Tuesday was a lovely day. A morning of visits to artists' studios, "studio" here generally meaning the home of the artist. We visited Botalin, Aguiglera, Lincoln Camue, Jorge Jacas and four younger artists who brought their canvases to the home of one. We were surprised to see that artist's two young daughters at home on a school day. His wife said they were home because of the rain (light drizzle on and off all day). Oscar explained this in Santiago many parents don't want their children to walk to school in the rain and possibly catch cold. Although we loved the Santiago landscapes of Botalin, our favorite was the ceramicist Jacas. We bought some cappuccino cups and have hopes of raising funds to bring an amazing wall piece to the library as an intercambio cultural (or cultural exchange). After lunch on to Conga las Ollas, a neighborhood drum group that has been in existence for over a 100 years. They are more geared to parade (as in carnival) than performance, and it was an impressive wall of sound that included brake drums used as an instrument and something called a Chinese whistle that looks much like a toy trumpet. On to dance lesson #2, a surprise to most of us, and it appears we will have two more before flying back to Miami on Friday. Although I am still struggling, I believe I showed much improvement. Other than staying on the beat (1-2-3 5-6-7) and learning to wiggle my shoulders (hopeless!), the sweet young men have to keep reminding me "the man is the boss." Freed from the camera, I take photos with my eyes and the occasional cell phone shot. Too bad as the drizzly day made for lovely color and the street scenes were indescribably beautiful to me. Toni
No comments:
Post a Comment