Part Two
Why Mexico? For a few reasons: It was open during the pandemic to tourists, so entering the country was pretty simple. Two, it is obviously full of culture and art, (I wrote an art school essay on Frida Kahlo). And three, I had friends and family there, so it was a nice, soft landing. I struggle with fear; fear of the unknown, of going to a new country, and not knowing what is going to happen, (a side-effect of childhood trauma).
My cousin and friends were travelling from Colombia for a two week holiday in Mexico. And for the first time in what has been years, I could breathe. It was both familiar and new; family and new friends. A new group – two couples and me building relationships in Spanish and being comfortable with myself, as I am. No hang-ups. Letting my hair go naturally curly and navigating moods that can only come when people are comfortable with each other after spending so much time together.
For the first time, I didn’t need to organise anything, I could just literally hop onto someone else’s carefully considered itinerary and go with the flow.
With my cousin and Elisa.
Photographed by Pablo Cano and Alejandra Escalante.
What this journal will be about?
It will be a mixture of my life experiences, like a diary, as well as what I am learning and doing creatively.
For me, my emotions and artwork are intrinsically intertwined. I pour my soul into my artistic work and being authentically me helps with my sense of belonging.
These entries won’t be a travel guide, nor explore themes far outside my business. They will be about my travels, what I am learning, influenced by, taken by and working on.
Being half Colombian, I have a strong sense of identity and connection to my mother’s land. As I explore the country once again, I will take you with me as I meet new creators and cultures that are part of this richly woven land.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Photographed by Pablo Cano and Alejandra Escalante.