Tag Archives: Merida

2018 Merida Artist Studio Tour

Posted in Art+Culture, Merida by

There are two different ways of looking at the world—you can walk on the path or you can walk through the hedge and I think that’s the beauty of art—that it just makes you step aside from the normal way of walking or looking.” – Andy Goldsworthy

Artists do have a unique way of viewing the world, and for one day every year, the Merida English Library (MEL) invites us to do just that—step off the path and into the studios of Merida’s artists.

On February 17th, over 450 art lovers, students, visitors and local Meridanos did just that—walked, cycled, and carpooled to studios as diverse as the art itself. With 35 painters, sculptors, photographers, glass, ceramic and wood artists to choose from, the hardest decision to make was whom to visit, what to buy and where to stop for that cerveza.

MEL has a long history of interacting with the burgeoning creative community here in Merida. More than 30 years ago, a printmaker, a painter and a photographer opened their own studios in what was to become the home of the Merida English Library. Since then, MEL had grown from being a lender of books to a community outreach of culture, exchange and learning. The Artist Studio Tour is one of the most successful fundraisers for MEL, generating much needed funds for ongoing and new programming, children’s books, computers and administrative expenses.

In a true symbiotic relationship of mutualism, both MEL and the artists benefit from combining their talents, their energy and their resources to create one of the best experiences you’ll find in Merida. A great big thanks to the tireless organizers, volunteers, artist helpers and especially, the artists—you just keep getting better!

 

 

 

 

Meet the Artist: Emilio Suárez Trejo

Posted in Art+Culture, Merida by

“Art is reality reshuffled.” Robert Rauschenberg

©Emilio Suárez Trejo

When you move around a canvas of Emilio Suárez Trejo, you can see how he’s re-imagining the world. In unskilled hands, an accumulation of text, photographs and found objects would simply be just that. In the hands of this young artist, the collection becomes an intersection of art and everyday life.

I met with Emilio at his new studio space just east of Centro Historico in Mérida. It’s here we looked at his work, discussed his influences and talked about his life as an artist.

How long have you been working as an artist?

From a young age I have always been drawing, and I knew that someday I wanted to have a career that involved drawing. I graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán in Mérida in 2010 with a degree in Visual Arts and have been working to find my own voice as an artist ever since.

©Emilio Suárez Trejo

A ‘career as an artist’ is often an oxymoron to many parents. How did your parents respond to your decision to follow this path?

Well, my father is a lawyer and so of course he wanted me to be a lawyer as well. Both he and my mother were skeptical of my choice, not understanding what ‘being an artist’ means. I believe that it’s important to do what you love, and I think they’ve come to see that doing what I love means a lot of hard work (smiles).

So at 28, are you able to support yourself as an artist?

For the first few years it was a bit of a struggle. After I graduated, I did residencies in Veracruz and Cuba that helped me develop, but more importantly, showed me that I could actually have a life as an artist. When I returned to Mérida I began teaching privately, and I now teach oil painting at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. I feel I’m a very lucky man in that I have the freedom to work on my own pieces and the opportunity to teach others.

©Emilio Suárez Trejo

What do you love most about teaching?

When I teach, I’m as much a student as my students are, in that I’m always learning something… I find that very gratifying. For that reason, I ask them to call me ‘Emilio’ instead of ‘maestro’. Rather than teaching how to paint, I teach them how to feel, and give them the tools they need to express themselves.

How do you find time to work?

I’m always working. If I’m not working on a piece I’m thinking about a piece. Teaching is simply a complement to that. I paint everyday and my students know this. I try to teach the importance of establishing a painting practice because that is the only way you will find your true voice as an artist.

Who has influenced you as a painter?

Before I went to University, I hadn’t studied much art history. As a student, I learned to appreciate historical artists from my own culture but I became fascinated by contemporary artists like Marcel Duchamp, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and the New York artists from the 50s, 60s and 70s like Robert Rauschenberg.

Have you ever been to New York?

No, but if I could travel anywhere right now, it would be to New York—to see the work of the artists I most admire. I saw Rauschenberg once in France and I realized then how important it is to see the art itself—not just in photographs—to see the paint on the canvas, the emotion in the work.

This is your first year on the Artist Studio Tour. What are you most looking forward to?

I’m a little nervous but also excited. This is the first time I’ve had a studio of my own and I think it’s a great opportunity to meet people who haven’t seen my work, and to hear their opinions. I am most interested in building relationships and hope that one day, this studio can become an ‘art lab’ of sorts—a place of learning, experimentation and inspiration for others, and of course, for myself.

