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More from `johnpaulthornton

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October 31, 2010
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1390×3165
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Canon
Canon PowerShot A720 IS
1/79 second
F/5.6
7 mm
160
Sep 30, 2010, 8:58:47 PM
Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery 6.0.6001.18000
2mm
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:iconjohnpaulthornton:
"La Muerta" is part of a series of paintings I created for a "Dia De Los Muertos" or "Day of the Dead" exhibition in Los Angeles.

This rich traditional holiday is primarily celebrated in Mexico, but has caught on in America as an alternative to Halloween. The ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures conceived of death as being a sacred and mystical passage and when conquering Spanish Christians introduced "All Soul's Day," the Mexican people embraced the holiday with their hearts. Using Christian symbols and Aztec vision, it is a synthesis of cross-cultural belief, superstition, faith and devotion. The Vatican, by the way, does not endorse Day of the Dead.

Day of the dead is often called "Mexican Halloween" but in fact it represents the OPPOSITE of Halloween.

Day of the Dead imagines an evening where our deceased relatives actually come home to party with their loved ones back on Earth. The dead are depicted in art not as zombies or ghosts, but as kind skeletons, happily going about their business, just existing in an alternate world. Families create altars in cemeteries and in homes, upon which are placed marigold flowers, photos and favorite food or drink of the deceased. Sugar skulls, hand-made art objects and lit candles create an atmosphere of playful humor and respectful reverence.

The Butterfly symbolizes transformation and rebirth, and it is often used in artistic motifs.

This painting is seven feet tall.
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Daily Deviation

Given 2011-12-22
`johnpaulthornton cuts an imposing yet beautiful figure, with brush strokes calling La Muerta to walk the earth again. ( Featured by ^deshrubber )
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:iconjscriver:
~jscriver Sep 20, 2012
Can we use your image above to promote a Day of the Dead event for our Artist Run Centre GALLERY CONNEXION?
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:iconjohnpaulthornton:
`johnpaulthornton Sep 23, 2012
Yes, you have my permission. Just credit me: John Paul Thornton
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:iconjscriver:
~jscriver Oct 18, 2012
Thanks Paul. Much appreciated, but the committee selected another piece.
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:iconmelissa78:
~Melissa78 Sep 2, 2012
For years I have looked at day of the dead art and through all the vibrant images I saw this one is my favorite. This is so so stunning! Uh makes me want to be rich so I could offer any price to put this on my wall seriously I am in love with this painting
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:iconjohnpaulthornton:
`johnpaulthornton Sep 23, 2012
Much gratitude!

John Paul
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:iconangie-pictures:
*Angie-Pictures Dec 30, 2011
Congratulations on the DD! :iconflowerheartplz:
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:icona-falcon-velazquez:
~A-Falcon-Velazquez Dec 25, 2011
Your description of Día de Muertos is perfect. I'm really glad you made such a piece of art out of this tradition. You interpretation is lovely.
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:iconjohnpaulthornton:
`johnpaulthornton Dec 26, 2011
Thank you so very much! I love the tradition. It is celebrated here in Los Angeles and is growing ever more popular and (of course) more commercial. I have been disappointed with Halloween for decades because it has become merely a costume party here in America.

The deep meaning of the Days of the Dead are very powerful to me, and I hope this image causes people to research and learn about what they are truly represent.

Your paintings, by the way, are beautifully done.

Thank you,

John Paul
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:icona-falcon-velazquez:
~A-Falcon-Velazquez Dec 26, 2011
Thank you John. Yes, it's a really meaningful tradition here in Mexico, however it has become more commercial as well here. When I was a kid I visited a village where people went to the cemetery to spend a night with their deads, they lighted candles and decorate the graves, they sang and had a nice time playing board games until really late at night. I know only few people keep doing that, now they switched to have parties, still with a traditional touch but it's not as meaningful as what they used to do before.
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:iconchaotink:
~Chaotink Dec 23, 2011  Professional Traditional Artist
this is so amazing i love the texture in the strokes absolutely lovely.
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