FINDING THE PEACE

Some articles on Hub Pages     http://hubpages.com/hub/Artists-Live-Paint-Play-Mexico

JULY 2010

THE 'WINDS OF CHANGE" ARE UPON US AND AS ARTISTS IT'S BEST IF WE EVALUATE WHERE WE ARE AND HOW WE SEE OUR WORLD.  THERE ARE GLOBAL CHANGES AFOOT THAT IMPACT ON OUR LIVELIHOODS AS ARTISTS.  IF WE LISTEN TO THE MEDIA WE ARE LOST AND ADRIFT IN THE SEA OF DESPAIR THAT FINDS MOST OF HUMANITY, MOST OF THE TIME.  RARELY DOES THIS RELENTLESS SPOTLIGHT FOCUS ON THE GOOD OF THIS WORLD OR THE HOPE FOR OUR PLANET.  WE HAVE RECOURSE ONLY TO OUR OWN WITHINNESS AND HOW WE VIEW OUR WORLD. 

IF WE TAKE THINGS AT FACE VALUE WE ARE BEING SUCKED IN AND SPONGING UP THE COLLECTIVE CONCIOUSNESS THAT IS BEING CONSTANTLY BEAMED OUT AT US FROM T.V., THE INTERNET, NEWSPAPERS AND GENERAL EVERYDAY CONVERSATIONS WITH OUR FAMILY, NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS.  IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP OURSELVES IN TUNE WITH AND FOCUSED ON THAT AREA OF OUR CONCIOUSNESS THAT GIVES US INSPIRATION, CREATIVITY AND JOY.   OUR WORK WILL SUFFER AND AS A CONSEQUENCE,  SO WILL SALES IF WE GET SWEPT UP IN THE TORRENT OF NEGATIVITY THAT SURROUNDS US LIKE A FOG.

HOW CAN WE DO THIS IN EVERYDAY LIFE, WHEN WE SEEM TO GET SWEPT UP IN OUR BUSY LIVES?    

 LEARN TO MEDITATE  AND TO CONTEMPLATE THE FINER ASPECTS OF LIFE_____ READ INSPIRATIONAL LITERATURE, STUDY THE GREAT MASTERS OF ART, PROSE AND WISDOM.  KEEP FOCUSED ON THE QUIET AND SILENT AREA OF YOUR BEINGNESS.  IT'S THERE, YOU JUST NEED TO BE AWARE OF IT THROUGH LISTENING AND WATCHING WHAT YOU THINK, DO AND SAY.   THIS IS DIFFICULT AND I DO KNOW THAT FROM EXPERIENCE, BUT REALLY THE ONLY SALVATION AND ANSWER TO THE STRESS OF THESE TIMES IS TO REALLY KNOW AND UNDERSTAND WHO AND WHAT WE ARE.

FROM THIS QUIET SPACE AND PLACE, YOUR ART CAN UNFOLD, YOUR CREATIVE SPIRIT CAN EXPRESS AND YOU CAN BEGIN TO FEEL THE FLOW OF LIFE WHICH IS SELF-SUPPORTING, SELF-MAINTAINING AND SELF-REALIZING.  YOU CAN DISCOVER THIS HIDDEN WELLSPRING OF ENERGY IF YOU ARE DEDICATED, HONEST AND PATIENT WITH YOURSELF.

AS ARTISTS OR INDEED EVEN AS A HUMAN BEING,  WE HAVE THIS  RESPONSIBILITY TO IMPART THIS JOY AND CREATIVITY TO OUR WORLD.  WE NEED NEVER CONCERN OURSELVES WITH OUR WELL BEING IF WE ARE REALLY AND TRULY ATUNED TO OUR INNER RESOURCES.

LOVE AND LIGHT TO YOU ALL ON THIS AMAZING JOURNEY.

