THE STARKEEPER
By Roger Allen
The StarKeeper is an original story, complete with 12 illustrations by Roger Allen. Based on the Shaman, or Medicine Man/Healer/Spiritual Leader, of the Southwest Native Americans, this story started our journey in the world of colored pottery and continues to influence and inspire us to this day.
It is our hope that you will share all the different emotions that this series evokes. See the clear color of the sky as the sun rises and sets, feel the thoughts of meaningful work and sharing with friends, and be the protector of your stars.
Psst... Psst... We're all StarKeepers
... THE FULL, FULL DAY OF THE STARKEEPER
An Original Story by Roger Allen
12 Plate - Illustrated Series on Colorful Ceramic Art
GATHERING THE STARS
Before dawn each and every day the StarKeeper went out into the foothills and gathered all the night's stars and hid them among the cactus and rocks and covered them with the moon and protected them all day long...
Until sunset, when he hung them back into the dusk... one or two or three at a time.
That was his job... his only job.
MORNING STAR
As the StarKeeper went about his dawn business of gathering and hiding the stars, he always left the special morning star the very last.
Sometimes the StarKeeper placed all the stars carefully in a pile and watche over them... but some days he scattered them far and wide among the rocks and cactus.
DRUMMING UP THE SUN
... Whichever the StarKeeper was always finished gathering them just as the sun peeked over the distant hills, and he would begin to drum up the sun and chant prayers for one very fine day for all the creatures and beings... well mostly fine...
... the sly coyote and devilish raven were known rather well as complete rascals... completely capable of sneaking up and stealing a star to play with... which is why, of course, the StarKeeper kept the stars safe.
ANIMAL SPIRITS
On nearly any given day the clouds would gather and the StarKeeper especially liked the clouds, even when they didn't bring rain... which was most common... because the clouds always had a special magic and often gathered themselves into the shape of animals.
The StarKeeper was often seen looking into the sky at the animal spirit clouds, and he chanted to all the animal spirits as they danced across the sky.
SEASONS - SPRING, SUMMER, FALL, AND WINTER
Those rare occasions, when the clouds gathered enough to rain, were very special days.
After the rains, the hurrying and scurrying and slithering about of the animals... in search of their favorite watering hole... would create a real gridlock along the favored paths...
So the StarKeeper, liked by all, even the coyote and raven, was a natural to control the animal crossings.
ELEMENTS - SUN, WIND, RAIN, THUNDER & LIGHTNING
The StarKeeper especially enjoyed those days... he got to see everyone... and after a good rain, it always seemed to make the stars shine brighter that night.
Full-days! Full-days!
The StarKeeper was always busy... caring for the stars and participating in the day's activities... stirring up the four winds or occasionally changing the seasons... and always the sun, the wind, the rain, and the thunder and lightning.
STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT
Soon enough the day passed and each and every dusk the StarKeeper was there to hang the stars back into the sky. Seemed every time the season changed he would have different locations for the stars, but he always began with the lightest and brightest star.
SHOOTING STAR
Sometimes, the StarKeeper, in haste of putting all the stars back into the sky would hang one loosely and it would come shooting down... always giving the coyote reason to howl.
RAVEN HAD A HEART
But the Raven, though rascal by day, had a heart and never commented on the shooting stars.
One thing the StarKeeper noticed, the coyote noticed, every creature noticed, was that... after a certain passing of nights the moon got bigger and bigger until it was so big and bright that the StarKeeper had fewer stars to hang that night.
MOON RIVER, MOON SONG
Even as the moon grew in size, the StarKeeper would stand over the river and chant a special song...
And he marveled at how the river looked silver even though he knew the water was turquoise color. It seemed that the silver lining on the river made for a darker, quieter night of sleep for the catfish... as they seemed especially rested and active the next day.
FULL MOON MEETING
When the moon did reach its fullest... and with fewer stars to hang, it made for a little extra time... the StarKeeper and his friends would meet in their favorite secret place and would sing praise and prayers for the light of the moon... for it seemed to make the night bright.
COYOTE HOWLS
And the coyote howled on and on...
He never knew the moon wasn't a star.
*Please Note: All Images in this Story Section are Examples of our StarKeepers, purchasable options are available below. You can also place an order with us for any of the pieces you see here. Thank-you!
PSST... PSST...
We're All StarKeepers!
About the Process - Although the illustration designs are repeated throughout the series, each piece of work is a totally unique painting. Wheel-thrown white earthenware clay is airbrushed, stenciled, wax-resisted, hand-painted, and fired multiple times to achieve the final product. Each piece is handled 40 to 50 times in the working process. The food safe glazes and durability allow this work to be used, although most pieces become a hanging or displayed work of art.
In addition to the 12 story illustrations, special orders or personalized colors can be made. Special designs like "Sharing the Stars" make great wedding or anniversary gifts and can be ordered in a variety of colors with personalized names and dates. Let us help you share the stars!
We hope you appreciate and enjoy!
GET A QUOTE OR PLACE AN ORDER
Don't see what you're looking for? Do you need more than one or two pieces? Let us know, we'd love to share our art with you. Our StarKeeper can be made to order with custom colors, designs, and more!
We make everything right here in our studio/shop. Custom Orders take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete.