 2021, acrylic and oil pastels on canvas, 12 x 12
Jamie Martinez, The Journey, 2021, Carved Culk, paint, oil stick, pastel sticks and embroidery on canvas, 18 x 24 inches
Jamie Martinez, Vision Serpent, 2021, thread, paint, ink, and scratches on terra cotta modeling clay, 7 x 4 inches
Jamie Martinez, Permission 1, 2021, carved culk, paint, spell, oil stick, pastel sticks and embroidery on canvas, 18 x 24 inches
Jamie Martinez, Permission 2, 2021, carved culk, paint, spell, oil stick, pastel sticks and embroidery on canvas, 18 x 24 inches

(Left) The vision serpent. The hallucinatory visions central to Maya ritual were symbolized by a rearing snake. Most vision serpents have smooth bodies, some show areas of flayed skin and in some cases feathered bodies. Serpent heads have long sometimes bulbous snouts, and most are bearded.

(Right) “Metamorphosing into an Owl”, paint, spell, marker and scratches on clay, 5 x 3 inches, 2020. When death comes for me, I will rely on him the most to warn me so I am ready for my journey.

“The Aztecs and Maya, along with other natives of Mesoamerica, considered the owl a symbol of death and destruction. In fact, the Aztec god of death, Mictlantecuhtli, was often depicted with owls.[49] There is an old saying in Mexico that is still in use:[50] Cuando el tecolote canta, el indio muere (“When the owl cries/sings, the Indian dies”). The Popol Vuh, a Mayan religious text, describes owls as messengers of Xibalba (the Mayan “Place of Fright”).[51]” (wikipedia).

Jamie Martinez, Vision Mask I, 2021, leather, feathers, thread, and shells on leather, 10 x 6 inches (approx.)
Jamie Martinez, Vision Mask II, 2021, burnt leader and feathers, 8 x 5 inches (approx.)

Vision Mask I and II, represent a powerful fusion of traditional ritual and Tribal art. Embodying the essence of shamanism and the spiritual belief in using masks to heal, the piece is a mesmerizing example of the timeless connection between humans, nature, and the spirit world. The feathers adorning the mask are a nod to the ancestral wisdom and reverence for the natural world, while the burnt leather material provides a modern, natural connection to our own skin.

The mask is intended to serve as a tool for inducing visions, invoking the spirit world, and seeking guidance in times of need. In this context, it functions as an extension of the shaman’s own being, acting as a channel for the spirits to communicate their messages. The mask, with its intricate simplicity and careful craftsmanship, is a testament to the importance of preserving ancient spiritual practices and incorporating them into contemporary artistic expression.

This piece of art is a unique blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing the enduring relevance of shamanic beliefs and practices in the modern world. It invites viewers to reflect on the power of the human spirit and its connection to the natural world, challenging the boundaries between art and spirituality. Overall, Vision Mask II is a mesmerizing example of the capacity of art to transcend time and culture, and to evoke the essence of the human soul.

Jamie Martinez, GOD LANDA'S UAC MITUN AHAUJ (God A), 2020, oil and embroidery on painted canvas, 24 x 18 inches

Six protecting spells Series

Jamie Martinez, Protector of my Heart as I enter the Cave 1, 2021, acrylic paint , pencil, pen, spell and oil pastel on canvas, 18 x 24 inches

As I enter the underworld I have created a series of 5 spells and one curse to protect my heart as I travel into the Cave. Meet my first protector with a unique spell to scare off any harm that approaches my heart. 

Jamie Martinez, Protector of my Heart as I enter the Cave 2, 2021, acrylic paint , pencil, pen, spell and oil pastel on canvas, 18 x 24 inches
If the first spell fails during my journey then this one will protect me and fly my Heart away from danger as I go deeper in to the underworld. 
 
Jamie Martinez, Protector of my Heart as I enter the Cave 3, 2021, acrylic paint , pencil, pen, spell and oil pastel on canvas, 18 x 24 inches

If what ever is chasing me in the cave during my journey has out smarted the Raven who flew in to save my heart, will have to deal with a nasty bas spell. The Bat Shaman will fly up, grab my heart from the Raven and find a dark corner in the cave, then it will put me close to his heart as it hangs upside down to sleep so we can take a breather since danger is all around us. 

Jamie Martinez, Protector of my Heart as I enter the Cave 4, 2021, acrylic paint , pencil, pen, spell and oil pastel on canvas, 18 x 24 inches
If the force that keeps chasing me during my underworld journey, finds me again as I hide with the bat and awakens us…that means that I am dealing with something far more intelligent and mystical….a possible spell master is behind this attack. 
 
I will then release a Mayan Master Shaman to fight it with a unique spell specially created to protect me from another spell master. Sometimes you have fight with fire. Nothing touches my heart while I am in the cave. These spells will make sure of that. 
Jamie Martinez, Protector of my Heart as I enter the Cave 5, 2021, acrylic paint , pencil, pen, spell and oil pastel on canvas, 18 x 24 inches

Assuming that all these attempts failed to protect me. I’m not worried…yet…meet “The Cleaner”. My personal bodyguard is escorting my heart and protecting me throughout my journey as I go deeper into the underworld. Anything that gets near my Heartwill get slaughtered + the nasty spell will haunt you

“The 13 Light-Year Spell” 2021, acrylic paint, oil stick, oil pastels, pen and unique spell on canvas, 18 x 24 inches.

If all the spells have been defeated and failed to protect me during my journey then I will release The 13 light-year spell to anything or anyone that tries to harm my heart as it transitions into the underworld. This is the last and nastiest spell yet…if I’m going down, then I’m taking you with me.

                                                                THE END of this 6 painting protection series

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