Oh, Van Gogh!

So I was not expecting to find Van Gogh's paintings in front of me went I went to Chicago. I know I should have looked up the artists being exhibited but I wanted to be surprised. And I did. I think I ran to the painting once I saw it. Maybe even yelled Van Gogh and then ran. I did not push anyone though. I do agree that seeing this painting in a book does not make justice to the painting. It is much better! Even my photograph those not cut it. I am happy I was in front of it and could actually feel one on one with Van Gogh.
Augustine Roulin (La Berceuse) March 1889 The Art Institute of Chicago.

Salmon sky

Not entirely salmon but look at the pink oranginess of this sunset today. I had to run outside when I saw it. I also saw a salmon mesquite tree but was too late for that one since this color lasts a couple of seconds and then it disappears. I got the last salmon and I am glad I did. I could not live without the beautiful sky of the valley.

Last Fall semester our class got to visit UT Museum where Cildo Meireles's permanent instalation was showcased. At first, the sight of this instalation was a bit eerie and beautiful at the same time. It glows even though a black veil surrounds the whole instalation.

This instalation was comissioned by the Church in Brazil and ironically it criticizes the church.

He made a statement with his artwork that it took money and the death of many native people from Brazil in order to build the catholic church.

la capilla

My painting "La capilla" [The Chapel] found a home already. This painting of the cemetery "Sagrado Corazon de Jesus" is the first I made.

Aranza

Usually artists paint their love ones, so I decided to paint my goddaughter. She has a lovely face and like she said, "A que bonita estoy." This is the first time I painted portraits. I did three self portraits, but they were all different.

I love looking at the sky when the cold weather comes. The sunsets and sunrises are amazing. In the summer, there is a moment when everything turns red when the sun is going down. In the winter, everything tends to turn a red purple if not a cold yellow. Here are the birds ready for the winter. I love how they form irregular patterns throughout. The noise they were making was not that beautiful, but there are other countries that do not have birds at all so I am grateful we do. This means our land is still healthy.

I was honored to meet Elena Poniatowska this past tuesday. Her speech was so motivating for me. Even though her novels and her career as a journalist is facinating, her personality enriches your senses. I believe this is why the political topics she writes about have a human quality to them. In this picture, I am waiting in line with my cousin Marivel. We both rushed out of the auditorium just to be first in line. Elena Poniatowska is signing her books and patiently listening to the stories people have to tell her. She told us in private that listening to people is the best way to be inspired.

Will never foger this day!