Carnival in a small Mexican village

I first stumbled upon this version of the carnival 11 years ago when it just so happened to coincide with our move to Mexico. Migrating like birds seeking sunshine and warmth, hand in hand we arrived in his small village under the volcano guided only by instinct and the desire for life uncompromised and unapologetic. The carnival festivities commenced shorty after with costume-clad locals drinking and dancing in the streets washing our fears and doubts away with each tequila shared. Fireworks marked time with the sun, and Banda music weaved through the streets like an ancient aztec spell.  It marked the beginning of our new adventure, a new iteration, our new life.

We did not end up living in the village but migrated further south.  Nonetheless, we've been back many times, it's still one of my favorite festivities of the year. Many of our family members partake in these traditions. The town divided into three groups, collects as many members as they can in hopes of a trophy and a cash prize for the village dance. In reality, everyone wins. Streets shut down to three live concerts, venders line the streets and for one week, we dance to the same rhythm. Together.  Fearlessly.

"Carnival under the volcano." Mixed media on canvas 2022

I love going to my studio after such a trip. Throw paint spontaneously, make intuitive marks, unburden from the outside world. Listen to music and play, let things manifest on their own terms. That’s how this painting came about, I had no idea I was painting the carnival until I painted in the dark green/gray background and, like magic, the dancers begun to appear.  One by one, they emerged, transporting me back to those shared moments, with our wild and tender hearts, when together, we danced under the volcano.