Nora Mendoza and my Chance Meeting

Haven't painted at all this week. Too many other things consumed my time. Today's activity today, after teaching my class, was to deliver two paintings to a gallery in order to participate in a competition. Since it's a show pertaining to figurative work, and one that attracts mostly area artists, it was really funny to go there and find myself surrounded by drawings and paintings that were mostly done in classes around here, working off the same models. I don't know if the artists will gain fame, but the models ultimately might. They not only model for classes around here, but at numerous Michigan art centers that offer life drawing sessions as an option.

I did have the opportunity to meet Nora Mendoza, one of the owners/ co-op participants of the gallery. Apparently (based on biographical information on the web) she is of Hispanic and Indian heritage. Her work often relates to current issues, feminism, and themes related to her native ancestry. Although I was aware  of her  as a significant artist in the Detroit metro area, I wasn't familiar with her work, or her  themes . 

This first link has some biographical information.
http://lavozonline.forbesoft.net/articles/2003apr/nora1.asp
The second link will take you to some images of her artwork.
http://www.elmuseodelnorte.org/nora-mendoza.html 
I think you'll find it informative.

Although I haven't painted in recent days, as I mentioned, I've been putting my materials together to paint in the portrait session I attend with the Independent Painters group. It makes me feel great when I go there. It's not only the opportunity to paint from a model that feels great. It's being in the company of other artists, mostly long time painters who have worked as artists in varied fields over the years, and are still interested in testing their abilities, and honing their skills. It is a lifelong pursuit.