Gifts from the Island

The magic of Puerto Rico has so many fountains. I cannot get enough of its landscapes bathed in powerful light, the mists that rise from its streets and jungles, the leaves that dance in the wind and the flocks of birds that noisily rush from tree to tree. All combine to a kaleidoscopic spectacle and the subtle change of seasons provides an ever-changing menu of delights to the eyes as well as to the dedicated forager. 

But clearly the greatest source of magic are its people.

There is a tribal togetherness lost elsewhere. It is sometimes hidden from view by a stern look that wearily inspects a newcomer for trouble, but it is always unlocked by a smile and the effort to speak even just a single word of Spanish. 

Once admitted, to be a neighbor on this Island means to be waved at every time you pass by, to be seen and listened to patiently, to be invited to birthdays and included in prayers, to be taken care of and fed. The people are your safety net.

I called this painting "Gifts from the Island" because the commission itself was such a generous gift from one friend to another. It was also a gift to me as it allowed me to celebrate a lot of the things that have become so dear to me on this Island. Carefully curated by my client it depicts so much of the gifts the Island provides and the things that constantly change hands from one neighbor to another. Gifting is bliss, especially when it comes from a place of unity, where no thought is given to who gave and who received. Both parties delight in the exchange, just like oxygen passed from one cell of your body to its neighbor.