Emilio is one of 36 artists in 29 studios participating in the Merida English Library annual Artist Studio Tour February 17th from 10 am to 5 pm. Information on the tour, the artists and where to buy tickets is available at meridaenglishlibrary.com. 

 

 

 

A Too Short Story

Posted in Merida, Prose+Poetry, The Space Between by

When we are young, friendships come easily. We collect them like seashells or fallen flowers—precious in the moment yet when the moment is gone, another comes to take it’s place. To love unconditionally and forgive quickly is something we often lose with our childhood; life makes us less trusting and more careful about who we let in. But life can surprise us.

When we moved to another country, another city, another culture, I became like a child again, surrounded by strangers who each carried the possibility of the gift of friendship. Friendships that hung in the balance of both wanting to give, and wanting to receive.

One night I met a woman at a party and we got to talking – about life, love, art. She gave me a seashell and I accepted it like the treasure it was.

She is a ceramicist and invited me to come visit her studio. The air inside was close with dust from the clay and heat from the kiln. She introduced me to all her children—some lay naked and waiting for her painters brush while others stood like soldiers in all their finery.

Her life partner was also an artist so she took me across the road to his workshop. The massive doors opened gently and easily despite their imposing facade, and inside lay a fantasy world. Surrounded by the smell of wood and steel, I made my way gingerly through the found objects that would one day become his works of art. The raw beauty of the space was like nothing I had ever seen, and even though I had yet to meet this man, his energy emanated from every nail, every stone, every tree.

In infinite jest
the sun rose again today
the wind stirred
the water rippled
the shadows danced.

In infinite jest
each breath came
in and out
in and out
as if it were just another day.

In infinite jest
the clouds moved across the sky
a living canvas
its semiotic indicator
a waning moon.

The sky
becomes the sea
the sea becomes
the sky
death becomes life

In infinite jest.

Thank you for your fallen flower George Samuelson.

2017 Merida Artist Studio Tour

Posted in Art+Culture, Living the Dream, Merida by

Over 30 years ago, the Merida English Library (MEL) was an artist studio. Painter and printmaker Mark Callaghan, painter Alonso Gutierrez, and photographer Victor Rendon (deceased) established a beautiful synchronisity between each other and the community that lives on through the vision of the Merida English Library.

Perfect day for an artist studio tour

Originally created as a lending library (12,961 books to date), MEL has grown to become a centre for community. Through ongoing programs geared to connecting English and non-English speaking visitors and members, students and intellectuals, art aficionados and artists, the Library is a story of generosity and dedication, sharing and partnership.

One of the Library’s most popular fundraising events is the Artist Studio Tour. For a single day each February, talented artists in Merida open up their studios, and ergo themselves, to curiosity, admiration and reflection. “The Artist Studio Tour is our flagship fundraiser, but it’s also an important way for us to give back to the community”, Board Vice-president Andrea Slusser told me. “The event shines a light on artists living and creating in Merida, and gives us all an opportunity to connect with people from around the world.”

Even Fitz needed a sit down after 17 studios!

This year we managed (Leanna, Fitz and I) to visit 23 of the 29 artists, a herculean feat given the depth and breadth of the work in each studio. Over 350 enthusiastic people joined us on what was a beautiful day in Merida, and judging from the smiles of artists and participants alike, I’d say it was an unforgettable experience.

“We leave that studio/gallery, inspired, and walk to several more. The sun is searing now and Larry and I enjoy a quick refreshing break in the upstairs lounge outside Cy Bor’s tiny studio while Pauline and Joanne discuss Cy’s work in progress–a blue patterned plate stacked with lemons, glistening with flavour. Cy’s pastels are displayed throughout the house, bringing with them a freshness you can taste. I am in awe of her ability.”
– excerpt from Diana Barton footlooseboomer.com

