Ofrenda

Though I'm always thinking of, and wishing to... be more involved in the art-heart of my little Petaluma town, it always seems like something I'm putting off for tomorrow... and tomorrow... and tomorrow. But a few months ago, my wonderful friend Lynne warmly bypassed my excuses, and signed me up to participate in this year's Day of the Dead celebration.  As with all things artful and giving, it was a thrill to be involved, even in my own small part.

Together, Lynne and I composed a little alter installation at a shop downtown, dedicated to two beloved family members.  Ours was a small portion of a heart-filled alter walk throughout our dear town, organized by the lovely Margie Helm through the Petaluma Arts Council.  

Lynne provided the overall make-up of our alter, and guided me through its symbolism and tradition. You can read more about these preparations and customs online here... she also provided a paper mache skeleton which I dressed for the center of the alter.  I created the pathway arch out of dead branches that Danny piled behind our house - happy to sacrifice themselves in the building of Henry's treehouse this past summer.

I also created this little house, - 'Recuerdos del Corazon'... made for my Daddy, and for my ever-inspiring friend Shannon's Dad too.  The inside of the house is a collage of images, paint, and decoupage glue.  It was inspired by a picture I love of my dad, taken in front of a window... which I drew upon in the window images throughout.  The stories of the house loosely resemble the layers of life and afterlife, with trees and flowers representing heaven on top.

At the base of the house, are my dad's truck keys on a keychain which holds pictures of my boys inside... and a copy of a post-it note from my daddy stuck to a 'rainy day' check sent years ago when I was in college that says, "I love you."

This is the floor of the house, and I think my favorite part - I used old drawings and notes my dad made for Dan and I when we first bought our now-famous fixer-upper... with ideas on how he thought we should landscape our yard.

And finally, - my daddy skeleton... I found gold wings, and this sweet little bead that says 'dad', which I placed in his hand.  It's so small, and profound, - I just love it.  I also painted a red heart for the inside of his chest... 

Always in my heart, ... I love you, Dad.

Comments

[shannon]

You did a wonderful job on this Brandi really, every detail and all the love you put in to it. Thank you so much for letting me and my Dad be a part of this memorial.