Sometimes it’s good to get out of town, not just for a change of scenery, but for inspiration. That’s exactly what my husband and I did this past week while my daughter was off at Music Camp. We traveled to one of my favorite places in the world: Taos, New Mexico.
Taos Pueblo
Being that I’m a native New Mexican, I may be a bit biased. But I just love the melding of the Spanish, Indian, and Cowboy cultures because of the unique art it brings to the area. There’s the rich earth tones, the use of rustic woods & metals, and the fact ANY and EVERY-thing found in nature is masterfully turned into art. It’s no wonder Taos is said to have more artists per capita than any town in the world, including Paris!
Ristras & Vigas in Taos Plaza
Jewelry made of painted corn kernals
When I’m in Taos, I sometimes feel like I’m standing in the middle of a painting. Certainly, any of the photos we took while there would look great not just on postcards but on canvas. But, if you look beyond the landscape and the architecture, you can also pick up interesting techniques and color combinations. For instance, I now want to incorporate more contrasting blues in future projects. I now want to leave imperfections alone instead of trying to fix them, because they add so much character. And, doorways… I never realized how artistic they are. I’m suddenly inspired by them and want to photograph doorways all over the world and recognize them for the gateways that they are! One glance and your mind begins to fill in the blanks, picturing what lies beyond them without ever walking through them. Look at this one and tell me it’s not art:
One of many artistic doorways
I could go on and on about the things we saw, the way our history is being preserved through art, and how it’s advancing with new contemporary expressions. But I think I’ll just share a few photos and let them speak for themselves. After a weeklong getaway, my cup runneth over with great memories and the most colorful inspiration.
Star lanterns made with colored paper
We ate amongst antique gas pumps at Taos Pizza Out Back
St. Francis of Assisi Church in Ranchos de Taos
Reclaimed old wood waiting to be up-cycled
Hand blown glass artists at work (This was actually in Santa Fe)
Pricey but beautiful glasswork
Art in nature at Taos Pueblo
Me standing in art (I could seriously live here.)
Beautiful pictures and beautiful words. I loved reading this post, sounds like you two are having a great time and seeing some great places!
Love this post in every way, Marcy! Thanks for another reminder of our rich heritage as New Mexicans!
Thanks! New Mexico is rich in culture and beauty, for sure! It has everything but the beach. 🙂
It warms my heart to know I have a tiny piece to do with your early discovery of my Taos…Beautiful pix by the way!
I would never have even known about Taos if it weren’t for you, Dennis. And for years, I’ve dreamed about retiring there! My husband loves it too now.