30 Friday Dec 2011
Posted in Ecuador, TRAVEL: LATIN AMERICA
In flaming tradition, Ecuadorians say goodbye to the old year with “Anos Viejos.” From elaborate works of art to primitive attempts, these effigies often adorn front porches and doorways as the end of the year approaches.
Sometimes stuffed with fireworks, the Anos Veijos honor the tradition of burning away the old year as the new one arrives. Continue reading
29 Thursday Dec 2011
Tucked on an unassuming-yet strategic location in Manta, Ecuador, Bat’s Corner quietly awaits the daily lunch-time clientele. Near Playa Murcielago, Oro Verde Hotel and the forever popular KFC, Bat’s Corner Bar & Grill is my favorite spot for the noon almuerzo. Never have I been disappointed, and the quality and diversity of their menus continue to amaze me. Continue reading
17 Saturday Dec 2011
Posted in TRAVEL: REGIONAL FOODS & RECIPES
Tags
Achojcha, Caigua, Cyclanthera pedata, Ecuador cuisine, mango camote salad, quinoa, Stuffing Cucumber
After finishing a painting session today, I prepared a chicken for the crock pot, then took a long leisurely walk to Playamart. I needed to restock my supply of beach rocks!
Returning home, I washed the latest Playamart treasures then painted a handful of new rocks. I returned to the kitchen to prepare stuffed achojcha. How could I have spent so much time in this country and be just now discovering this incredible vegetable?! (This past week, achojchas cost ten cents each at the local market.)
ACHOJCHA CON POLLO, QUINOA Y MOZZARELLA Continue reading
15 Thursday Dec 2011
Posted in TRAVEL: REGIONAL FOODS & RECIPES
A new vegetable recently caught my eye at Maria’s sidewalk market. Light green and slightly ribbed, it was extremely lightweight and hollow. “Que es esto?” I asked Maria, who was helping several shoppers.
“Achocha,” she replied then resumed weighing vegetables.
Left to ponder the unusual vegetable, I inspected the display, sniffed the achochas, rattled one, tossed it into the air, caught it, then added two more to my selection. Why not try this curious new vegetable? Continue reading
15 Thursday Dec 2011
Posted in TRAVEL: REGIONAL FOODS & RECIPES
Quinoa Crisps & Sauteed Tomatoes
Move over, rice and potatoes, a super food from the Andes is knocking home runs through the culinary world!
Quinoa dates back to 3,000 to 5,000 B.C. and was a sacred grain to the Incas. Along came the Spanish Invasion, and quinoa was discouraged and sometimes forbidden as a food source. Wheat replaced quinoa, and potatoes became popular. Considered a food for the poor for centuries, quinoa has suddenly burst out of the closet and stepped into the spotlight. Continue reading
13 Tuesday Dec 2011
Posted in TRAVEL: LATIN AMERICA
Like others who know and respect the work of Rycardo Alcivar, I come to attention when approaching the Rio Jama bridge in northwestern Manabi, Ecuador. On the Jama side of the bridge and precariously close to the highway, Rycardo is often seen fine tuning details on his latest sculpture. A popular icon, he sometimes pauses to acknowledge greetings, shouts and horns from locals passing by in cars or beach-bound collectivo trucks or even bicycles.
Continue reading
13 Tuesday Dec 2011
Posted in TRAVEL: LATIN AMERICA
Tags
Tired and weary from five days of intense travel, I reached Cruzita, Ecuador with plans to touch base with the world via cyber cafe then literally crash at my friends’ HOSTAL CRUZITA. Fishermen dotted the beach while awaiting high tide, and artisans peddled their wares along the street. With blinders on, I raced to the cybercafe then hurried back to the hostal.
Later that evening, Raul and Gina urged me to join them for dinner, and we passed the artisans again. Though I was still numb from too much travel, a part of me noted the attentiveness of one of the artisans. Never one to sit back and hope for business, he postured to hopeful attention every time a potential client walked by.
Franklin is not your normal citizen of this planet! Continue reading
Posted in ABOUT THIS SITE
Tags
“All artists are a little bit crazy!” “Artists are different.”
Over the years, I’ve chuckled when someone looked at my whimsical works and noted the difference in our personalities.
Yes, artists are programmed differently, and most of us rejoice that every waking moment is a gift! Whether soaking in a sun-drenched street scene or admiring an alignment of overhead pelicans or noting subtle color differences in a landscape, an artist’s eyes never rest!
