I have literally hundreds of images from this trip to Oaxaca. I could have shot thousands more. The art, the colors, the food, the people, the creativity...it's all so astoundingly gorgeous. And yet there is extreme poverty all around. Oaxacans are among the poorest people in Mexico. But that does not dampen their spirits or love of beauty. Anyone who can make something does it beautifully.
Captured at a small village 20 minutes outside of Oaxaca where we visited author and photographer Eric Mindling, who lives remotely with his dogs when he is not traveling the world documenting soon to be lost arts. http://www.ericmindling.com
The focus of our tour was art. So we stayed close to town, visiting artists and artisans in their studios, workshops and homes. All live simply in this climate that has endured years of drought. Water is more precious that Mezcal. It stormed a few times at night while we were here, but was bone dry by the next morning. We even had a couple of earth quakes.
The art we made was a reflection of our surroundings. Fantastical and organic. Growing from within, combining with bits of this and that until we created our Everyday Saints to help guide us to the next phase of our lives.
Susan and Amanda (mother and daughter) had to leave 2 days early but powered through their projects and finished them in record time.
Our studio at the casa.
These are Everyday Saints, each one designed and created by one of our student artists...all different skill levels, from beginning to advanced and even professional. You are never too old to try something new!
