The 12 plates illustrating the story are below. We have given each plate a title and you will find the story beside the illustration. Each item is hand thrown and painted, so these only indicate the design. Colors and design elements are different each time we hand paint an item.
Special order commissions are available and we will have some examples of other designs further down the page.
Special order commissions are available and we will have some examples of other designs further down the page.
3. Drumming Up The Sun … with all the stars hidden, it's time to praise the fine day
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- that the StarKeeper kept the stars safe.
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- that the StarKeeper kept the stars safe.
4. Animal Spirits In The Clouds ... bear, buffalo, coyote and other animals spirits appear in the sky as the clouds gather
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.
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.
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.
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.
5. Changing The Seasons ... spring, summer, fall, and winter - turning around the drumming shaman
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.
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.
6. The Four Elements... Sun - Wind - Rain and Thunder and Lightning
...and always the sun~ the wind~ the rain~ and the thunder and lightning.
...and always the sun~ the wind~ the rain~ and the thunder and lightning.
7. Star Light - Star Bright... StarKeeper hangs the first star back in the sky at dusk
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.
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.
8. Shooting Star ... the coyote shakes loose an ill-hung star
Sometimes- the StarKeeper - in the haste of putting all the stars back into to sky - would hang one loosely and it would come shooting down …always giving the coyote reason to howl.
Sometimes- the StarKeeper - in the haste of putting all the stars back into to sky - would hang one loosely and it would come shooting down …always giving the coyote reason to howl.
9. The Raven Had A Heart ... unlike the coyote, the raven had a heart
But the raven - though rascal by day - had a heart and never commented on the shooting stars.
But the raven - though rascal by day - had a heart and never commented on the shooting stars.
10. Moon River - Moon Song ... StarKeeper drums on a full moon while chanting praise of the running river
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.
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.
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.
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.
11. Full Moon Meeting ... with fewer stars to hang on a full moon night the StarKeeper has time to party with friends
When the moon did reach it's 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 all the night bright.
When the moon did reach it's 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 all the night bright.
12. Coyote Howls At The Moon... the coyote never knew the moon wasn't a star
And the coyote howled on and on … he never knew the moon wasn't a star.
And the coyote howled on and on … he never knew the moon wasn't a star.
Morals … of the StarKeeper story
1. Begin each day with a song of praise and happy activity.
2. Take time to see the spirits in the clouds.
3. Vary the day-even if the coyote and raven are about.
4. Occasionally, the coyote and raven get a star.
5. Control is important at all animal crossings.
6. It is going to rain.
7. Stay busy and honor…all things…all stars…bright and small.
8. If hung in haste the stars shoot downward and burn out.
9. Sharing with friends is important.
10. Don't tell the coyote.
We only make morals plates by order and don't usually have them in stock. They are 8" plates with a moral inscribed around the border. This works great with a table setting of StarKeeper dishes. StarKeeper dishes make a stunning setting and I will be glad to create this special table setting for you.
2. Take time to see the spirits in the clouds.
3. Vary the day-even if the coyote and raven are about.
4. Occasionally, the coyote and raven get a star.
5. Control is important at all animal crossings.
6. It is going to rain.
7. Stay busy and honor…all things…all stars…bright and small.
8. If hung in haste the stars shoot downward and burn out.
9. Sharing with friends is important.
10. Don't tell the coyote.
We only make morals plates by order and don't usually have them in stock. They are 8" plates with a moral inscribed around the border. This works great with a table setting of StarKeeper dishes. StarKeeper dishes make a stunning setting and I will be glad to create this special table setting for you.
In addition to the 12 story illustrations, we have several special designs we created, such as:
Singing A Song Of Freedom … and Sharing The Stars (the wedding plate) and others …
Singing A Song Of Freedom … and Sharing The Stars (the wedding plate) and others …
Personalized creations such as table tops, back splashes, and tile work may also be ordered.
For commissions Call or email Roger Allen
You can order by calling Roger at 325-653-4936
or email by putting the below into normal form
roger(the little circled a)chickenfarmartcenter(a period)com
the above written out in an effort to reduce spam
or visit the Chicken Farm Art Center
For commissions Call or email Roger Allen
You can order by calling Roger at 325-653-4936
or email by putting the below into normal form
roger(the little circled a)chickenfarmartcenter(a period)com
the above written out in an effort to reduce spam
or visit the Chicken Farm Art Center
HOME
STARKEEPER
STRIPED DINNERWARE
BIG ASS DANCERS
ANIMAL SPIRITS
MANDALAS & QUILTED
SPECIALITY ITEMS
PRICES & ORDERS
PROCESS
FRIENDS AND LINKS
PSST...PSST
WE'RE ALL STARKEEPERS
WE'RE ALL STARKEEPERS
About the StarKeeper…
…the full, full day of the StarKeeper is an original story by Roger Allen, and illustrations are colorful ceramic pieces.
…the full, full day of the StarKeeper is an original story by Roger Allen, and illustrations are colorful ceramic pieces.
"Hiding the stars among the rocks and cactus at dawn, so coyote and raven won't steal them - then hanging them back in the sky at dusk… that's the StarKeeper's job…his only job… and having much free time between dawn and dusk, the StarKeeper finds many activities to fill his day."
The StarKeeper evolved during a time of immense life changes. It is about Roger's feelings that, "Were all StarKeepers…and we must get up each day and gather and protect our stars…and sometimes the rascal coyote will shake loose an ill- hung star."
The StarKeeper is based on the Shaman, or Medicine Man -healer- spiritual leader of the Southwest Native Americans and embodies some Native American symbols and ceremonies. The series looks at the landscape of the Southwest…the big clear skies and their beautiful changing colors…and it's about Roger's belief that youth and everyone needs a job-something meaningful to do.
Hopefully, you will share all the different emotions 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.
The StarKeeper is based on the Shaman, or Medicine Man -healer- spiritual leader of the Southwest Native Americans and embodies some Native American symbols and ceremonies. The series looks at the landscape of the Southwest…the big clear skies and their beautiful changing colors…and it's about Roger's belief that youth and everyone needs a job-something meaningful to do.
Hopefully, you will share all the different emotions 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
Sharing the Stars
2. Morning Star …StarKeeper removes the last and most special star from the sky as the sun peeks over the hills
As the StarKeeper went about his dawn business of gathering and hiding the stars, he always left the special morning star till the very last. Sometimes the StarKeeper placed all the stars carefully in a pile and watched over them…but some days he scattered them far and wide among the rocks and cactus.
As the StarKeeper went about his dawn business of gathering and hiding the stars, he always left the special morning star till the very last. Sometimes the StarKeeper placed all the stars carefully in a pile and watched over them…but some days he scattered them far and wide among the rocks and cactus.
1 StarKeeper Gathering ... arises before dawn and hiding the stars so the coyote and raven won't play with and lose them
Before dawn each and every day the StarKeeper went out into the foothills and gathered all the night's stars and safely 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.
Before dawn each and every day the StarKeeper went out into the foothills and gathered all the night's stars and safely 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.
