Reaching Out to Those Out Side of the Walls
I recently visited Old San Juan. It was an inspirational
trip. Surrounded by artist with large hearts and expressive lives, I was
inspired to remember why I fell in love with being an artist. Art in its purest
form is a communication tool connecting other people to the ideas hidden in the
soul. If there is darkness there, it comes out, if there is love it finds its
way past the barriers too. For me, a love of God’s beautiful creation (nature)
is what displayed itself in my art, intertwined with personal narratives.
But even the joy of personal expression can lose its luster when it doesn’t put
food on the table. In old San Juan I was inspired again to create and share my
creativity with others to their benefit, thus producing a tangible.
Close to the beautiful and historic heart of Puerto Rico is
a small village out side the walls of the city, La Perla. It is wave washed and
has faced many hardships. But in La Perla a rebirth has begun. Now that the
dust of crime and corruption has started to clear; Artisans, Families and Children are lifting their heads. Unfortunately some of the families are
missing loved ones, either lost to crime or violence or caught up in the
commotion of a recent police crack down. Please keep these people in your prayers. Many have lost, but the hope lies in the
space for something new to develop and I’m excited about the work already being
done.
Isa 60:18 Violence
shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders;
but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.
I have attached a series of photos to this blog from my
visit to La Perla. There are many more artist in the area that are not shown, and I will add some links to some of the locals that are working to
inspire a rebirth in La Perla soon.
Stairway to La Perla
Soon to be Community Arts Center
Local Artisan
Soon to be Community Arts Center
House of Local Cellist
Church in La Perla
Empty Space in La Perla
Jesus of La Perla
Lost in La Perla
Keeping the Peace in La Perla
Local Sculptor
Stairway in La Perla
El Gato takes a bath
The Gate to Old San Juan