MARILYN

ARTIST EVOLUTION/LOS CABOS STYLE

Those special places in the world that catch the imagination are defined by their creative underground; Artists, writers, philosophers, architects and others to whom the creative spirit dictates their livelihood. The creative mind is beyond what we encounter with our physical senses, tapping into an unknown reservoir of energy that expresses in a unique and personal way to those tuned into its’ frequency. It has always been so in the course of human history and the great masterpieces in our museums, libraries and galleries testify to the course of humankind throughout the eons. It is always the artist whose insight we can rely on for the truths of our human condition past or present. “A picture says 1000 words” is not an idle comment but an accurate reckoning and the paintings, prose and poetry of our artists inspire, inflame, infuriate or inform the rest of humanity.
Artists are usually on the leading edge of life, leaning on their intuition more than common sense for direction. In the early 90’s Los Cabos was a relatively quiet and unknown factor on the worlds’ “to do” list. Italy had Tuscany, Spain the Cote d’Azur, Portugal the Algrave and Mexico had PV, Mazatlan and Cozumel as main tourist hot spots. What was it that brought artist Chris MacClure down the Baja over 1000 miles of bad road to set up a studio in Cabo San Lucas? “It was the mysteriousness of the Baja that sent me here the first time but it was the peace that I felt here that kept me coming back”.
MacClure was not the first artist to “set up shop” here in Los Cabos. Other pioneers artists Kakki Bassi, Dennis Wentworth-Porter and Charles Stewart of Todo Santos were also inspired by the quiet and laidback lifestyle, perfect climate and the unusual intense, pure light offered by Los Cabos. The fourlane of today was only a 2 lane road to carry the rattle-trap buses and duct-taped together vehicles plying between Todo Santos, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose. The residents
and expats were pioneers of a sort themselves and jealously guarded the “paradise” they found. This was the Los Cabos of the 90’s, poised but not yet ready for the huge influx which was to follow as the millennium loomed on the horizon.
At first MacClure’s Golden Cactus Gallery was a showcase for his own work, but by the end of the first season, he had attracted 2 of the best Mexican artists in Cabo San Lucas. Fernando Tames, an inspired expressionist painter recently arrived from Cozumel and Enrique Ortega, whose romantic watercolors were already in popular demand. The going was rough that first year but by the second year, his fledgling gallery was generating real interest from art lovers and by that time his long time comrades-in-the-arts, noted impressionist artist Brent Heighton and dreamy seascape artist Jonn Eineressen had joined the gallery roster, having flown in for a look-see and quickly deciding that it wouldn’t be long before this gem was discovered by the rest of the world.
Heighton, Einerssen and MacClure are consummate artists and have remained steadfast to their craft for almost 40 years. No one but another artist can understand the years required to develop a style and technique, hone skills and place themselves in the marketplace facing rejection and poverty for many of those early years. Their professionalism was put to the test in the Baja where the light is so much different from elsewhere and it has been their challenge to properly depict its magic. The end result has been and an even stronger bond between the “three amigos” and works of art that get better year by year.
In order to attract the interest of locals and help promote the artists, MacClure instigated the first real commercial art exhibitions and shows at some of the many of the resorts in the area. These were a huge success and put the Golden Cactus Gallery on the map, so to speak. Bringing art to the people instead of waiting for
them to discover you made the Golden Cactus Gallery the benchmark for art in Los Cabos.
The art business is an enigma to most other businesses in that it is a labor of the heart and relies for the most part on only a very tiny percentage of the population who have the interest in art. Tourist areas are great for artists in that there is a constant influx of potential new clients each day, even though only 1 or 2 % of the total tourist population takes art seriously enough to buy a piece of art. Artwork chosen as a memento of your vacation is really the only authentic souvenir and will never end up in a garage sale, unlike that sombrero bought after too many margaritas. Europe teaches the value of art more successfully than North America, unfortunately.
The first few of years of the millennium were the beginning of the massive growth that followed 9/11. Word was leaking out and the Baja was attracting the curious eye of the media due in part to the pesos flowing in from Mexicos’ tourist generating machine, Fonatur. Before long, tourists were flooding in, cruise ships were stopping by the hundreds, the airport had to be expanded, the two lane had morphed into the 4 lane of today and land was being developed faster than you could say “almost free!” It seems to have caught everyone off-guard, but the writing was on wall. After all, you can’t keep a good thing a secret.
With the baby-boomers discovering Los Cabos the housing market went berserk. Even first time visitors were plunking down big bucks for property, such is the magic of the Baja. Artists studios and galleries were springing up everywhere in anticipation of the need for good art. However, professional artists know that most people cannot distinguish between “fine art” and décor art. The decorating marketplace was taking over from the inspired artist to fill the need. Not surprising given the sudden and unprecedented growth experienced in Los Cabos but a telling example of how mediocrity can creep into our lives when we take out
personal involvement and rely on price and convenience alone. Art is the soul of your home and through it your life experiences, vacation times and feelings are there for you to enjoy day to day. Art is a living entity, conceived with inspiration and bought with joy and excitement. Buying art not only contributes to the ongoing of an artist, it gives life to your walls and home. Contrary to popular belief, art is not for the elite but a very necessary accompaniment to your life and one that need not crimp your wallet.
With recent changes in the local demographics, the “Three Amigos” decided to re-instigate their exhibitions after a 5 year hiatus. The show venue is under a new umbrella called THE SOUTHERN LIGHTS. Professional looking, compact and easier to set up and take down, the venue has already attracted the attention of the resorts. Last seasons Hotel California show was a hit along with a few other resorts and this year they expect even more offers to show as the resorts look for ways to entertain their guests and show off the talent of the artists in residence.
Few tourist areas in Mexico are so well endowed with professional, inspired talent as Los Cabos. At last count there were almost 20 studio/galleries in San Jose and probably an equal number in Todo Santos. Cabo San Lucas has The Golden Cactus Gallery as its mainstay with over 20 artists on its banner. Find the time to peruse the galleries and open yourselves to the unlimited enjoyment and fun that collecting art from your travels can give you and at the same time contribute to the welfare of our talented artist community. Inspiration is a two way street.

