just a little something...that kinda bothers me...

Okay maybe I shouldn't even say anything. I do believe in karma. But I keep having little nagging issues that gnaw at my brain every now and then. As an artist I have to wonder if I should just jump on the bandwagon. The "bandwagon" being that minority of artists who paint a subject simply because it's a moneymaker. Even if they have no knowledge about what they are painting. Example (making it as brief as possible!):

Vending recently at a large Day of the Dead event. Set up next to an artist selling Day of the Dead and other religious themed paintings. Very nice lady and pleasantly nice all weekend. Lady has no idea what the Day of the Dead is about. Lady paints skeletons and calls them Day of the Dead paintings. Lady sells several "Day of the Dead" paintings at $250.00 each. Lady is also selling religious painting of saintly woman. Lady has no idea who saintly woman is. Lady saw the saintly woman at a museum in Italy and copied. Lady sells saintly woman painting sells that weekend for $900.00.

Okay label me jealous. Yes I admit it. I was jealous that she managed to sell a painting for $900.00 that weekend and most of us were struggling to sell our $20.00 items. I was happy that she sold the painting. Any independent artist who sells a higher end painting is like a victory for us all. But she simply had no idea that the saintly woman she had sold was La Dolorosa. The image of the painfully weeping mother who has lost her only son and who bears the seven sorrows of man as swords pierced deeply in her heart and is a beloved image in the catholic religion. But lady manages to pull the deal off with the customer and sell her painting. *sigh*

When I started creating Day of the Dead themed art several years ago, one of the first things I did was to read everything I could on the subject. Yes it was a cultural holiday that was undoubtedly celebrated by my ancestors long ago, but I knew that I could not create serious artwork unless I knew my subject. In other words, I can't just jump on the bandwagon and start painting skeletons for profit unless I know my subject.

I suppose that the success of selling art is in the hands of the buyer. I rarely have a customer who purchases a high end piece from me and does not want to know everything about it from what originally inspired me down to the painting process and method.

I see so many artists on etsy who are misusing the term "Day of the Dead" on items that should more properly be labeled for Halloween. There are no zombies, blood or gore associated with el Dia de Los Muertos.

If I decided to become a writer one day because I thought it would bring in some money, I would never write a book on "How To Speak Fluent Russian In Just One Day."

So I will conclude with this advice to new artists. Take a few moments to utilize the net or your local library and learn a bit about the images you decide to use in your art. Yes skeletons are big sellers and they're cool and lots of fun to paint. But take the time to find out why they are used in artwork and where the idea was originated. It's never too late to learn about other cultures and civilizations. You might also find that it enhances your own life and inspires even more creativity.

Day of the Dead 2008 in Mesilla, NM

I am a volunteer in The Calavera Coalition. A wonderful group of women who are dedicated to preserving the ancient celebration of El Dia de Los Muertos. The purpose of this event is to bring together people from all walks of life to honor the lives of their loved ones who have passed on. The plaza turns into a feast for the eyes as people build altars to their family members, pets and even causes that they are passionate about. We bring in artists and crafters to sell their wares and do not allow any kind of pre-manufactured items. We have local entertainment to give the event a more festive air. This is not a carnival by any means. This is a celebration of life.

This year I was the vendor coordinator for Mesilla's Day of the Dead. What a job! I'm used to just showing up, getting my booth assignment and setting all my junque up. But this time I was the one in charge and I've gotta admit it wore me out. But it was also a load of fun and I got to meet some wonderful people. Not to mention see some of my favorites again.

This is Alex & his lovely wife Lori. They are both incredible artists. Alex is also a tattoo artist and does beautiful work. It was good to see them again. It's hard to believe they were getting through this weekend with little to no sleep. You can tell they're young because if I had gotten no sleep you'd better believe I'd be mistaken for La Llorona!






This pretty lady is Carolyn. She drove all the way from Los Lunas which is up by Albuquerque. I had the privilege of meeting her when we both vended at the Hispanic Contemporary Market in Santa Fe. I fell in love with her beautiful passionate artwork. Carolyn darn near sold out this weekend! And with that she is able to make it to the Winter Market in Santa Fe. Yeah!

This is Christina who drove down with Carolyn from Los Lunas. She was too cute and made these fun embellished totes and reversible bags that were quite a hit this weekend. By the close of Sunday, her sales went so well that her tent was almost empty.






That's Casey there on the right. What a pistol! I liked her immediately and I believe we have a date to go out shooting watermelons. jeje
Her earrings and jewelry were a rockin' hit! She is a fabulous artist in her own right and I now own a pair of zapatista earrings complete with pistolas. Ahuuuuaaa!




Joie is an incredibly talented artist. She is a polymer clay DIVA! No kidding. The polymer clay art that woman creates are unlike any other polymer clay artwork I've ever seen. Her work never ceases to take my breath away. I am so happy to say that she had a very successful weekend and just about sold out! Yepyep!






This is my friend Maya. She's a joy to converse with and is the best storyteller I've ever known! She came up with some of the most original Muertos jewelry I have ever seen. Adorable calaveras with antler rings, skull ribbon necklaces, and a variety of other colorful pretties to adorn the body. It was so good to have her at this event!
This is Michele and she came all the way from Pinos Altos. Along with a variety of other jobs, she is an artist extraordinaire! Do not go to her table unless you have an open wallet and budget. You will find some of the most original artwork and craftwork ever and I am so proud to say that every Dia de Los Muertos...she is OURS!






We had many more artists and performers but unless I turn this blog into a book, I just won't have time for more. It really was a wonderful weekend and I'm already thinking about how to improve it for next year!

Next Stop...Santa Fe!

Just finished up two big shows. Albuquerque was Oct. 4th and 5th. That was the San Felipe Santero Market and though I'm no Santera...I made some great sales!
Dia de Los Muertos in the historic plaza of Mesilla was a blast. Great atmosphere and great sales too. The weather was divine. Who could ask for anything more?

I'm currently working like a madwoman for new pieces to take to Santa Fe's Hispanic Contemporary Winter Market at El Museo Cultural. After that I've promised myself that I will rest for the month of December. Yeah. Right. jeje

I'm looking to enter into a big art festival in San Antonio Texas. Big juried show so wish me luck! Gotta get that application in by the 15 of this month. Hurry hurry hurry!