END OF A YEAR

I started to say END OF A STRANGE YEAR. Then thought, END OF AN INTENSE YEAR. END OF A BEAUTIFUL, ART-FILLED, AMAZING YEAR. END OF AN OUTRAGEOUS, APPALLING, DISMANTLING OF EVERYTHING WE KNOW YEAR. 

But all of these are true, so it's just the end of another year. Each December is for me, another ending, another beginning, due to my birthday being this month as well. 

2016 began with preparations for my solo exhibition at El Nigromante Bellas Artes, titled HILOS. (Threads)
Lena Bartula's HILOS exhibition, Bellas Artes, San Miguel de Allende
(photo credit: Hal Schade)

365 Huipiles for 2016, Lena Bartula, Bellas Artes, San Miguel de Allende
(photo credit: Hal Schade)

In July, I travelled to San Cristobal de las Casas, for a stint at the paper-making workshop Taller Leñateros. I was so inspired by the process, the town, and then, by the director, Javier, that he and I began to work towards an exhibition of HILOS. He secured all three salas at Casa de la Enseñaza, a spectacular cultural center in the heart of San Cris. It's set to open March 4, 2017.


Casa de la Enseñaza, San Cristobal de las Casas

And as I was enjoying a nice autumn vacation with the family, I got an invitation to show here in San Miguel with my friend Alberto Lenz, the director of Bellas Artes. He is a prolific painter, sculptor and jeweler, and I'm honored to be sharing an exhibition with him that runs from December 16 to February 13, at Bar Berlin. For this, I made new works, smaller and two-dimensional, for the first time in 5 years. Many of these are re-visioned, re-cycled works that were never resolved, but are now finally what they wanted to be.


Promotion for Armonías en Oposición / Opposing Harmonies

For now, it feels like the END OF A REMARKABLE YET UNREMARKABLE YEAR. I'm grateful for it, and for all my friends and supporters who continue to fill my life with abundance, frivolity, creativity, meaning and love.

Here's wishing you a KIND, LOVING, INSPIRING, PROSPEROUS AND HEALTHY 2017.





Comments

i admire your year of incredible creativity.
Unknown said…
I loved hearing about all you are doing and seeing some of your beautiful work. I am back in MX again and thrilled by the colors and vitality of everything around me. No wonder there are so many people making wonderful art here. Wishing you and all of us freedom in the new year. Vicki
Babs said…
I'll be arriving in San Cristobal on March 7th. I'll make a point to see your exhibit while there. Thanks for the information...........Keep on creating.
Unknown said…
Hooray - I'll be in San Cristobal Feb.10 to see your exhibit - my good luck & timing!
Of course, I hope to see you in SMA on Jan.20th - at the Abrazos book event!
Happy New Year Lena!! (antes de Santa Fe, NM)
Patricia Smith said…
Such a pleasure to watch your work evolve as you continue to live your principles daily with verve and commitment to all you hold sacred, including this amazing series.... I cannot wait to see what comes next! besos....
Unknown said…
You are an astounding artist with a giant heart and care for the world. I can't wait to see you and your work first hand in Feb. Much love, Alexandra
Lena Bartula said…
Ezshwan, thank you so much, that means a lot coming from you. We're all just striving to do the best we can, listening to our muse with noses to the grindstone!
besos,
L
Lena Bartula said…
Vicki Solot, I can't believe it's been 2 yrs. since we met up at the workshop in Teotitlan del Valle. Are you back in Oaxaca? I'd love to see you again, come to San Miguel!!!
Lena Bartula said…
Babs, that's so nice that you're in San Cris at the same time I am. If you'd like to meet at Casa de las Enseñaza for a tour or the exhibit, let me know. It will be great to see you again.
Lena Bartula said…
Sheri, definitely I will be at your book signing and lecture in a couple of weeks. I've been looking forward to it since the day you told me you were writing this book. hehehe, how time flies!!! I'm excited to show you all my new work when you're in San Cris. Hasta then!
Lena Bartula said…
Patricia Smith, your words always rock my world. Your continued support through the years is so valued, and coupled with your friendship it's going to be a pleasure to hang outwit you in San Cris... as it is here in San M.
Lena Bartula said…
Alexandra, I am looking forward to your seeing my work, and me seeing you, and meeting your Rick, and catching up after so long. It's been a joy to connect on FB and keep up with your work as well.

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