I lived in Mexico for a semester in college.  It was right after my mom passed away (she was a hospice nurse and was 49 when she died, but that’s another story).  I was in Mexico City, and also Oaxaca. I spent some time at Frida Kahlo’s house in Coyoacan, and wept next to her bed where her body cast lay. It really changed my perspective on death.  I continue to be inspired by the retablos and other Dia De Los Muertos art from Mexico, and every so often I create my own pieces along those lines.

This year, I picked Amy Winehouse.  I’m a huge fan, and when we moved across country, I had her on the stereo.  I sold this piece on my Etsy store, and had to create another for the show I’m in this month at Guardino Gallery in Northeast Portland.  I also made Frida Kahlo retablo for the Day of the Dead show at Cannibals Gallery in Northwest Portland.  Huge thanks to Darlene Schaper of Relica Vintage for connecting me with the Cannibals show.

I love dressing up as a sugar skull for Halloween!  I’ll never have to figure out a costume again!  This year I even got a few gigs doing pre-party face painting!  I even have a Day of the Dead inspiration board on Pinterest.

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