The Spirit of the Saguaro

"if you want to learn about the earth, the desert, stillness, and the unendingness of time, view Holly Metz's photographs in her show The Spirit of the Saguaro. Metz captures something timeless and holy in the world, something daunting and deeply hopeful about the possibilities for survival even when the waters run out, when the river is dammed, when the land has been disrespected. Still the earth shines and life thrives -- because that is what life does. The essence of Metz's art is her uncanny ability to understand and communicate that the objects of her art are subjects in their own right -- the saguaro, the desert, the bee -- each has its own spirit and view of the world. These works fill the soul."
                                                                                                                                            ~ Carolyn Brigit Flynn , writer & editor Sisters Singing

One time, One meeting   ~Sen no Rikyu

The Spirit of the Saguaro Project is a celebration of the radiant presence and ancient wisdom of the Saguaro. The images are an expression of the teachings they offer if I become still, give myself over, and see with whole body and mind.

Each photograph is taken in the Gila River Indian Community within a few miles of our home. At times the land feels haunted by the lush river that once fed this land, by the absence of the great trees, and the many plants and animals who were once here. Still, being in the presence of the Saguaro is life-sustaining. I listen to them creak in the breeze, the sound of wind in their spines like water. I touch and smell their rain soaked skin, and feel the life force vibrations inside them.

The Saguaro are our elders. Each is a unique individual, easily recognizable, with a beautiful story to tell. Though they, like the O'othham (the original people of this land), have witnessed and suffered countless indignities, they continue to grow in balance and strength, flower, and bear fruit. From them I learn about the strength and fragility of our natural world, and the value of an appropriate relationship with water...with all of the elements, and with time.

My intention is that the images offer the viewer a quiet space for contemplation about the connections between everyone and everything around them, inspiring awareness of the personal relationship each of us has with the original plants, water, air, animals, people and land of the desert.


The Spirit of the Saguaro exhibition opened at the Desert Botanical Garden September 5, 2008. Bookings are currently being accepted through 2013. To view the images featured in the exhibition please return to the Portfolio link on the home page.