Shadow Box, Diorama, Memory Box, Altar, Tribute Box..... Frida Kahlo

di·o·ram·a/ˌdīəˈramə/

Noun:

A model representing a scene with three-dimensional figures, either in miniature or as a large-scale museum exhibit.

A shadow box is an enclosed case used in dioramas with a scene or object(s) that has been specially designed to let light pass through from only one angle, so that objects within are less susceptible to damage from light.

No matter what you call it they are FUN FUN FUN to make and have a huge impact once completed. A story in a box! They make great personalized gift to celebrate an occassion, person in your life, pet or a memorial for a dearly departed. This new creation was inspired by my trip to Mexico and visit to Frida Kahlo's house.. La Casa Azul (the blue house). The very first step into the house was inspiring, a wonderful energy engulfs the air and space. The blue bounces off the sky like a ray of light as you sit in the open center and enjoy the many plants and sculptures. As i embraced and took in every inch of the house i was inspired and blown away by the history, determination and fight of Frida Kahlo. Her passion to express herself through art tells a story of a true warrior a goddess in every sense of the word.                                                       

So what are you waiting for? get to creating!!! do you have a favorite someone to commemorate? a theme to your home? a loved one to give a hand crafted unique gift to? No need to be a "professional artist" to be creative and inspired... everyone is born an artist!! now get your ChaCha self out the door and into the craft store for some supplies and inspiration!!!


Shadow box designs By Mia....

Happy crafting and remember... keep it FUN!!!


All images are Copyright protected and are not to be used, duplicated or copied without the permission of the artist.

As i write these few words... (BE FEARLESS AND FLY) they are powerful. They are an affirmation of self. It's ok to be fearless and fly, soar, jump, skip and run with your dreams and desires. As I become Fearless and learn to Fly i learn about myself, my craft, my friends and family.

I started drawing / scribbling / doodling in a book as a means of expressing myself. I then started adding words to the images as a way of defining the source or image and what came about was an Art Journal that inspired people and myself. I could not stop, all i wanted to do was make an entry. This i shared with youth groups and womens groups and saw how it affected them first hand. I continue to share my entries in hopes that they will heal, continue to inspire, educate, motivate and facilitate a movement of change on this earth.

My work over the years has been known to be motivational, to create dialogue, emotion, advocacy, empowerment and awareness. I take the good and bad and create feeling with color, shape and form. Art for me is not a trend, I am not looking to create a popular scene or a fad. My art comes from a place of feeling, emotion and love that is very much a lifestyle for me. My Art Journal submissions will be available as notecards, affirmation cards and so much more. I will continue to use them as a source of inspiration for my students and in my workshops to women and young girls. Every year since 2005 I have designed limited edition notecards and calendars that are sold at local street festivals, fairs and on my online store, but as i say to the many that purchase the sets every year. They are much more that just a note card or calendar. They are a piece of art that fills the soul, an affirmation of life, reality and culture.

Thank you for dropping by... you can visit my shop at http://www.artbymia.etsy.com/ or my Art website page at http://www.artsbymia.com/ 

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Have a blessed day, Mia

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull face painting

Throughout the years, people continue to mistake el Dia de los Muertos for Halloween. Since Day of the Dead decorations include calaveras (sugar skulls) and skeletons, people often believe it is the holiday, in Mexico, where children also go door-to-door for sweets and candy. However, Day of the Dead is a holiday during which families build and decorate altares (altars) in honor of the dead. Families also visit the cemetery to decorate the graves of the dead. Preparation for Day of the Dead may take a few weeks, but families believe in taking time to remember and honor the dead. After the food is cooked, the candles are lit, the graves are decorated, and the altars are completed, families are prepared for the arrival of the spirits on November 1st and 2nd.

All Face and Mask paint done by Mia Roman Hernandez

The Beginning: Aztec Customs Join the Catholic Church

          In the 1500's, Spaniards arrived in Mexico and brought along their Christian beliefs and traditions. They “viewed death as the end of life,” while the Aztecs believed that "life was a dream and only in death did they become truly awake" (Miller). The Aztecs believed in honoring the dead, through a month long ritual "during the Aztec month of Miccailhuitontli" (Salvador). Because the Spaniards wanted to convert the Aztecs to Catholicism, they tried to abolish the rituals dedicated to the dead. Spanish priests abhorred that the Aztecs celebrated the dead during a non-Christian celebration. However, attempts to abolish the Aztecs’ festivities and traditions failed, so "the Spaniards moved [the Aztecs’ rituals] so that [they] coincided with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 1 and 2)” (Miller). Spanish priests, therefore, attempted to blend the Aztecs’ customs with Catholic Christianity. All Saints’ Day became a time to celebrate and “honor the saints of the Catholic Church,” while All Souls’ Day was a “time to pray for the souls of the departed” (Hoyt-Goldsmith 12). Despite the Spaniards attempts to eradicate the Aztecs’ customs by linking their rituals with Catholic holidays, the celebrations continue to focus on remembering and honoring the spirits of the dead.

