Sunday, November 01, 2009

El Día de los Muertos

Yes, it is the Day of the Dead, All Saints Day, All Souls Day. The Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated in Mexico (and by Latin Americans living in the United States and Canada). The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration occurs on November 1st and 2nd in connection with the Catholic holiday of All Saints' Day which occurs on November 1st and All Souls Day which occurs on November 2nd. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.
José Guadalupe Posada created a famous print of a figure that he called "La calavera catrina" ("calavera of the female dandy"), as a parody of a Mexican upper class female. Posada's striking image of a costumed female with a skeleton face has become associated with the Day of the Dead, and Catrina figures often are a prominent part of modern Day of the Dead observances.
I made these fantastic banners for an Altered Art Obsession swap -- I got the images from itkupilli -- check out the store -- she has wonderful digital images. They are very freakish. I am just loving her zombies too.


I'm really enjoying the freedom of being able to just join things when I want, and not having the pressure of someone's book to work in. I had no idea that I was getting so burnt out.

8 comments:

vivian said...

wow! what a wonderful banner.. really impressive Martha! I also love those skeletons! have a great day!
hugs

Kelly Kilmer said...

I LOVE your banner, Martha! Great post!

Melly Testa said...

I love your banners Martha, great work! Like the rivets too.

dogfaeriex5 said...

very very cool...xox

Unknown said...

Cool banner! I love those creepy images from itkupilli!Have fun on your swaps!

Sandy xo

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Heather Robinson said...

Wow! These "Day of the Dead" pieces are very powerful and beautifully designed. I so enjoyed hearing all about your accomplishments at Bizzy B's. I just wished that you had been there in the store so that I could properly congratulate you. I was lucky enough to be checked out by the owner and she is SO proud of you. I totally related to your comment about the round robin journal pages. I was feeling the same way. The freedom is absolutely divine, isn't it??

Unknown said...

I love this!! All the colors are so vibrant...i think what it is about working in peoples books, is you are doing their themes and colors and sometimes they all kind of run together.....it is nice to be able to pick what you want to do!