Tag: local artisans

people

Guitar Player

Michele B. Naquaiya
guitarist-th

I painted this in July and forgot to include it in the blog  Better late than never.

Meeting friends in downtown Chapala and  walking the malacon after dinner, I spotted this young man in a crowd, meandering his way through the restaurant umbrellas.  I did not see his face but he had a quick step of happiness in his stride.

Of course, I had to paint him. I loved the way he casually slung the guitar over his back and he was definitely walking with a purpose.  I wondered, “was this before or after a gig?”

It’s a treat to see he wore a pink shirt and straw hat.  Of course!  Thank you kind sir for your happy stride.

prints available here

Ajijic

Wine Seller at the Plaza

Michele B. Naquaiya

If you are not having a great day, sitting at the Ajijic Cultural Plaza will cheer you up.  It’s fun to get a snack or cool drink and just watch what goes by.  There are the usual vendors who have a lot of exciting things and are always showing something new.  People strolling, singing, children playing, and flowers and great foods are a staple.

And then there are the very unique

This man makes a drink called “tuba”.  It’s a fermented coconut wine.  To start with, he climbs to the top of a tall coconut tree and with his machete in hand he slices off a piece of the center growth (the pure sap of the tree) and transfers the liquid into a container.   This liquid gold is  the ingredient he needs to make his drink.  He sets the stage for fermentation. He uses sugar,  yeast and I’m sure other secrets.  It is a short fermentation and is meant to be used quickly, compared to other wines.

He sells his drink from the “bule”.  This one is colored red, most are yellow or tan.

tuba-web

I loved painting him because of his jolly personality.  I don’t know if I captured his sweetness and joy but here he is if you would like to purchase a print.

 

 

Ajijic, people

4 Musicians in Mexico, painting completed

Michele B. Naquaiya

Link to purchase my painting

3musicians--th

These musicians can be heard in various venues around Ajijic.  Their music is very pleasant and rich.  I love the combination of instruments. They come in and do their thing while people enjoy, converse and eat.  I noticed that generally people don’t seem to listen much…maybe that’s my personal opinion.  But I loved the mix of instruments and above all, the way they communicate with each other; and that comes back to us, filling the room with music.

Listening to them reminded me of many nights going to little jazz clubs years ago in Los Angeles.  It was so easy to drift into the  music and lose your daily woes.  It gave me the opportunity to get lost in the moment where music can allow you to raise your presence from your body to a higher level.

I am happy to say those memories are renewed here in Mexico.

Ajijic, people

Ajijic’s People: Dave the sculptor and part-time Orange Juice Guy

Michele B. Naquaiya

orange-juice-web

I know it’s just not me, but I believe there are people here in Ajijic who definitely make a difference.  They  make an impact on our daily lives.  Being a newbie here, I can only comment on some of the ones who have impressed me enough to photograph and paint them.  I like to call them “people landmarks” because when you talk about them to friends, they respond with  “Oh yeah, I know him, or I’ve seen her.”  Usually they are vendors who have a following and a great variety of merchandise they collect and sell, or they are artisans themselves.  

They usually claim a street corner or familiar area where they’ve built their reputation.  I know that my “orange juice guy” can be found in front of Guadalajara Pharmacy on the Carretera.

Dave is an artist–a sculptor. He wears more than one hat which many of us have to do,  I’ve bought juice from him before and it is really good juice.  He’s one of several people I have enjoyed photographing and painting in watercolor.  He has a very friendly nature.  He always has a big smile and love for conversation and a little pleasant joking.  He takes great pride in what he does.  He is always cutting, cleaning, organizing his booth and presenting his beautiful juice with an air of confidence and generosity.  How could you not buy juice from him?

He certainly loves this juicer.  I do too.  It’s one of those tools that is really well built and functions without electricity or batteries.  It’s durable, honest and trustworthy. It’s like his good oranges and clean knives and counter.  I have never seen such a super sized juicer and watching him operate it is a pleasure.  I can only imagine how excited he must have been when he bought it.

He plays it like a violinist plays his violin. Buen provecho. 

buy prints here