Friday, October 8, 2010

Inspiration Avenue Challenge: Mexico

Today is Friday and that means it's time to post my Inspiration Avenue challenge entry for the week. This week the challenge was given by Lisa at The Wright Stuff.

This week there was no pondering, there was no angst. There was only finding the book I altered way, way back in what seems like a lifetime ago, but was really only 2004. I'm bringing it out today, because the piece I wanted to make centered around some dried ornamental chili peppers, but they are not yet ready to go into the assemblage I had planned. So this is my offering to meet Lisa's challenge. I hope no one thinks I'm cheating for bringing back this oldie, but fun book.

I loved the title of this book as soon as I saw it in the resale pile at my library. I even kept the book jacket, rather than try to alter the cover with something less appropriate. I apologize for the quality of the photos. I even took the book outside to get better photos, but the wind kept blowing the pages around. So I'm not sure I accomplished anything by trying to photograph these in a better light.

This altered book on Mexico is composed of tip ins and covers the two major "holidays" most Americans recognize and celebrate: Cinco de Mayo (May 5) and Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead (Oct 31 and Nov 1).

Mexico is famous for its fiestas, donkeys, sombreros and colorful art.

Mexico has a rich history that is often hot!

Mexico's metal working is beyond reproach.

They have many colorful crafts and newspapers written in Spanish.

Mexico's flag is red, white, and green.

There are many leaders Mexico is proud of.

Nearly everyone in Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead using traditional pieces, including an alter.

Sugar skulls can be found everywhere. The pink skeleton is a fun addition.

And you will find hot chillies in many of your favorite Mexican dishes.

But my favorite of all these tip-ins is this three tiered traditional alter I created back in 2004, which is still one of my favorite spreads. It includes bones and skulls made of polymer clay using molds I made, candles, flowers, beer and fruit printed on my handmade paper, and transparencies. I hope you enjoy this trip to Mexico as much as I have! And I'm sure you'll find many more at Inspiration Avenue, too.

Today's blog of the day belongs to Lisa at The Wright Stuff who came up with this week's challenge. I have only been to Lisa's blog a couple of times, but after looking around yesterday evening, I really enjoyed her art. She paints some lovely faces, writes wonderful stories, takes incredible photos, and makes stunning digital art. Lisa's blog certainly lives up to its name. She really delivers The Wright Stuff.

20 thoughtful remarks:

Unknown said...

Bueno! I love this, and I don't think it's cheating at all- it would have been hard to come up with a more fitting entry! I'm trying really hard to get something together for the challenge, we'll see- I've been slammed with work this week....I love the variety of art and techniques you're offering for this challenge. My faves are the world leader spread and the three tiered alter- both are so beautiful and SO different!

WrightStuff said...

Well, I am flattered! Not only has your entry to my challenge knocked me out, but also I'm blog of the day! I think this theme has really inspired. I just need to finish my piece now!

Halle said...

How fun to see some early work... nice variety of techniques... I also love how you really give some thought to history when making your pages...not just touching on the major holidays and regional flair.

Healing Woman said...

I am so glad you brought this book out again to show us, especially since I wasn't blogging in 2004 and missed it the first time around. I love it! The chili peppers, Freida, the colors. Wow!
My favorite of yours so far.

Maggie said...

Your altered book is filled with wonderful things! I love Mexico and enjoyed looking at every page! This is just perfect for the challenge! (People often enter older work. It's new to all of us! :-) Thank you for sharing it!

Caterina Giglio said...

fun book and love the altar! just great!

Dianne said...

so fun to look back on our early work! love the page with the man's face, colorful background & pom-pom trim! when I see photos of family altars, they just blow me away...great transparency on your 'altar.'

Victoria said...

Beautiful beautiful post...gorgeous creations..and wonderful tribute to Mexcio!
Victoria~

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

Wonderful stuff Elizabeth, love the colours and all the images you've used :-)
Anne x

donnalouiserodgers said...

fab 'altered' book Elizabeth - and Mexico is such a marvelous culture to explore - thanks for the post...

dx

Terri Kahrs said...

Your beautiful colors and images represent Mexico brilliantly, Elizabeth! Happy weekend to you and Bleubeard!!! Hugs, Terri xoxoxo

Marfi-topia said...

this is beautiful Elizabeth.everything in it looks great...the cover is perfect for it too.
love the alter!

Anonymous said...

Shoot. I was participating in the weekly challenge also, but I must admit that my Mexico themed art was a good bit less intricate. Darn it.
I may step it up a notch next time. :)
I am always inspired by your work!
Amy

Darla said...

Your altered book is terrific and really expresses the theme. I smiled when I spotted the yarn God's Eye. Haven't seen one of those in awhile.

Thanks for your comment on my blog.

Darla

Kelly Jeanette Swift said...

Lovely altered book! A great tribute to our southern neighbor.

Priti Lisa said...

Wow Elizabeth...you covered it all! What a gorgeous book! So many techniques and color...I wish I could hold it and page through it. It is begging to be touched :o)
Xo

gma said...

This is cool. So glad you chose to share this with us. I love altered books. Great that you kept the original cover too.

Unknown said...

I think it is perfect for the theme.....I love that movie Frida.......I would definitely watch it again. You captured the spirit in your pages.

Julie said...

I loved reading your post...beautiful pieces and so much colorful imagery! Thank you for your sweet visit to my blog! I truly appreciate it!!

Theresa said...

Hi I love your altered book for the Mexico Challenge.I participated for the first time~ It was quite fun. Hope to see you again soon! ~Theresa