The Artist Terry Keepers Artisan of the Sacred I have been making ceremonial objects and practicing shamanism and shamanic healing for the past eighteen years. It has changed my life. I founded the Shamanic Arts Studio about fourteen years ago for the purpose of creating functional shamanic art.
How I got started making
drums A number of years ago, intent
on buying my very first drum, I drove to Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, which is home of several renowned drum makers. At the
entrance of the Pueblo I was turned away by Indian Police who informed me that the Pueblo was closed for private ceremonies.
Disconcerted that my plans had been thwarted and unsure about what to do
next—buying a drum at the Pueblo had been the sole purpose for the trip—I decided to camp at Bandelier National Monument
outside of Los Alamos and remake my plans. The following morning I hiked from the campground into Frijoles Canyon, past the
ancient ruin of Tyuonyi and entered the courtyard of the visitors' center. There, I was astonished to discover a bench full
of knives and chisels, a tub of wet rawhide—and a placard proclaiming:
The spirits were offering me an opportunity to learn to make a drum,
rather than buy one! During the next three days I watched Bill intently, not asking a single question or taking notes—out of
deference to what I understood to be Pueblo etiquette—but following his every step. And when I went home I ordered supplies
and made my first drum (which I still use regularly), now one of hundreds.
A year or so later I met Bill again at a craft fair at Santa Clara
Pueblo. As we visited, I told him who I was; that I had learned to make drums from him and was using my drums for healing
ceremonies. In his own quiet and dignified way he was clearly pleased, and I was happy to honor my mentor.
I learned from Bill that a drum is a living being with a spirit of its
own. When the beat of the drum sets my body
to vibrating, it shows that it is a living being, a gift from the other worlds. You can readily feel that it has a spirit of
its own and not merely a passive spirit either, but one which can be consulted, just as one consults power animals and
spirit guides. To consult the drum, present
your question to the drum and then play in a steady beat until it provides an answer for you. It’s that simple and
that profound. As I journey (see
Shamanism) my soul
is carried on the steadfast heartbeat of the drum. It is a spirit horse being ridden to the other lands. Indeed this steed
which carries my soul deserves the utmost in honor, respect, and care.
About my silversmithing
About 13 years ago, sensing a new phase in my life, I began taking classes
from Jerry Gehringer a master goldsmith here in Boulder and I now devote myself to the creation of beautiful jewelry
and sculpture as well as shamanic drums and other ritual items. I studied intensively with Jerry for five years and
still consult with him regularly. I also studied at the Colorado Academy of Silversmithing and Art Metal, where I have
taught classes in fabric techniques in metal (crochet, braiding, weaving).
I am fascinated by the relationship between spirit and matter and strive to
create a spiritual statement through the the materials I work with. Even in such a simple thing as crocheting a chain
there is a meditation, some change in consciousness, as I do the work. As well, there is a small world that I feel in
touch with intimately as I apply my tools to the metal. The basic tools of the metalsmith have been the same for
thousands of years and there is a sense of history in picking up a tool such as a jeweler's hammer whose design has been
unchanged for generations. As well, designs for
things to create crowd my dreams, more than I can ever execute in reality, filling my nights with richness. The
technical problems of applying my vision to the actual material are intriguing, as is the need to translate the whole image
into the necessary physical limitations required for a pendant or earrings for instance..
I hope that as you wear these pieces you can sense in my work some of the
mystery I experience in creating it, things beyond mere decoration.
My philosophy of art
Art is a way of communicating between the physical realm and the
spiritual realm. One takes ideas from the spiritual realm and translates them into physical matter, which embodies
some of the spirit force of its origin. Creating things is a way of communicating with the soul, and is very
centering. When I was a psychotherapist I heard the poet Robert Bly say, “Any therapist who doesn’t have a craft is in
trouble.” I took that to heart. I think everyone should be creating something with their own hands and heart.
It doesn’t matter if you’re creating “professional work,” you are engaging in Soul Talk, and that is what matters.
Shamanic practice and
teaching I am available for individual
instruction in shamanism, both at an introductory and advanced level. I am also available for shamanic healing
ceremonies. There is a set fee for instruction. Healing work is always done for a donation decided upon by the client.
Please contact me if you are interested in or have questions about either of these activities.
The shamanic methods I use come principally from many years of instruction in shamanism and
shamanic healing with Michael Harner and Sandra Ingerman of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. (See
Resources for more about them.) The spirits who come to me in shamanic journeys are also vital instructors and
guides. In addition I had the honor of being part of a shamanic journeying group that met weekly for fifteen years. I
feel that the experiences with this group greatly enhanced my knowledge and experience. I am a founding member of the
Society for Shamanic Practitioners. |
