Inspirations from Mardis Gras 2010

We just returned from a neighborhood caravan to Mardis Gras. This was one week after the Saints won the Super Bowl so to say "magic was in the air" is a monumental understatement. I love Mardis Gras....and yes I hate crowds and yes it can get crazy but it is simply fantastic. The parades are beautiful and every minute the Crews put into the floats shine. I love the music, the happiness, the colors. the beads, masks and the excitement. I never saw anyone out of control or miserable. I did almost kill myself with a "Voodoo Punch" but it was all self induced. Anyway it is artistically inspirational. Wow. Hates off to those New Orleans folks, they know how to throw a party.

Haiti and its influence

My grandmother took me on a Caribbean Cruise as a child. I was the lucky grandchild that got to go on her cool trips. It was a maiden voyage on the massive ship and we went to Jamaica and Haiti and the islands were simply magical. This was 40 years ago so much different than today. My time in Haiti was very powerful. The markets, strange fruits and vegetables, colorful clothing and beautiful people all speaking french. We walked through all the markets & wondered through the voodoo stalls everywhere. From that time I have been fascinated by this African religion and all the art it has influenced. I personally feel this trip was the beginning of my journey as the folk artist I am now so far away from the devastated island and its courageous islanders.