(Heads up, I am not a skilled-perfect-grammar-kind-of-writer, but I enjoy writing, so… ;)
In March 2023
I made a decision, to stop thinking about pursuing a dream and act. I took a leap of faith and decided on a solo trip to find inspiration, with the hope of moving past my 10+ years of creative block. I chose Mexico City, a place I had dreamt of visiting since childhood. Yes, it lived up to my imagination, and more. The city was full of color, life, energy, culture, music and art.
At first, I stayed central, right next to the Main Square, Zócalo. My first stop, Palacio de Bellas Artes, every detail within the building was a piece of art, even the restroom doors. Then I came across this immense and powerful mural, Liberación by Jorge González Camarena, created in 1957-1963. (Jorge was a great Mexican artist of Cubism and Magical Realism, his murals can be found in Mexico and Chile.) I have a passion for symbolic art – this piece was intensely stacked with it. I felt emotional when first saw it, it’s stunning. Much respect for his dedication, painting this piece for 6 years, to portray Mexico’s strength against oppression. It’s a strong reminder, humanity can overcome anything, if we keep learning, keep the faith in ourselves, stand strong for justice. I am grateful I stumbled across his work, I even happened across another of his murals, Las Razas y La Cultura (Races and Cultures), at the massive museum (wear your trainers), Museo Nacional de Antropología (MNA). A really spectacular, powerful and feminine piece. Symbolizing the “beauty, unity, and diversity of humankind”.
Art like this, created with soul (not Ai!) is comforting to me. Almost like it’s alive and talking. Forever looping a message of the real history, with truth (so many of our history books are questionable). helping us learn, understand, have faith that if we unify we are stronger.
In the country I live in there are some bullies holding the reins, again, trying to play games of power with the people, again. But I have faith, good will overcome.
P E A C E
Detail of Liberación mural: tattoos on the body are said to be symbols of prejudices and prohibitions.
'Las Razas y La Cultura' mural by Jorge González Camarena at the MNA, CDMX
I did many other things while on this trip… walking the cobbled side streets in the evenings, strolling the parks of Coyoacan and La Condesa, running aorund the huge Museo Nacional de Antropología (MNA) and exploring the Teotihuacan Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.
I enjoyed the laid back energy in MC, literally, I spotted a pair of cowboy boots peaking out the back of pick up truck doing some speed down the freeway, he was smiling, hat tilted, eyes closed, chilling, laid back, arms behind his head, legs crossed, ha!
I loved so much of Mexico City’s culture, and I tried to write what I saw and felt, but I can’t really do it justice, really I can’t sum it up, you just have to go there! But in a nutshell, I saw so much creativity, art, history, beauty, color, food, music and nature, I hardly knew where to rest my eyes.
I crammed in as much as I could but there is much more I want to discover, so I plan to return to Mexico City. I’d love to seek out more of Jorge’s murals and relax for a while, learn more about the history and art.
So, the experience worked, my creative block was broken. I left feeling more connected to something I thought I had lost. I felt inspired to create something.
Sept 2023
Since my trip I started painting again and I committed to a new direction , I changed careers. Moving from graphic design, to become an art instructor at a small local art school in San Diego. And, I started doing my own thing too, paintings, pottery, working on a commission here and there.
I had to go out on a limb. I feel a lot more fulfilled and inspired these days, as my daily practice pushes me to be in that state of mind that suits me, and feels more natural. It feels good.
Liberation!
These are my highly unprofessional photos. I have made peace with my lack of patience and ability to be photographically technically skilled – the need to be perfect. I seem to be happiest when capturing a moment over perfection. That’s my excuse anyway ;)
