Easel Project I

Spanish Missions are powerful ruins of America's fledging beginnings in the South and Southwest continental US. The Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire from the Yucatan' moved north in search of pagan souls to save. The Franciscans built presidios like fortified garrisons for troops to protect the coastlines from invasion.

From 1573 until 1834, over two hundred years of pre-american history formed in Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and parts of California. Bringing European diseases and converting sedimentary Indians into farmers for the New Spain.

Death and disease spread among the natives and warlike nomads called Apache & Comanche presented problems for the Mexican Government. The Spanish Mission became secularized in 1834, right before the Texas War of Independence broke out a year later. It was a Spanish Mission in San Jacinto on 21 April 1836 that independence was first won on American soil.

I believe these missions stand like the ruins of Rome on American soil. Reminding us of the false pretense of outsiders under the covet of God. Today they still stand with a light of transcending from one world into another.

The architectural design of Gothic, Moorish and Romanesque styles ironically represent today iconic symbols of independence on American soil. An independence that eventually unified the states granting freedom to all citizens, started with these ruins of years past.

Personally, I found these ruins to be powerful icons which represented a belief of transcendence from one place to another. Passing through the shadows into the light to find a new way of life.