Detail on painting by Viviana Hinojosa
Painter Rodolfo Baeza
Painter Abel Vasquez
Musician Guylene Solon
Selling tickets at the Slowfood Market
©Juan Pueblo el Paleña
Los chicos malos! Pliego, Irvim and Juan Puebla
©Irvim Victoria
Estudio de George Samuelson y Katrin Schikora
Artist Joseph Kurhajec
©Joseph Kurhajec
Painter Renato Chacon
Power trio – artists Omar Said Charruf, Samia Farah, Emilio Said
Printmaker Manuel Taure aka The Graphic Baker
Volunteers Pam y Pam
Painter Ernesto Novelo
Manju, one of our many enthusiastic volunteers
Photo-documentarian Shirley Hisgen
©Shirley Hisgen
Printmaker/Painter Lucinda Young
Leanna Staines, Volunteer Coordinator, with sculptures by Melva Medina
Painter Kreso Cavlovic
©Kreso Cavlovic
Painter Douglas Greenwood
Sculptures by Jorge Guerra
Attendees of all ages
Painter David Aldrich
Artist Donna Spadafora
Cindy welcomes folks to Viviana’s studio
El estudio de Ernesto Novelo
With painter Steve Lemire
©Steve Lemire
Artist Eck Follen
Mixed media artist Lilian Rivera
Estudio de Lorraine Toohey
Works on paper by Stephen Aiken
Where to next?
Artists George Samuelson and Lucinda Young

Big shout out to El Cardenal Cantina, who handed out mojitos at the end of the tour! To all our fantastic volunteers— committee members, ticket sellers, media coordinators, poster distributors, studio sitters, promoters, project managers and the artists who took part this year…you are amazing! I have had the great pleasure of interviewing many of the artists over the past few years, so if you missed the tour, you can ‘meet’ Emilio Said & Samia Farah, Joseph Kurhajec, Rodolfo Baeza, Renato Chacón and many others right here on my blog. Hope to see you next year!

Merida on the Map

Posted in Art+Culture, Merida, Road Trips by

Hacienda magic

A new Palace of Music. The recently opened Centro Cultural la Cúpula. Gastronomic experiences and award-winning cuisine, charming boutique hotels and AirBnb’s. Day trips to beautiful haciendas, cenotes, and mayan ruins, and mini road trips to beach destinations like Isla Holbox and Tulum. Merida and the Yucatan are on the hipster ‘not-to-be-missed’ lists, and for good reason.

Here are just a few of the stories I’ve come across lately…enjoy!

New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/01/07/travel/places-to-visit.html?_r=0

New York Post: http://nypost.com/2016/01/12/the-mexican-getaway-thats-better-than-cancun/

Conde Nast Traveller: http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2015-08-27/a-locals-guide-to-the-best-of-merida-mexico-yucatan

Travel and Leisure: http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/exploring-the-chic-inland-towns-of-mexicos-yucatan-peninsula/14

Oasis in the Yucatan

Posted in Foodology, Merida, Road Trips by

o·a·sis n. pl. o·a·ses (-sēz) A situation or place preserved from surrounding unpleasantness; a refuge: an oasis of serenity; Hacienda San Jose Pachul

What to do when it’s 40C in the shade and your very soul demands to be quenched? You find an oasis. The Yucatan is classified as a tropical desert, so on a scorching day in April, I sought out refuge with five equally parched compañeras who also longed for cool waters, salty breezes, a richly layered ambiance and delectable comestibles. We found our oasis, sin salty breezes, at Hacienda San Jose Pachul. I have written about HSJP before, and taken many trips with visiting friends, always to great jollity. Two hours inevitably turns into four, and on this particular hot and sultry day, we arrived before noon and left as the sun was beginning to set. It was our monthly book club and Evelyn suggested we enjoy our discourse of ‘Tasty: The Art and Science of What we Eat’ by spending the afternoon surrounded by ‘umami’. We hired a driver and in 45 minutes, were bobbing in the pool, accompanied by rustling bamboo and Richards’ home grown sour orange margaritas. We had arranged with Chef Jose to have a ‘plating’ lesson which I was very much looking forward to. My lack of plating skills means I serve everything on a platter (very forgiving and easily impressive) or family style, in lovely serving dishes that share the table with the wine and conversation. Our first course was a luscious Banana Gazpacho made with bananas (plantains actually) from the hacienda. It was cool and sweetish with a bit of heat and left my palette longing for tart and fresh. Jose has beautiful dishes which are a huge component in successful plating. Also, colour and texture and remembering to lovingly wipe off the soup from the edge of the bowl (my bad). Course #2 was a refreshing Butter Lettuce with Mango and Panela Cheese. This was a perfect combination of fresh mango, Panela cheese, sweet yellow and red peppers, grape tomatoes and parsley, topped with julienne of jicama and drizzled with a combo of sour orange and ‘unclassic’ caesar salad vinaigrettes. Yum. After savouring the last of the wine pairing we traipsed back to the kitchen to help assemble the Stuffed Poblanos with chicken, Oaxaca cheese, fruit and vegetable crudités, nestled in Tomatillo Sauce. The crowning touch was a honey chile pasilla sauce drizzled ever so sparingly across the peppers. A final dip in the pool and we were back preparing a seriously umami dessert of Hacienda Banana Cake filled with coconut cream in a strawberry tres leches and topped with chile ancho chocolate sauce. I’ve begged for the recipes and am happy to share one with you here—buen provecho!

