Wannabe artist...

Half-way through the rainy season in Mexico, and all around nature is blossoming – how can one remain uninspired? I recently went trekking around Amatlan del Valle guided by Don Julio, who grew up there and is now regarded as a shaman. Part of the hike was on the same route that many follow on their yearly pilgrimage to Chalma, regarded as the second largest after Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Don Julio took us to where once was a temple to the God of Corn, known as a Cinteopa. Though one can only see vestiges of the pyramid, it is evident that people still go to the site with offerings for a good harvest. Don Julio blew his conch towards every cardinal point, as well as to the heavens and down towards Mother Earth, asking us to show our appreciation by kneeling and putting our hands on the ground (avoiding big red ants!) to thank Mother Earth for all that she's given us.

Reflecting on "all that she gives us," I realized that inspiration is also one of her greatest gifts. I was inspired to paint all that I could see – how I wish I could! But alas, I am greatly challenged that way!

My appreciation for the work of artists increased even more – I am also envious of them! It's amazing the way they capture the magnitude of Nature's beauty with masterful strokes of their brush. I especially admire artists who specialize in watercolor paintings.

The way artists blend colors in different media to mirror those of nature is definitely an innate gift. The patience with which they detail every leaf, every wave, and every texture requires the kind of meticulous dedication and patience that truly distinguishes them as great artists. I think artists must also have an enormous generous heart – how else can they part from their works of art so that the rest of the world can see the beauty of their homelands through their paintings?

Trendy & Chic the Natural Way

In an age where everything is pre-fabricated and disposable, and when life is constrained by a tight schedule, it is truly a privilege to take the time to appreciate Nature. Seasons are determined by natural occurrences, not by artificial means that measure the passing of time in minutes and hours. In Nature, there are no deadlines – there's the priceless gift of continuity.

There are many ways to appreciate Nature's continuous cycle, and one of my favourites is through art and design. I love how, lured by the colorful radiance of natural gemstones, jewellers capture the subtleties of Mother Earth's energies and amazing colors. Set in silver or gold, hanging from leather or cotton, radiant amethysts, garnets, citrines and more make for one-of-a-kind necklaces, because two natural gems of the same type will never glow with the same intensity and color.

Nature can also be appreciated through bracelets that are woven by hand from natural fibers. In Bali and Brazil, designers combine gemstones with bamboo, reed, Makassar ebony, and coconut wood. They truly are wearable works of art with a fascinating ethnic accent.

The continuity of Nature can be appreciated with handmade jewelries, especially as they can eventually become loving heirlooms. They also make for original and personal gift ideas as friends receive a necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings with their birthstone. I always get stuck finding gifts for men, and have recently found that gemstone cufflinks are a great option, and highly original too!