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?

Paint Me a Story…

Picasso once said "There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who, with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun." Those are the artists that I admire, whose works capture one's heart and imagination, and are forever inspiring.

Once, when living in Guadalajara, I went to see a homeopath who was probably nearing 100 years of age! He asked me to put my hand out right in front of me (what did it have to do with my cough? Surely he should look down my throat, listen to my lungs?) He proceeded to tell me several things about "my personality," which for the most part were spot on, but when he said that art and sunsets were my favorite things, I practically fell off the chair! Isn't palm-reading about how long you'll live and how many kids you'll have?

In Mexico, sunsets are always beautiful, especially in Oaxaca! The way the sun colors the sky is impressive, dramatic and unique. There are never two sunsets alike – just like with original paintings.

Amongst the plethora of interests that Leonardo da Vinci had, he painted as well as invented things, finally proclaiming, "How painting surpasses all human works by reason of the subtle possibilities which it contains!" Today's artists prove him right:

Contemporary Peruvian artists tell the stories of their Inca ancestors in a variety of styles, while others like Julio Cuyro Ccahua offer pictorial depictions of current, long-standing traditions through highly original paintings. Cuyro focuses on the Varayoc, who are selected by the elders in farming communities to become leaders for a year. They are believed to be wise and knowledgeable in all matters pertaining to everyday life, as well as in the mystical realm. Cuyro's style is rich in colour and blends Expressionism and Naïf art with a single brushstroke.


In Ghana, Asayaw Osattene Asante had to go against his parents wishes to become an artist, what he refers to as his own personal mission impossible given the importance that Ghanaians give to family life. I'd like to think his parents are now bursting with pride to see how people around the world admire his original paintings. See, he paints the stories of Africa's past and present, faith and wisdoms, music and dance. He admits he is quite impulsive, which is why he'd rather paint with acrylics than oils, which slow him down! Asante's dynamic and energetic approach to art results in a unique and colorful style. I admire his work because he paints about the things I like most about African art: drums, masks, Adinkra symbols, dance, etc. He also takes care to explain the stories of tradition that inspire his work, like in Ashanti Mad Masks

Novica's online gallery of original paintings exhibits the work of artists from around the world. Oh and the stories they tell! They speak of love, of faith, of customs and traditions. Some share the song or poem that inspired their work, while others regale viewers with abstract or surreal compositions for us to create a story of own.

Far be it of me to side with politicians, but you know? I do agree with Winston Churchill in his admiration of artists: "Happy are the painters, for they shall not be lonely. Light and colour, peace and hope, will keep them company to the end of the day."