BY MARILYN HURST

“Nothing changes if nothing changes!”

“Nothing is good or bad but thinking makes it so!” “As you think, so it is for you!” These are just some of those sneaky and innocuous statements inspired by history’s great creative geniuses and philosophers that can have tremendous power for transformation. However, these and other life changing anecdotes and bon mots will do nothing for an individual, unless one quietly and studiously ponders and chews on these, oftentimes for years and then works with them until they become personal.

The ancient wisdom schools were built on the premise that conventional and outmoded lines of thinking and being had to be radically cut away before any real change could take place in an individual’s experience. Students of these schools were sequestered from mainstream life and taught by their teachers for years and even then, only a few were able to advance to the higher degrees where they could eventually grasp enough to share their wisdom with others. It’s hard for the human being to realize that a lot of behavior and thinking is merely repetitive and it takes tremendous insight to change habits, modes of thought, concepts and beliefs that have been so ingrained both personally and culturally. A beginning can be made by just changing one habit, one belief or idea or trying something entirely new.

Do something totally out of character or explore something different, anything that will go against deep-rooted and customary behavior. It’s not easy to do, but while you’re on vacation, away from everyday routine, this can be a catalyst for change for yourself. After all, “a change is as good as a rest!” Once again another quote and sweet reminder that “life is more than meets the eye.” Art is a wonderful window into your psyche and soul. You don’t need a degree in art or a course in art appreciation to enjoy the benefits art can bring into your life. Art taps into the deepest recesses of our subconscious minds.

There is a common thread that runs through all people and fine art and great music or literature is the tapestry that tells us the tale. Stand in front of a masterpiece and just feel what the artist wanted to express when it was painted and you’ll know that “a picture can speak 1000 words” without a word being said. The trials, tribulations and triumphs of mankind are hanging in the great galleries because fine art is the great equalizer. Love is love; pain is pain; relationships between people or countries or any human condition and emotion can be found within any culture and during any time in history of our world.

To experience these interactions on a more personal level, your present and future travels can be made even more enjoyable by the art you bring home. Haunting the galleries and studios for that perfect piece will bring hours of pleasure and excitement to your holiday. Your home will be enhanced by your art purchases and bring your travel experiences and the emotional connection your art invokes back to memory time and again. Anything worthwhile in life must be cultivated and nurtured. You can learn much about a country by viewing it through the eyes of its artists; the differences and the similarities. Artists are alchemists that transform our emotions, archetypal ideas and the beauty around us into frozen moments of time.

So while you’re zooming around the desert on that ATV, or being dragged across the sky by parachute or just hanging by the pool sipping margaritas, you might want to consider taking home art as your souvenir of your Mexican vacation. This may be something you’ve never considered, but it is a wonderful way to bring the romance and beauty of Los Cabos into your world back home to enjoy every day. The best criteria for buying art is, buy what appeals and excites you. You are the best judge of what you like, but be open for anything. It’s amazing what might jump out at you and this is the joy that art collectors feel when they stumble across a piece of art that totally takes them by surprise. Somehow synchronicity connected that particular artist with the collector and a “love affair” with the art is born. Artists need devoted art lovers in order to survive in a profession, which by its nature is quiet, introspective and creative, in a world that is getting noisier and busier.

Collecting art can be as creatively exciting as making it and is a wonderful connection with your inner self awareness. Los Cabos now has an abundance of art galleries and studios to browse. San José has a great designated art district in the streets behind the old mission and town square. There are 16 or more galleries and studios to peruse, although in the summer months some may be closed, it’s best to check before heading over. Likewise Todo Santos, hour and a half drive north of Cabo San Lucas, which has become popular for the Hotel California as well as its old colonial architecture and a haven for expat and local artists.

In Cabo San Lucas the Golden Cactus Gallery located in old town on a corner just down the street from the famous Cabo Wabo Cantina, has been a mainstay for over 10 years. The second floor studio/gallery is home to over a dozen international and local artists and is open all year. Now might be as good a time as any to let go of any preconceived notions and opinions about art or what art is and allow this new experience to enhance your time here. Art collecting is no longer the exclusive domain of the rich and famous. For less than dinner with wine, you can take home a lasting memento of your time here. This is the one souvenir that won’t end up in next years garage sale-guaranteed!

