My 12 work mini concentration is titled “Dia de los Muertos” and explores the traits and some objects of the popular Mexican holiday. The celebration originated in central and southern Mexico. Those who celebrate it believe that at midnight on October 31, the souls of all deceased children come down from heaven and reunite with their families on November 1, and the souls of deceased adults come visit on November 2. Families make colorful altars in their homes in honor, and the altars are decorated with flowers, candles, and sometimes their loved one's favorite food. Pan de muerto, a slightly sweet bread, is also made specifically for this time. The festivities then continue in the cemetery, where families bring picnics, play music, and enjoy each others company.
I loved exploring the culture and learning more about the holiday, celebration, and what was important to the Mexican people. It was interesting to explore the popular items that are a part of the celebrations.
For my mini concentration, I started with a background of watercolor, mostly using warm colors, and also integrating some newspaper pieces. Then, I printed my linocut print on each card. My print is a small skull, carved on a linoleum block, and printed using black ink. As you can see, the skull travels from one card to the next, encountering a different trait of Dia de los Muertos as it goes. Some examples are the popular face paintings, flowers, candles, and so on.