Dia de los Muertos and Mexican Inspired Art
Skeletons are so expressive- they reduce our gestures to their essence. I love drawing them to represent the amusing things we all do in the routines of daily life. I want to bring into focus the positive aspects of the natural cycle, and help reframe the idea of loss- loved ones are just on the Other Side! Music is integral to the joy and spirit-lifting aspect of Dia de los Muertos. Staying attuned to music opens our hearts and carries us to the place of our experience without the encumbrance of the body. It allows us to release the exterior baggage for a moment of travel in time to a place of happiness, moving emotion or inspiration. I'm inspired by the image of flaming hearts for their visual embodiment of the pervasive love that supports life. Our Lady of Guadalupe as a Saint and the story of her miracle is a representation of the universal protector, giving love and strength to each of us. My first involvement with Dia de los Muertos was years ago in San Francisco. I was invited to march in the small evening celebration parade, threading through side streets and less traveled places. Many homes had made an Ofrenda, or Altar, on their steps or sidewalks. Windows of shops were decorated and music was in the air, played by Mariachi bands along the way. People were happy and there was such a pervasive uplifting spirit, I found it so moving; a whole new tradition was offered as an alternative to the sadness and loss usually associated with death. The artistic cornerstone of the holiday is the family Ofrenda, decorated with photographs and objects that represent the favorite interests and passions of the deceased while living. My “Ofrenda” living room scene includes lots of photos and favorite things, the traditional wild Chrysanthemums, a cup of water and a special “Pan de Muerto” (bread) to refresh the spirits of our ancestors after their long journey. A time-honored belief is that the spirits can cross through the altar and be with their loved ones on this side. I love it that the Dia de los Muertos tradition is a week-long, family-centered time, for both internal reflection and gathering together in joyful remembrance of the influence and love given by our ancestors and family. Dia de los Muertos art is expressed with a gaiety of life in everyday activities such as my drawing of “Papi” with the family puppy or in the living room playing with the kitty cat. In the Papi/Papa print called, “Rats!” he’s holding his frightened doggie in out of the harm’s way from the Desert rats. All the historical series of San Francisco include details of the actual sites, to help bring remembered ones into the present, in active, happy pursuits. The image of “Photos at the [Golden] Gate,” shows tourists in a very popular and beautiful setting, where the bay flows into the ocean. At home, when you place one of these pictures in ‘the perfect place,’ you are including in your life the essence of the idea in the image. As for how I got here, I grew up in the country, about an hour outside of New York City. I became a museum hound for art and natural history during my young years, and later went to Pratt Institute art school in Brooklyn. I first started working in advertising, which I found very isolating. Seeking a more personal interaction with those who love and appreciate art, I became a Gallery Consultant, then a Fine Art Appraiser and eventually a teacher. Teaching has come closest to filling my heart- sharing the wonders of how art moves us, and loving the process of assisting and supporting others in making art. It has really served as the best parallel to my own journey as an artist. The artwork produced by my classes won numerous awards each year, including Grand Prize in an annual school-wide competition. The State of California chose three of our images for a series of twelve posters printed for student rights in 2009. I gaze out at the forest and dream. I take the dogs for hikes to reset my mind and enjoy nature and exercise. I do a fair amount of research and work slowly; usually getting an idea and working it mentally until it comes together. Then I make a series of drawings to blend the challenges of composition and medium with the message or idea that I want to express. The expression of ideas or concepts is my way of connecting with you as the viewer. It’s important to me to be able to lift spirits, provoke thought and add another dimension to each of our daily lives.
