Imaginative beings have existed in human imagination all around the world. And we could make a endless list of fantastic creatures from different cultures such as the Greeks, African tribes, the Japanese or Aztecs just to mention some. And looking around we can notice that the only difference between an alebrije and a fantastic creature from an African tribe is the name.
An alebrije is an imaginary creature, usually a mix of 2 or more prehispanic animals. An alebrije is made of paper mâché or wood but it can be made from other materials, like stone, recycled material, etc. The use of colors in these creatures may seem uncontrolled, almost wild, but you have to know what you are doing to use color the way that an alebrije uses it. And the decoration has to resemble nature or indigenous art.
With this information in mind when I went to Mexico last week I was excited to see a parade of alebrijes. It was an interesting experience. I found myself in the middle of a parade full of imaginary creatures. Some of them seemed to be part of a nightmare and other resembled more a greek god than an alebrije, but in the end the experience was unforgettable and full of inspiration.
Cuando intento dar una definición de la palabra alebrije, me encuentro con un gran dilema. Quizá porque no hay una definición clara de este tipo de creación. Mucha gente piensa que el origen de estas fantásticos seres pertenece exclusivamente al artesano Pedro Linares y sus alucinaciones, pero yo tengo mi propia teoría (siendo honesta no es solo mia).
Estos seres fantasticos han existido en la imaginación de seres humanos en todo el mundo. Y podríamos hacer una lista infinita de criaturas increibles de diversas culturas tales como los Griegos, las tribus africanas, japoneses, o los Aztecas solo por mencionar algunos. Y mirando alrededor podemos notar que la única diferencia entre un alebrije y un animal fantástico de una tribu africana es el nombre.
Un alebrije es ser imaginario, generalmente una mezcla de 2 o más animales y estos solían ser prehispanicos. Un alebrije se hace generalmente del papel maché o de la madera, pero puede crearse de otros materiales, como roca, material reciclable, etc. El uso de colores puede parecer casi salvaje, incontrolable, pero tiene que tener un entendimiento claro del color. Y la decoración tiene una semejanza a la naturaleza o arte indígena.
Con esta información, emocionada fui a México la semana pasada para ver un desfile de alebrijes. Fue una experiencia interesante. Me encontré con un desfile lleno de creaturas imaginarias. Algunas de ellas parecían ser parte de la pesadilla y otros más parecían un dios griego que un alebrije, pero al final la experiencia fue inolvidable y me llenó de inspiración para crear mas alebrijes.
This is a letter that not too long ago I wrote for a magazine submission and I wanted to share it with you.
I never totally understood how difficult it could be to live in a country where you don’t know the language until it was too late. So, there I was, a foreigner lost in L.A. trying to learn the language and wondering what to do with my life.
Anything is easy when you cannot communicate properly, such as getting off at the wrong bus stop, ordering the wrong food, etc. And simple tasks--getting a coffee, going shopping or explaining to the doctor that you don’t need more vaccinations because you already have them--get so complicated.
My level of frustration reached its high point when one of my English teachers encouraged us to practice our grammar by blogging. It was quite difficult.
However, it turned out to be the best idea ever… not just for practicing my English but because it became the outlet that I was waiting for. It is like having your own gallery where friends, family and strangers can share your passion, work, dreams and every little thing in life. Slowly my list of blog-friends is growing and my wonderful experiences are growing with it.
I was really lucky to be in Sevilla when the "Feria de Abril" was happening. During those days the streets are full of Sevilla's people wearing colorful outfits. 
And I had fun too... Here I am with new friends trying to do some huge soap bubbles.
