Signs of the Time

I am playing around with a mask from Mexico.  Sorta both Halloween, when we mask ourselves and transform into something else, and a nod for the Day of the Dead with the skeleton mask.  

Hallowmas, a pagan holy day/night (Oct 31) and Nov 1 and 2, the Day of the Dead share roots in our human past.   In the language of initiation, time to journey to the underworld, the inner self, to discover new riches inside.  And time to reconnect with one's ancestors, family and clan members living in the spirit realm. And here in el norte heading into the dark time of winter. 

Day of the Dead Altars

Altar by Mitzi Linn and Vicky Ayers for Migrant Education at Due Fine Arts Eugene, 1997.  It is dedicated to Migrant workers, for those who died crossing the border to work or died working in our fields.

Altar created by Mitzi Linn called "Pensando en La Muerte" for Maude Kerns Art Center in 2003.  Dedicated to the people of Oaxaca.

El Dia de los Muertos

Painting in gouache by Mitzi Linn.  Title "Guadelupe Returns"

One of my favorite paintings..the Virgin of Guadelupe encapsuled in a corn tassle or kernal.  She returns to the cornfield of an indigenous farmer who is making a ceremony to honor the ancestors and family members gone on, to honor the corn as sustenance and also one of the people's ancestors.  Candles, an old diety or ancestor, and copal are part of the full moon offering.  She holds the fragile earth in her hands.  She is asking if we really care about our planet.