Douglas Martza: Onyx, Maiden Ruben Najera The choice to use turquoise

The choice to use turquoise for the eyes adds a striking contrast against the warm tones of the marble

challenging viewers to confront their own inner conflicts and contradictions within themselves

The choice of using chocolate serpentine as the base material gives the bear an earthy tone

The texture of the travertine creates a unique visual appeal

The choice to use pipestone—a material sacred to many Indigenous peoples—adds another layer of meaning to this piece

Douglas Martza: Onyx, Maiden Ruben Najera The choice to use turquoiseMart za The combination of earthy tones with vibrant turquoise accents creates a striking contrast that captivates the viewer's imagination. Each curve and line on the figurine tells a story of tradition, ritual, and connection to the natural world. As you gaze upon this carving, you can almost feel the energy emanating from its smooth surface, as if it holds centuries of heritage and mysticism within its form. This corn maiden is not just a symbol,