The Shakers have contributed much to the world, even as their numbers dwindle. They were among the first Americans to stand against slavery, the genocide of Native American people, always, always, always for Peace and religious freedom. They were also among the most scientifically, and technologically sophisticated cultures; inventing the modern washing machine, metal pen nibs, the flat broom, the circular saw, waterproof and wrinkle-free cloth, the early version of clothespins, a metal chimney cap that blocked rain, and improved on the plow. This is only a short list of their contributions to modern life.

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They also created hundreds of new varieties of crops by employing scientific methods to genetically modify and improve upon existing species.

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Antithetical to the goals of most fundamentalist religions, including Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and others that look to rewards in the "afterlife", their "Prime Directive" (to employ a Star Wars meme) was to passionately work to create “heaven on Earth” through their lives and practices. They believed that God was dual in nature, being both male and female.

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In addition to the practicality of their inventions, the Shakers saw improvement in the beauty and gracefulness of their products as an embodiment of their philosophy.

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These Shaker Boxes - displayed in a show last year at the Currier Museum - are a prime example of this.

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Like a beautiful pair of moccasins lovingly created by Native American hands, they provide a simple but moving glimpse into the beauty of the culture and the gifts it brings to our lives and our hearts.>

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Wayne King humorously refers to himself as a North American "mutt" with a family heritage that winds through his Native American, Canadian and US Colonial roots. His love for the philosophical founding documents and sacred stories and dreams of the Iroquois Confederacy, the US Revolutionary Founders, and the sacred artist, musicans, writers and poets whose works and images are a celebration of the circle of life, blending the real and the surreal to achieve a sense of place or time that reaches beyond the moment into what he calls "a dreamlike quintessentialism" designed to spark an emotional response. Using digital enhancement, handcrafting, painting, and sometimes even straight photography, King seeks to take the viewer to a place that is beyond simple truth to where truth meets passion, hope and dreams. Join the mailing list and be first to see new images and to receive special offers on cards, prints, limited editions and more.

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To order this signed print in a different size, or with a mat or frame, please contact me by email with your size requirements for a quote. [email protected]

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