Chicago

It was awesome! SNOW SNOW and more SNOW. I will blogify after some sleep-

Grad Apps...

I am going to MICA, I am going to MICA. The only thing I am missing is my acceptance letter, but that is cake, right? I think I will light a candle-

Greetings from Clifden

So the flight was long, but mostly good. The weather here is AMAZING! I just can't believe my luck sometimes. I am off to explore with my camera today. Soon new pics will be up.

May 16th I graduate. I wish my mom and grandmother were here to see me. It has been a long and tough road. Thank you to all of you who believed in me, and encouraged me.

With deepest and sincerest love,

Venessa

Exhibit Card

Skills

Who needs an IPOD?

The Middle Show: The Singing Jogger

Matt Damon speaks out...

Sign the Petition

To good friends

My time here in Oaxaca is coming to a close. I have made some lifelong friends here. I have met some truly amazing, talented, genuine people here. It's going to be a tearful good-bye.

Taking it easy

I went to visit my friend Marisol from the gallery. She invited me to an art opeing on Friday. I then went to visit my friend Nely and Paty at the school of Bellas Artes.

Truck Tire Pizza

My friend Nely picked me up early this morning to go have breakfast at her home. I met her parents and she showed me her workshop and fathers workshop as well. Her and her father are amazing sculptors and she also makes jewelery out of stone. She showed me her technique. I met her son, and we came back to town, and decided to have bite at Pizza Rustica. Well the waiter sold us a pizza the size of truck tire. We then went to the school so that she could introduce me to her collegues and show me around.

Ruta Dominico

So Eloy and I took off early in the morning. We took stopped at various small towns along the way to visit the churches along the ruta Dominico. There are 6 churches in all on the ruta and most date back before the 1700s. When I arrived back Nely came to meet me. We had lunch then walked to the Artisan market then to the Zocolo to have a drink and enjoy the evening.

Road Trip

So my friend Eloy who lives in Huajuapan (2 hr. drive to Oaxaca City) comes for a visit. I was expecting to have dinner and catch up. Well, when he arrives he asks me "you ready?" and my reply was "ready for what?" and he says to "go to Huajuapan." So I did as the Oaxaqenos do, I went. It was a curvy drive up and down the mountains, but it was nice. When I arrived I met his family, then took a walk around the city. In Oaxaca, people don't look strangly at estranjeros but in Huajuapan they do. The next day we planed a roadtrip back to Oaxaca City on the ruta Dominico.

TAPO

After my visit at the CASA I headed to Taller Arte de Papel de Oaxaca, or TAPO for short. It is a paper making factory just down the hill from the CASA. The paper is all hand made and resonably priced. They also had hand made books, kites, and jewlery all made from their paper.

Infuencias at the CASA

There was an exhibit of ceramics called Infuencias by Gabriel Macotela y Ceramistas, I wanted to share some photos from the exhibit.

CASA

My next stop while in San Agustin was el Centro de las Artes de San Agustin, or CASA for short. The school was gorgeous. In its previous life it was a fabrica, and now it is a school. It was redesigned, and it has huge open studio space and water features in every direction.

Taller Canela

Today my friend Adriana arranged a ride for us up to San Agustin Etla. SAE is a beautiful suburb is cooler and quieter than Oaxaca City. We took a ride up to San Agustin with Don Luis. I rode along side Maestro Toledos sculpture-which was getting a lift to Taller Canela. While I was at Taller Canela I met Claudio and he gave me a tour of his workshop. The place was small but well organized with amazing views of the mountains from every direction. He invited me to return during my stay in Oaxaca to work on ceramics at his studio.

We meet again...

My friend Lore from Mexico City was in town and we met at Temple. I met Lore 3 years ago in London by chance, and we have been friends eversince. I may return to Oaxaca in February for her wedding. I met her parents who were the most welcoming people I have met. Her father is an engineer who builds hospitals for the the state of Oaxaca, and her mother Coco devotes her time to charitable causes here in Oaxaca.

Casa de la Ciudad de Andrés Henestrosa

Highlight of the museum was a Foto Piso of Oaxaca, which you can walk across. The exhibit also had minature homes of the differnt regions of Mexico along with amazing photograhs of the people of that region.

Lazy Sunday

Sunday is pretty much a lazy day here in Oaxaca. People close their shops, and resturants and take it easy. My friend and I went to Maria Bonita for the "Best Mole in Oaxaca." I sampled the traditional mole negro and the mole amarillo. They were both excellent. Then we walked around the market, had an horchata with tuna.

MACO

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Oaxaca was an amazing space that boasted an exhibit of huge wooden sculptures that resembled barking dogs to me. There seemed to be a common theme of folklore and the indigenous cultures of the region in the work I saw.

Para el Monte

Today I went to Monte Alban. The differnces between Mitla and Monte Alban are huge, and yet they are only miles away from each other. What it lacked in intricate design it made up in size. I got there by 9 a.m. in order to beat the rush of tourists. It took me over 2 hours to tour the place, but I really took my time. On the way up I met a dog that I named TD (Temple Dog), he was a stray that seemed to live there. I saw several preople carry him down the steps only to release him and see him run back up again. Once I reached the top, which isn't like climbing a regular flight of stairs I got a birds eye view. It was so amazing, from the top of the southern platform you could see for at least a hundred miles.