Hacienda San Jose Pachul’s Banana Gazpacho:

Hacienda San Jose Pachul's Banana Gazpacho

Hacienda San Jose Pachul’s Famous Banana Gazpacho

1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 medium white onion finely chopped 2 garlic cloves finely chopped 6 ripe medium/large plantains peeled and sliced 1/4 cup sugar 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1 tsp habanero sauce salt and pepper to taste 3 cups milk 1/2 cup finely chopped celery, red onion, red bell pepper 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

  • Sauté the white onion and garlic in oil over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add sliced plantain with the sugar and continue to sauté stirring constantly.  If the mixture is too thick, add some stock if necessary to cook through and a smooth consistency is reached.
  • Add the rest of the stock with the habanero sauce and salt and pepper and reduce over medium heat for about 10 minutes, taste for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper or sugar to balance the flavours, depending on how sweet the plantains are. Remove from heat and let cool.
  • Once the mixture is cooled down, mix in the blender some soup base with some of the milk, blending only to achieved medium light and silky consistency. Do not over blend, you want to leave some texture. Do this in batches until the banana mixture is finished.  You may need to add some more milk or stock to achieve the right consistency.
  • While blending, taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
  • Chill mixture.  When ready to serve portion soup into bowls, and garnish with the finely chopped celery, red onion and bell pepper, sprinkle some chopped parsley and finish with a spritz of olive oil.

Meet the Artist: David Aldrich

Posted in Art+Culture, Merida by
©Alison Wattie

©Alison Wattie

To meet with painter David Aldrich is to be embraced by beauty. His Merida home/studio is a contemporary oasis amongst the renovated colonials that appeal to most artists and expats. Canvases in various states of completion lean against every wall—it’s as if he is surrounded by his friends.

What is your first memory of being creative?

Well, I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t being creative, but my earliest memory of trying to understand it was in Grade One. I did this picture of my family as a 6-year old would. In the picture was a full square tabletop with the two legs. When I showed it to my father he tried to explain perspective to me, how I would only see the edge. I heard what he was saying but it seemed patently wrong to me because in my mind at least, that wasn’t how a table looked (laughs).

David A_Grey Couch

Grey Couch ©David Aldrich

Was there ever a period of time when you didn’t paint?

Yes, for the first 16 years I was a medical illustrator. I airbrushed 10-12 hours a day and had no desire or energy left to paint. That changed once I shifted to working on the computer and my desire for paint and canvas, something tactile, returned.

How did being a painter influence your career as a medical illustrator?

It made all the difference. Being a painter allowed me to think in ways that were more creative. I was successful as a medical illustrator because I had a way of re-envisioning problems; the standard rules of illustration didn’t confine me.

©David Aldrich

©David Aldrich

Have you always painted from real subjects vs photos?

When I worked as an advertising illustrator I started to paint from photographs for the first time, because time is money in that profession.

I don’t use photos in my fine art painting because I want to paint the person, not the photograph, and there is a huge difference in what one sees in both those mediums. Most of our ideas about what the world looks like are preconceived constructions; we don’t often see what’s actually there. I also find there is much more depth in a live person vs a photograph of a live person, and I spend countless hours trying to capture that.

©David Aldrich

©David Aldrich

What is the importance of the nude figure in your painting?

Society as a rule has difficulty with the nude, particularly the male nude. I try to look at a painting as a complete visual statement, and incorporating the nude is only one part of the statement I am making. In that sense, the couch on which the nude figure may be perched is as important, if not more so, than the figure itself…kind of a ‘Still Life with Nude’ if you will.

What cities have you lived in and what do you like about Merida?

I’ve lived in four large North American anglo-cultural cities and living within a Hispanic cultural experience is new to me. I’m fascinated by how the rhythm of the language influences the music, dance and art and love that I am surrounded by cultural experiences that are so easily accessible.

What music do you listen to when you paint?

Right now? Philip Glass. I get into an almost zen-like state with his music, and sometimes my models do as well!

David is one of over 25 artists featured on the Merida Artist Studio Tour.