The San Diego Union - Tribune; San Diego, Calif.; Nov 1, 2001; Marcia Manna
Sugar skulls with wild frosting hair, lacy paper banners washed with the colors of Mexico and flickering red votive candles have transformed Gallery 451 into a celebration of Dia de Los Muertos.
The gallery owners have donated the space to artists Jane LaFazio and Helen Shafer Garcia until Saturday. Tonight, the artists will host a themed-art event that celebrates Mexican culture with a reception titled "Los Dos Amigas Artistas: Icons, Tributes & Milagros," an exhibit commemorating the Day of the Dead with art.
Although the decorations pay tribute to Dia de los Muertos, the artists, both self-proclaimed gringas, have included works that would appeal to a broad range of tastes. There are botanical-themed watercolors, whimsical sculptures and a variety of multidimensional art that uses triptychs, or three-hinged panels and collage.
Many of the works are embellished with milagros, translated in English as "surprise or miracle." In Hispanic folk culture, milagros are tiny charms used as votive offerings. Often they are made of silver and used in art, they reflect light while adding meaning and dimension.
LaFazio became inspired by Mexican culture two years ago during a visit to San Miguel de Allende. She said the traditions, religious art and stonework made a lasting impression on her.
"It's a whole different world there," said LaFazio. "It's like a 17th-century city that is still intact. I was so struck by these little handmade altars with beads and marigolds and patterns in beautiful gold, ochre and rust colors."
LaFazio has a degree in graphic design and is the president of the San Diego Watercolor Society. One of the largest works in the collection is a geclee print titled, "Nuestra Mujer de la Manana Gloriosa" (Our Lady of Morning Glory). The painting is a limited- edition print, taken from one of eight works recently commissioned by Scripps Memorial Hospital.
The picture features a cross against a terra-cotta flower pattern, and in its center a gold leaf rests on top of a small square of violet blooms. It recalls the way Mexican religious art will center a tiny glass picture frame of a saint inside a larger painting.
Additional artwork displayed includes Garcia's "Illuminating Yucca," a large watercolor featuring enlarged pastel petals of the flowering plant, washed in pink, lavender and gold.
Two triptychs, intended to be personal tributes, are displayed but not for sale.
LaFazio has honored a family pet with a triptych decorated with a collage of tiny photographs, cat charms, an origami bird and cat paw prints. Garcia's triptych is an artistic arrangement of photographs and memorabilia that recalls the memory of her grandmother.
Garcia was introduced to Mexican traditions through Jose, her husband of 26 years. She has earned a bachelor's degree in fine art and teaches at Oceanside Museum of Art.
"All the decorative elements you see on the Day of the Dead and the brightness of this holiday have influenced my art," said Garcia. "Instead of dealing with death in a sad way, it brings joy. It's a way of celebrating that is really special to me."
Credit: Marcia Manna covers North County arts and entertainment for the Union- Tribune.
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