From what I have read, Monte Alban was said to be the ancient capital of the Zapotecs and one of the first cities in Mesoamerica. During it's epoch, it was one of the most populated. It was founded approximately 500 years BC and flourished until 750 AD. Located in the central valley of Oaxaca, Monte Alban exercised political, economic, and ideological control over the other communities and surrounding mountains.

Central on Friday

El Salón Central is a club owned by artist Guillermo Olguín. The space was once his studio, and now it is a urban, eclectic place to listen catch the best underground performers, some famous and others not, but most likely on the way of being. The music (aside from the concert) was eclectic, energetic and fun. I paid only 50 pesos to enter, and it was well worth it. The show featured Moyenei, Niña Dioz, and Oaxacan musicians Advertencia Lirica who primarily rap about the social and problems of Oaxaca.

From Mitla to Sumatra

I have just returned from the exhibit From Mitla to Sumatra: The Art of the Woven Fret. It was a really impressive. The "fret", or "greca", is a ubiquitous design that appears in textiles around the world. It really brings to light a our connection to each other as human beings. This exhibition features clothing and rugs that incorporate the design of the fret. This is the only museum of its kind in Mexico. The building is extraordinary with its arched colonial doorways and windows, stone walls and floors, and with patches of original frescoes on the walls.

La Biznaga

After a long day like I had I deserved a super, fantastic, awesome dinner. My friend and I chose La Biznaga. The resturant is beautiful. All the tables are in the courtyard overlooking the stars. You order from this huge chalkboard haning from the walls.

While in conversation I asked her if the person who offered us complimentary dessert was the owner, and she said "si, el es Chilango." I replied, "ok so I will call him Chile relleno," you know since he is from Chile. She looked at me stragely and started to laugh...

According to The Royal Spanish Academy and the Mexican Academy of Language agree on the definition of the word as referring to something "belonging to Mexico City"[1][2], in particular referring to people native to the capital.

Duh, now you understand her laughter. For those who didn't know, now you know.

Yes, the food was super, great, wonderful. Best Margaritas you can get for $5 in Oaxaca.

La Reina de Mezcal

My last stop in my big road trip was to a Fabrica de Mezcal, El Rey de Matatlan, to be exact. I saw how the mezcal is turned into the strong beverage that the people of Oaxaca are so proud of. I ate the maguey, which tasted a little bit like sweet potato. I sampled a differnt types of Mezcal, and favored the cool flavored ones the best. Beso de Oaxaqueño was quite yummy!

Glad I brought my swimsuit

My next stop was Hierve el Agua which was about a 2 hour drive SE of Oaxaca City. It was a quite a ride up and then down the mountain full of twists and turns on unpaved roads. The trail then leads down to the base of the mountain which takes 20 minutes to hike.

What makes Hierve el Agua so special is the collection of pools at the site fed by mineral springs that flow at about 2 liters/second. Two waterfalls with beautiful calcium deposits drop over cliffs in the Sierra Madres at an altitude of 5800 ft behind you. If you decide to take a dip you won't be disappointed. It feels like you are in an infinity pool, and you are completely surrounded by mountains.

The springs were used in a Zapotec irrigation system dating back to around 1300 B.C. The water has a high calcium carbonate and magnesium content that has resulted in the heavy deposits. The water bubbles with escaping air giving the appearance that it is boiling, and that is how the place got its name.

Next stop a Mezcal Factory.

Place of the Dead

My next stop was Mitla. It is almost an hour away from Oaxaca, and is situated about 4,855 feet above sea level. The area that the ruins occupied was relatively small, but so intricate and detailed, that I was blown away.

Mitla is known as the second most important ceremonial center after Monte Alban. The name Mitla or Mictlan is of Nahuatl origin and means "Place of the Dead" or "Inframundo". In Zapotec it is called "Lyobaa", which means "Burial Place", and in Mexico it became known as Mictlan, "Place of the Dead" which is shortened in Spanish to Mitla.

The most characteristic architecture in Mitla is the group of the columns, where we find the Great House of Pezelao, generally considered to be the most beautiful archaeological site in the Americas.

Next stop Hierve el Agua.

All Natural

My next stop was Teotitlan del Valle. It is a village in the valley of Oaxaca that dates back to a time when the Zapotecs first settled in Oaxaca, around 1000 B.C. There they make handmade Tapetes. I was given a demonstration at "El Encanto" by a mother and daughter that are carrying on their tradition. All of the wool is hand spun and colored with dyes produced from fruits, nuts, plants, and insects that have been gathered in the surrounding countryside.

Next stop Mitla.

Tule Tree

My first stop in todays adventure is the Arbol del Tule, Santa Maria del Tule, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Santa Maria del Tule is a small town in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico with its famous Arbol del Tule (tree of Tule) in the chuchyard. It is located about 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles SE from the city of Oaxaca.

