Well, I'm back from the PLAY journaling retreat and oh how I wish that I was still there. Except for the part about missing my family, I'd love to be back in that studio room with all the juicy creative energy swirling about. I can't resist these traffic mirrors and just had to leap out … Continue Reading
Bienvenida! The day arrived and I welcomed a couple of girl friends over for some autumn victuals and sugar skull hijinx. This is the first year I've made an ofrenda and I have to say it has brought such a loving glow to our home, I may leave it up all year. My wonderful … Continue Reading
The end of the week brought us to our journey’s purpose – Day of the Dead. It begins on October 31 and runs through November 2. It’s a multi-day celebration that honors the people who have crossed over to the other side. It is rooted in Mesoamerican civilizations, going back 3,000 years. Despite the seemingly … Continue Reading
Dios de los Muertos is a multi-day celebration, usually observed October 31 – Novemeber 2. Ofrendas are alters that honor the dead, a place where they are welcomed home and the center of the Day of the Dead celebration. Ofrendas can be big or small, fancy or simple – and they were everywhere in Oaxaca. Homes, … Continue Reading
Another field trip took us to the pottery villages and cemeteries surrounding Ocotlan. We visited the studios of the famous Aguilar sisters which had us all drooling over their amazing ceramic figures. They had a small space where they sold their work, but I was really taken by their ceramic figures out in the elements. … Continue Reading
Throughout the week we spent several days with our wonderful guide, Juan, visiting 3 villages that specialize in Oaxacan crafts. At the end of our first field trip day we visited Teotitlan de Valle, known for it’s amazing woven wool rugs and natural dyes. At one studio we were given a wool spinning and dyeing demonstration … Continue Reading
We visited several bustling, amazing markets during our stay, the closest one to us was the Benito Juarez market. It’s a covered market, crowded with people and really anything you would want to buy, including these fabulous sugar and chocolate skulls. Spice stalls, bakery stalls, hardware stalls, meat and seafood, vegetables, healing aids and spices, … Continue Reading
“Respect for the right of all is peace” – Benito Juarez, Mexico’s 1st indigenous President In late October of 2007 I made a journey to Oaxaca, Mexico with a group of 20 artists to experience the truly beautiful and unique celebration of Day of the Dead – El Dia de los Muertos. We traveled with … Continue Reading
In the spirit of my celebrating the Day of the Dead with my fellow art bloggers Stephanie, Susanna and numerous others, I will begin my "Tales from Oaxaca" series tomorrow, detailing my trip to Oaxaca last year (around this time) with Michael de Meng. We traveled to experience the Day of the Dead in one of Mexico's most celebrated cities. It … Continue Reading
The kids and I have flown the coop and headed to the beach for a couple of days. I KNOW! This has been the craziest travel summer I have ever had in all my 51 years. And I have to say I'm loving it! When I planned this little getaway last February it seemed … Continue Reading