Morelia project


In the spring of 2009 I was invited on a work trip to Morelia Mexico.
          We spent 2 days working at the orphanage  La Casa Hogar Villa Amanecer. There we painted the playground equipment and the exterior walls of the compound. They were planning to put in a bakery for income so we painted the room they were to use for that. Along with the work, I was able to interact with the children and adults who lived there as well as take many pictures. These children have had tough lives and it shows on many of the little faces. I've tried to capture the happy ones as well as the sad ones. Most are glad to have a roof over their heads, food to eat, clean clothes and someone who cares.
         We spent another 2 days in a community called Aracurio, that was up in the hills, also painting buildings and playground equipment. Here the children were well cared for and went to school in the village until high school when they went by bus into town. Here I was able to capture the faces of many of the older women. They have lived in the baking heat all of their lives and their faces and hands are like leather. Having spent years working hard they now were caring for the children not old enough for school while the mothers went into the city to work. Many of the fathers were in America sending funds home to support the families as there weren't many ways to support a family at home.
         The area around Morelia is very important to those of us who live in the Yakima valley in central Washington because so many of our residents are from this area. This is a heavily agricultural part of the state so many have moved here from Morelia to work in the orchards and fields.

Going Home 20.5"x18" We were driving back from working in the sun in Aracurio when we encountered this man who also was on his way home from a day in the sun. He seemed much less tired than we were even though he'd been driving cattle all day. He just smiled at us as the cattle slowly walked down the road. We waved as they finally cleared the road so we could pass in our car.

Patti 12"x12" Patricia was the wife of the mayor of Morelia at the time that I took this picture. She'd come to Yakima for an event and we became friends. When I finished it and returned to Morelia, her husband had been elected the governor of Machoacan. I was able to present this piece to her and it now hangs in the governor's mansion. She was pleased with the piece and I was thrilled with the prominent location it will have.

A Friend in Need. 18"x18" When visiting La Casa Hogar in Morelia I was able to photograph many of the children, who were thrilled with the attention. The girl on the right was one of the saddest and she was one who actually went home to a mother. However I don't think her life there was very good as she was so desperately sad and in need of love. By her body language I almost suspect that she may be in the sex trade when not in school.  Her friend was there for comfort when needed.

A Giggle of Girls 18.5"x32.5" At the school in Aracurio the children aged from 5 to mid teens. The older children went to high school in a nearby town. These adolescent girls were like girls anywhere. They wanted the attention but when they noticed you'd given it to them they got shy and giggled. They were a lot of fun

Boys Will be Boys 34"x32". These boys appear to be 2 sets of brothers in the village of Aracurio. They were always trying to get into pictures and this one is of them behind the sinks that filled from the community well.

 Damaged Cargo.12"x17" This is another piece I did of the young girl at the orphanage who seemed to be so badly damaged that I felt she might be in the sex trade when she went home to her mother at night.

 Finding Her Passion 16"x17" This girl was at La Casa Hogar orphanage in Morelia and seemed to be afflicted with some neurological disorder as her coordination and communication were very poor. She wanted to learn to knit and it took 2 days and 3 people to get her to this point. Periodically we would have to untangle the mess and she would start over. Her determination was admirable as we also offered many other activities and all she did was knit.

In a Hurry 27"x26" In Aracurio we were helping to finish a building that had yet to have windows or doors installed. Many of the Mexican men, who were working with us, used whatever opening was nearest when leaving the building. In this case it was a window opening.

 Met in the Road #1 12"x19" On the road up to Aracurio we met this woman who was walking down with a load over her shoulder. I asked her if I could take her photo and she agreed even though she probably wondered why I'd want to. I love the weathered look of older faces and knew I'd need to turn this one into art.

Met on the Road #2 10"x10" IOn the road up to Aracurio we met this woman who was walking down with a load over her shoulder. I asked her if I could take her photo and she agreed even though she probably wondered why I'd want to. I love the weathered look of older faces and knew I'd need to turn this one into art. This is the second piece I did and it is of only her face.

Old Woman, Hag 17"x 25" I met her on the street of Morelia and just had to take her picture. I could tell her had a very great spirit and that other's came to her for advise. Around her body is written all the names both wise and derogatory that old women with power are given.

Painted Hopscotch 10"x10". After painting the playground equipment in Aracurio we had paint left over. One woman drew a hopscotch board on the cement courtyard and gave the paint to the girls. They designed their own color scheme and painted the sections. Since it was oil enamel paint I'm guessing it will be there for years.

Self Portrait 10"x10" What can I say. I was having a great time in Mexico helping with some Rotary Club projects

Late Afternoon in the Plaza 24.5"x16" I was in Patcuaro waiting for a friend to come get me when I noticed this man who was well dressed and very hip. He simply seemed to be enjoying the passing of the day out in the air.