Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family who have died. The celebration takes place on November 1st (All Saints' Day) and November 2nd (All Souls' Day), Catholic holidays. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, skeletons, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed.

I have taken notice of this holiday over the past number of years and have come to love the art associated with it. Since my brother, Patrick, died in September of 2010, I decided to take part in Dia de Bloglandia this year. I had mentioned in a previous post that I planned to make a shrine in honor of Patrick for this event. That did not happen. However, I work in my sketchbook every night in bed with micro pens. I've been working on the above drawing in honor of Patrick and the things he loved in this life. Rather than be sad, I like the idea of celebrating his life with color and mention of his earthly loves. I think it would make him happy to know that he is being remembered and honored.


Now that I have an appreciation for this holiday and what it stands for, I plan to create more Day of the Dead art and to take part in this celebration each year honoring all friends and family who have died.


On November 1st and 2nd, if you click on the Dia de Bloglandia photo in the upper left corner, you will be taken to the blog, where you will see the many tributes (in both words and art) of those bloggers who signed up to participate.
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23 comments:

  1. yoboroboNovember 1, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    I think your card is beautiful, and the fact that you remembered all the things that Patrick loved must be making him smile. :) xox!

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  2. somepinkflowersNovember 1, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    i think your drawing
    in honor of your brother
    is perfect!

    {{ i do notice you put in GOLF
    and on my father's wee shrine
    i included
    ~~a golf ball~~ !!!

    these men!

    always will be loved
    for the games they played...
    I Love It!


    ♥

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  3. Roz CawleyNovember 1, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    Hello Audrey and thank you for sharing your art-work memories of your brother. I'm so enjoying seeing all the different ways in which participants to the Dia de Bloglandia are expressing their memories - your card is more permanent than the things I have done this weekend, so you will have your lovely tribute to him to look at for much longer. I hope it helps to sustain you.
    Warm wishes from England x

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  4. GlorV1November 1, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    Hi Audrey. What a beautiful way to honor your brother. It's a beautiful card and your work by the way is just awesome. I love your Halloween tree. It's great that we can all share our tributes to our family that is now gone. Thank you for sharing.

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  5. tamiNovember 1, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    your artwork is beautiful . . .it is a wonderful way to honor your brother. I hope your day is filled with beautiful memories and love.

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  6. Dawn ElliottNovember 1, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    What a beautiful drawing you made in honor of your brother.

    I have been in awe of this holiday since I learned about and participated in it in Oaxaca ten years ago. It is reverent in many ways, yet also positive and even joyous. Thank you for sharing with us today.

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  7. AnonymousNovember 1, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    I love this tribute to your brother and all the things that bring him to life for you.

    thank you so much for sharing this with us all.
    x..x

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  8. Julie PrichardNovember 1, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Beautiful artwork! Thank you for sharing today..it is comforting to all of us to share together. xo

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  9. rochambeauNovember 1, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Your drawing as tribute to your brother is touching Audrey, and he liked Autumn!! I'm part of his tribe.

    Yes!! like you, I think Patrick would like your art very much! Perhaps there is something that will happen today, that you might see the dove of peace!!

    xox
    Constance

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  10. foxysueNovember 1, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    I didn't know much about this celebration before, living in the UK we don't have a particular day to honour those gone before. This is such a lovely way to remember and as the years pass I'm sure it will become a tradition for more people as they learn the beauty of sharing.

    Sue x

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  11. www.lalloronastudio.blogspot.comNovember 1, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    We remember our loved ones in different ways. What matters most is that we remember them. Lovely tribute to your brother.
    Adriana

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  12. Fran aka RedondowriterNovember 1, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    A great collage for your brother Patrick, which is an ofrenda within itself. I look forward to seeing other things you are doing, too.

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  13. Queenie BelieveNovember 1, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    A beautiful work of art in honor of your brother Patrick, it reflects your great love for him. Thank you for sharing your memories with us.
    Have a great day,
    Always, Queenie

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  14. Magical Mystical TeacherNovember 1, 2011 at 10:15 PM

    This is an exquisite drawing and a moving tribute to your brother.

    The Veil Is Thin

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  15. rebeccaNovember 1, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    oh audrey how perfect to think of you drawing and thinking of your brother. bringing to light the things that brought him happiness in life. your drawing is beautiful as is your heart.
    so glad you are here shining your love light!

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  16. Heather S-GNovember 2, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    Your drawing is so wonderful! It absolutely captures the beauty of the day and is a wonderful tribute for your brother. =)

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  17. JanNovember 2, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    Audrey, what a wonderful tribute to Patrick. I love to imagine you drawing and coloring away on this piece as you immerse your thoughts on your brother. It turned out great. What do you do with it now? Frame it and hang it up? How big is it? Well done.

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  18. lulu moonwood murakamiNovember 2, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Hi Audrey, I am sure your brother is honored by your drawing, and that you have chosen to celebrate his life. Day of the Dead is a beautiful tradition - thank you for sharing!
    And it's nice to meet you, too!
    : ) lulu

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  19. AscenderRisesAboveNovember 3, 2011 at 1:13 AM

    Audrey; I think the building of a shrine is a process. When I began to begin with mine I placed just a statue there for two weeks and then began placing photos etc next to it as my process of building it evolved. And although it is now photograph-able I do not yet feel like I wish to share it with the world as it feels so personal. Maybe some day I can be bold like the rest of you! I think the illustration always comes first as you bring it into your daily life and it manifests itself. Jacque

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  20. TracyNovember 3, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    Hello, Audrey! Many thanks for your kind visit to my blog. It's been such a joy to share this celebration with you and so many. Halloween is so much more than tacky costumes and candy. So very nice to meet you this week. :o) ((LOVE & LIGHT))

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  21. elena nuezNovember 3, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Audrey well done, this is a beautiful tribute!

    thanks and happy evening,
    elena

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  22. MariaNovember 3, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    What a gorgeous card! Thank you for sharing this beautiful post! :)

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  23. SethNovember 4, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    I love your piece. It is such a wonderful tribute to your brother!

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