The here and now... and what and why

Complacency is a trap. At least that’s what I was thinking when I up and left the comfort of a Yankee prep school gig, where I taught music, amongst other things, for 28 years. There was also that life long career as a composer, musician and artist.

First, it was a year in St. Thomas, USVI, working as a reporter and shooting photography and then, a year in San Agustin Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Time passed.
More time passed and a year back in the Athens of America followed by a hasty return to Oaxaca where it is all happening.
A couple of years in San Sebastian Etla and now, just down the road in San Pablo Etla. Life is good.

Click on an image to see it larger.
For additional photography please visit my flickr page.
You can find my music on Jango (World & latin - Worldbeat) and at iTunes and most online stores.
¡Soy consciente de todas las tradiciones del Internet!
If you are coming to Oaxaca, please contact me for tours or advice.

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo
The view from Corazon del Pueblo

The hereafter re me

My photo
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Musician, photographer, videographer, reporter, ex-officio teacher, now attempting to be a world traveler

Monday, January 26, 2015

Isidoro Cruz Hernandez - San Martin Tilcajete says adios

Yesterday, in San Martin Tilcajete, there was a funeral for the great artist, famed woodcarver, magical character, Isidoro Cruz Hernandez.  I arrived to see the procession coming from his house on its way to the church for mass.  There were lots of towns people and a band, all solemn and slow moving.
The casket arrived at the church door.
Bells, flowers and copal...
After the mass, the procession moved on to the panteon, cemetery.  It was a fifteen minute walk and the band played music that made me feel good.  It was not somber funeral music.  That is the iconic hill that is associated with San Martin Tilcajete in the background.
Arrival at the panteon.
Through the doorway.
There were quite a few wonderful and moving eulogies by his family and friends.  Don Isidoro was highly respected and loved by many.  His brothers spoke amongst others and there were smiles and tears and lots of applause for the departed.  It was a good and proper send-off.  Seeing his hat on his casket brought a real pang to my heart.
He will be long remembered.

3 comments:

itchyfeet said...

Once again, I sincerely thank you for posting this. Having been in Oaxaca in November, I was able to witness several ceremonies that are part of the rhythm of life in these communities. I can almost smell the copal floating in the air, carrying this man's soul to the next world. Gracias.

Christopher Stowens said...

De nada... it was an honor to be there, to join with others and celebrate his life.

Unknown said...

Your documenting of this inspiring man's passing has been moving and powerful. Thank you.