When living in Costa Rica, I lived immersed in nature and marveled at the beauty that surrounded me. I was also intrigued that most of the handmade products I bought were made in Ecuador. Hammocks, pottery, linens, masks – Ecuador, Ecuador, Ecuador. From my first exploratory visit, Ecuador stole my heart! I now divide my time between Ecuador and Central America, and I look forward to exploring more of South America.
Although you cannot step inside my studio from your vantage point, this site will give you a glimpse into the life of the zeebra. Hopefully you’ll emerge with a lighter heart!
Thanks for stopping by! Z
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09 Friday Dec 2011
Posted in Costa Rica, Ecuador, PEOPLE, TRAVEL: LATIN AMERICA
Tags
Parts of the Americas will soon observe the December 10th lunar eclipse, but those of us in Ecuador will miss it. Drats!
I really should not complain; last year’s Solstice Eclipse was spectacular, and my friends Hank and Marie Groff invited me to watch it from their perfect vantage point in Costa Rica. Continue reading
09 Friday Dec 2011
Posted in TRAVEL: REGIONAL FOODS & RECIPES
The lovely hibiscus continues to be the darling of my gardens! Although the intoxicating aroma of the dramatic white ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium) steals my heart each rainy season, and the aroma of the ylang ylang stops me in my tracks, the hibiscus holds my admiration and respect. Thriving in hot climates, a mature plant adorns the landscape with a daily offering of flowers. Ranging from the classic five-petaled red flower to soothing peach-colored ones to frilly doubles, they adorn gardens and mark property lines throughout Latin America.
Many people are surprised that the hibiscus flowers and leaves are edible. Added to salads, their delicate texture and colorful petals enhance the culinary experience. Not only beautiful, they are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. A double handful of fresh red blossoms added to a pot of steaming water Continue reading
08 Thursday Dec 2011
Posted in ABOUT THIS SITE
07 Wednesday Dec 2011
Posted in TRAVEL: REGIONAL FOODS & RECIPES
This gallery contains 27 photos.
Carambola, maracuya, pitalla, cacao, mani, hibiscus, quinoa, achocha… When I need a break from painting, I often switch hats and …
07 Wednesday Dec 2011
Posted in PAINTINGS: WATERCOLORS
When the mola series rests, the traditional watercolors step forward!
07 Wednesday Dec 2011
Posted in PAINTINGS: ACRYLIC
Applying watercolor techniques to acrylic paintings marries the freshness of washes with the strength of acrylics.
The paper’s unforgiving properties dictate a need for precise planning before the first stroke of color floats across the paper. With a good map in place, the painting flows effortlessly – for a seasoned artist!
(Right: “Tu-Can Do It” Acrylic on Paper 11″ x 16″
"Congrejo Loco" - Acrylic on Paper - 11" x 16"
From the initial sketch until the final application of black, the above painting accepted the artist’s direction. There were no struggles; the image remained compliant and accepted the artist’s vision. “Van Gogh Ceibo” (below) quickly found its own voice and dictated the direction of the painting.
The Mola Series continues to spawn paintings that often step forward and seize control! Enjoy, Z Continue reading
07 Wednesday Dec 2011
Posted in PAINTINGS: WATERCOLORS
Tags
i can do this painting workshops, kuna mola, precolumbian art, precolumbian mola series, watercolor
This new painting style startles me at times! Inspired by the Mola textiles of Panama’s Kuna Indians, it was also influenced by my love of pre-Columbian artifacts. This series continues to evolve, and the subject matter sometimes takes control and dictates the painting’s direction.
Traditional "Antigua" Design with Butterfly - Watercolor - 11" x 15"
"Museum Guardians" (Jama Coaque/Ecuador) Watercolor 11" x16"
(The series also inspired the “I CAN DO THIS” painting workshops.)
This PDF summary provides a retrospective summary of the first 14 paintings of series. Continue reading
07 Wednesday Dec 2011
Posted in PAINTING WORKSHOPS: "I CAN DO THIS!"
This gallery contains 28 photos.
So many times people have watched me work or have looked at a painting and said wistfully, “I wish I …
06 Tuesday Dec 2011
WordPress has a fun Daily Prompt, which states, “Now that you’ve got some blogging experience under your belt, re-write your very first post.”
Ladies and gentelmen: I present to you the revised first page, posted about a year ago this week! Thank you for your tireless and amazing support! Z
I love the challenge of transforming ugly-duckling floors into lovely swans!
Someone asked if I would paint stripes on a mirror! Ha! If only all tasks were so easy!
Custom designs add a lot of character to a room. Stroll with me through a few creative projects and see if you agree! Continue reading
