Partners Upon the Earth

Partners Upon the Earth by Michelle Tsosie Sisneros

As we grow older, you and I 
I see my connection with you grow deeper.
We are friends . . . 
Hobos at times, eccentrics in moments fleeting.
And masters of our own universe.
We capture our peace inside out little world.
We have hurt each other,
Given up the other 
In
Separation.
Is there such a thing as soulmates
I think not, for I cannot and do not want to know your soul.
That is between you and the creator.
I ...... just want your gentle touch
Your unconditional friendship
In this thing called marriage. 
For like the  eagles.
We are partners upon the Earth
For Life.

Born in Albuquerque in 1959, Michelle is the daughter of Carol and Paul Tsosie (Navajo).  Her marriage to a Santa Clara man shifted her orientation to Espanola, an urban center in the heart of the Rio Grande Pueblos, impacting the subject matter of her paintings.  Her Indian name So Whu Wa Tung translates to Basket in the Mist

In July 1989 she was awarded the Best of Fine Arts at the Fortieth Navajo Show at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Her work was included in an exhibition at the San Diego Museum of Man titled "Paths Beyond Tradition" (May 20-September 4. 1989).

Naranjo's work is in the permanent collection of the Heard Museum and she has won several First place awards at the Santa Fe Indian Market, as well as the Patrick Swazo Hinds Memorial Award for the most Promising Painter in 1981.

An artist featured in Patricia Broder's impressive publication Earth Songs, Moon Dreams Paintings by American Indian Women, Naranjo's involvement with fashion as well as art is revealed. 

Michelle shifted her last name from Naranjo to Sisneros during the 21st century.