Every year I build altars to celebrate the Day of the Dead. This year I had several occasions to show my own hand-built altars and tell people about this wonderful Latin American tradition that honors the spirits of the deceased.
At the Casa Dolores, Center for the Study of the Popular Arts of Mexico here in Santa Barbara, I was invited as a guest artist to discuss the Day of the Dead celebrations. For this occasion I created a special altar dedicated to the Saint Patrick Battalion, a courageous unit comprised of several hundred immigrants, mostly Irish, who fought in the Mexico-U.S. War (1846-1848).
I also gave presentations at local schools and at Santa Barbara City College. For these presentations – which I’ve done several years in a row – I usually bring a portable altar and related items (all handmade by me), and tell stories to help audiences understand the origins and rituals associated with this celebration. I really enjoy giving these presentations to students because many have never heard of Day of the Dead, but they always show a keen interest in finding out more about it. And because of my own fascination with how other cultures honor the spirits of the dead, this year I talked a lot about similar rituals and celebrations in Japan, South Korea and China.
In addition to the lectures and presentations I gave locally, I also put together my own home altar, which this year included a handmade sculpture honoring Niki de Saint-Phalle; and several pieces covered in Persian Blue glaze for our friend Azin Naimi, who came to the U.S. from Iran and shared with us her love for art and her many other beautiful qualities. There were also several items on my home altar by my friend Jess McVey, a Bay Area artist who was a very inspirational person in my life.
To mark 25 years of making Day of the Dead altars, filmmaker Ann Dahlgreen directed, produced and edited a video featuring me and my altars. Now all of my friends, from Mexico, the U.S. and other parts of the world can see my work! The music in the video was composed by David West.
As 2010 comes to an end, I feel like I’ve experienced many wonderful surprises. I am looking forward to 2011, with the promises of trips related to work, many new projects and staying in touch with the people I know from around the world. Life has shown me that we are all connected, and with some effort, we always have something good to share.
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