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LEADING THE CABO ART SCENE

When the “Influential Leaders in Cabo/Mexico”subject of this issue was announced by our esteemed publisher/editor, I knew right away that this was my opportunity to write about a person I believe has remarkable leadership qualities. In fact, artist Chris MacClure has the quintessential personality traits that define a leader. Notwithstanding the fact that he is my friend and partner, anyone who knows him would concur that he is the archetype of leader.

A painter for over 35 years, this self-motivating pursuit has given him a quiet assurance. Being an artist is a survivalist profession. You either make it or you give it up for easier money. It's one thing to paint a picture, quite another to sell it to pay your rent. It's the first years in the professional artists' life that gives expression to the saying “starving artist”. These are the years that test the true resolve of an aspiring artist and it can take many years to develop your art to a place where there is commercial value enough to appeal to the world at large. In this regard, MacClure came out the other side stronger than when he began. Chris' natural strengths of character were honed over these learning years and because he was resilient, resourceful and astute, he recognized early on that an artist needs to “pay their dues” for the privilege of being able to survive in the art game. Thanks to a delightful down-home humor however, there's a wonderful compassion that oozes from him like filtered light. It takes “being there” yourself to understand the road that others travel. A video crew came to Cabo to document his life as an artist and he was quoted as saying “An artist can go to art school and learn some techniques but it's actually living the life of an artist that gives you the direction your art will take and makes of you - the artist”.

Timing and luck are tools of the gods and when MacClure landed in Cabo in the early 90's, his strong instinct gave him a vision that he would work on diligently until it's fruition. Leadership is a natural-born quality. Some people can rise to the occasion, still others are born to lead. Chris' background from the Maritimes on the east coast taught him that hard work, steadfastness and tenacity pays off. However, he always likes to say “you'll never get success without a little help from your friends”.

An epiphany came sitting on the beach at Costa Azul in San Jose in '92, Chris' vision for a
studio/gallery became a reality when the sun set behind him and the last rays of the sun were lighting
up a solitary cactus on the hill. The cactus was illumed with a golden hue and right there his Golden
Cactus Gallery was born.

Although art is by it's nature is a solitary pursuit, MacClure always had a cadre of artist friends of like mind and throughout his career, he was always organizing shows, events and fund-raisers to help promote art in any way he could. When MacClure decided that Los Cabos was “the” place to begin a new venture, he knew he would not make it without a little help from his friends. The potential for tourism at that time was just hitting it's second wave and he knew that the special feeling Cabo offered and it's spectacular beauty would soon bring the world to it's door. Artists have a sixth sense about these things and always the mainstream follows them.

The paperwork required to open a business in Mexico is daunting. Setting up a gallery in a foreign country, without speaking the language and having only the rudimentary materials available; (because at that time there was no Home Depot and any of the few hardware stores were usually understocked and waiting for the next shipment), was anything but a cake walk. Chris overcame all that and more with humor and a doggedness beyond belief, he opened the studio in Oct. '97 and he knew it wouldn't be long before other artists would come knocking at the door. The “if you build it they will come” philosophy that he always lived by, even before it was a popular slogan.

A leader has the ability to see greatness in others. MacClure has an innate ability to see the talent and potential in other artists and he is always willing to help them fulfill their dreams, if he can. When Mexican artists Fernando Tames and Enrique Ortega came to the gallery shortly after he opened, Chris knew that these were two professional artists that would work well in the gallery. Within a couple of years, the gallery attracted some of Chris' other artist friends from Canada and the States. Even with busy professional lives in the art and print industry, all of them make the pilgrimage to Cabo for extended periods. Artists work where ever they are and Cabo is better than most places. Because of Chris' vision and ability to inspire others, everyone benefits and he believes that the gallery is strong because of it's artists and the mutual respect they have for each other.

Leadership requires inspiration and the ability to work for the whole picture, rather than its' parts. MacClure has an amazing ability to motivate and bring out the best in those he choses to work whether he's teaching, being the “boss” or working with the business community here in Los Cabos.

Even when engrossed in the daily chores of running the “gallery business” he never loses the creative drive that sends him to the easel to paint what inspires him most, the people and landscapes of the Baja. His paintings reflect his zen-like approach to his life: quiet, unassuming, uncluttered yet poignant and peaceful. Sometimes inspiration can be so right on that just one of his defining paintings, like the Hotel California, can speak volumes to a whole generation.

In any case, don 't just take my word for it, visit Chris at the Golden Cactus Gallery and see for yourself. He's usually there 7 days a week, second floor on the corner of Guerrero and Madero in old town Cabo San Lucas. As a wise sage once said, “you can't tell the measure of a person until you see what they create for the world.”

Oct. 25th is International Artist Day, it's Picassos' Birthday and celebrates the contribution artists have made throughout history. You can celebrate in many ways: visit a gallery or artist studio, take an artist to lunch, attend an art show or participate in any way that helps give homage to artists worldwide. Check out the website for more ideas www.internationalartistsday.com