The mighty tree in Santa Maria del Tule, has a circumference of over 160 feet at its base, and is between 2000 and 3000 years old, making it one of the oldest living things on planet Earth. Arbol del Tule is Mexico's most famous tree, and some say the world's largest single biomass.

Next stop Teotitlan del Valle.

Small World

I ran into California artist Isis Rodriguez on the street today. She is working on a project here in Oaxaca. It seems you can run into anyone on the street here. I met Master Toledo and Marietta Bernstorff on the street, and this all happened in one day.

Iglesia Santo Domingo

Today I visited the Inglesia Santo Domingo, and it was truly amazing. I plan to go back a few more times during my stay here.

Please read on if you would like history about the church. According to Mexinsider.com the Church and former monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzmán is the most important of the numerous baroque ecclesiastical buildings in Oaxaca Mexico. The complex of buildings includes a substantial sanctuary and an extensive system of courtyards, cloisters and rooms that formerly constituted the monastery but now house the Cultural Centre of Oaxaca. This museum includes an important collection of pre-Columban artefacts, among them the contents of Tomb 7 from the nearby Zapotec site of Monte Albán. The former monastery garden is now an Ethnobotanical Garden, containing a large collection plants native to the region.
The entrance to both church and museum is across a wide plaza that acts as a centre for local fiestas and other entertainments. It is located about half a kilometre north of the central squares of the city, the Zócalo and the Alameda, and the connecting street is pedestrianised, so it is a popular place for both tourists and local residents to stroll.

As it name implies, the church and monastery were founded by the Dominican order. They were constructed over a long period, from the sixteenth century to the eighteenth. The monastery was active from 1608 to 1857. In the period of the revolutionary wars, the buildings were turned over to military use, and from 1866 to 1902 they served as a barracks. The church was restored to religious use in 1938, but the monastery was made available to the Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca. In 1972 it became a regional museum, and in 1993 the decision was taken to undertake a full restoration. This was completed in 1999. It is an exceptional example of conservation architecture. The architect responsible was Juan Urquiaga. The church has also been fully restored. Its highly decorated interior includes copious use of gold leaf.

If you are going to eat at the Zocolo...

Having a refresco or comida at the zocolo is wonderful. You can people watch, hear music and enjoy the energy of the place. The only bad thing is you will be interuppted 100 times. Kids selling necklaces, wooden spoons, flowers, gum, cigerettes, toothpics...and the list goes on.

Taxi Parade in El Centro

Today there was a parade. I was informed it was a parade to celebrate Taxi's. Apparently parades are an everyday thing here in Oaxaca. There was a taxi queen, a two hour precession of taxis (which I am sure left lots of Oaxaqenos without a ride) fireworks, candy, and my favorite part, the Monos de Calenda.

IAGO

A wonderful place to do research and relax is the Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca, or IAGO for short. It is almost directly in front of Santo Domingo Church. It is a museum and library that has free wi-fi. The courtyard and building are great. It is a wonderful place to take a moment, and if you are lucky you may see Toledo walking around.

In Oaxaca

Does everyone remember the song "Miami" by Will Smith

Party in the city where the heat is on
All night on the beach till the break of dawn.....ect.


well I think it should go...

Party in the city where the heat is on
All night on the streets till the break of dawn
Welcome to Oaxaca
Buenvenidos a Oaxaca
Bouncin in the club where the heat is on
All night on the streets till the break of dawn
Im goin to Oaxaca
Welcome to Oaxaca

I am not kidding. I got her at 9:45 last night and it was bumpin... Music, Fireworks, People, Dancing, Drinking, you name it, it was happening, on a MONDAY! I cant even imagine what is going to happen on the weekend.


Besitos,

Venessa

Austin

Austin is one of the best cities in Texas. I am here taking in the art in the city. I had breakfast at Las Manitas, best horchata in town! We headed down to La Pena gallery and met Lula Marcondes an artist from Orlinda, Brazil; then it was off to the Blanton where I got the opportunity to see a fantastic exhibit of Albrecht Durer.

Maestro Takeda

Today I headed up to the Ruiz-Healy Gallery in San Antonio. I had the pleasure of meeting Maestro Takeda. His work is phenomenal. He is a Japanese born artist living and working in Oaxaca, Mexico. He graciously treated us to dinner and the pleasure of his company.

Des Bishop Fitting In Clip

Marie, my friend from Ireland says this guy is the awesome, and a must see. Too bad I missed him :(

Dia de los Muertos Exhibit

A group of us BFA students decided to celebrate Dia de los Muertos by having an art exhibit downtown. Wow, the word hard work is an understatement, we transformed a vacant building into a gallery-successfully. The show was fantastic. We had drawings, paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and altars. I showed two of my paintings and constructed an alter in memory of my mother. It was very therapeutic, but at the same time magnified how much I miss my mother. We had a wonderful write up about it in the South Texan, and in the the Caller-Times. If you would like to read the articles please follow the links.

http://www.tamuk.edu/southtexan/Spanish/October07/103007/Page%206_Layout%201.pdf