El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is and will continue to be an important part of Latina American families. Despite the changes the celebration has incurred, it transmits generation after generation the belief that death is not the end of life. Individuals should feel comfort in knowing that after they die, their family members will celebrate a holiday in which the dead are remembered and honored. Rather than view death with fear, people should embrace death and believe the Aztecs who said "only in death did they become truly awake" (Miller). Only after death will individuals be capable of resting in peace and truly living.

     Face Art by Mia ~ Photo by VIP Photos 2011

Shadow Box Art

Shadow boxes remind me of my youth, the dioramas made in school with the white glue and cut outs sparked my creativity and always left me hungry for more. They are boxes that tell a story and warm the heart with an unlimited amount of things you can do to create a unique boxes. They are called ... shadow boxes, memory boxes, altars, dioramas etc. The bottom line is ... they are creativity in a box that tells a story!!!

From custom made with family photos to tributes to your favorite painter, poet or pet. My latest creations go from a Bomba and Plena (African Dance) box to a shadow box dedicated to Frida Kahlo. They come in all sizes and shapes and don't always have to be made of wood. Below is an image of my "Baila" (dance) shadow box. The mask, flag and dancers are actually painted on canvas then cut out. The drummer is pianted on the background of the box to give some depth and dimension. I also included some mini maracas and scrabble tiles for fun. You really dont have to be a professional artist to make one of these, all you need is an imagination and a PASSION to CREATE. Now, get started what are you waiting for?

Feel free to leave a comment or question to any of the postings you see.

Happy Crafting! from The Creative Goddess

A tribute to Water.... and her Flow....

I believe in your healing oceans
and running streams
immersed in the living ocean

I dance to the waves
crashing against my body
warm, embracing, vitalizing
made of pure love and sweet waters
these boundless waters
my home
your blessings gently pouring over me
like a warm summer rain
the endless form of flow
A glistening morning dew
shining
before the breaking sun

Your divine stream permeating my everything
causing a creation of celebration
moving to the rhythms of my past
it is no mystery
that you are part of our history
healing and feeding our ancestory

As butterflies are flying
and babies are crying
we pray the poisons away

creating a pathway
to a fresh waterway
we say
only heaven knows the true power of your flow
so
let the ocean waves grow, crash and blow
giving a spectacular water show
for all to know
the healing power of your
FLOW.

Written by Mia in June 2011 for the 2nd annual DeAlmas Urban Goddess Summer festival celebrating Water, Women and Wholeness.

Ashe!

A Goddess Thank you

I would like to thank those that came out in support of MY VERY FIRST SOLO SHOW….. WEPA... I did it... I did it... I did it!!! Despite the weather on June 17th being challenging to say the least, it was a TRUE SUCCESS in every sense of the word. Three original Art By Mia pieces were sold to private collectors, people laughed, rejoiced, made new friends and many connected with their DIVINE FEMININE a true testament that Art Lives and it is STRONG!!! The show was warm, inviting, inspiring and a true witnessing to how art and the community can celebrate as a tribe in unity and love.

I am honored to have met and shared with so many and look forward to seeing and sharing with you again in the near future. This could not be possible without the support of my wonderful sponsor Hollis Kam from CARIB, Chashama, Family, Friends, Goddess Sisters,  and supporters of my work and mission. What a wonderful feeling to see smiling warm faces of people spilling onto the streets celebrating Art... and Art by Mia.

From live painting to body painting, world music to wine and food. I must say it was a sancocho de amor, luz y celebracion de vida por Arte. Que viva la Arte... Que Viva el Amor....

Those that could not make it out, your love and sentiments were definitely with me through the process from beginning to end. You ALL are appreciated and loved. 

I raise my hands in testimony of my blessings and share it with all of you.

Gracias, Love and light....

http://www.artsbymia.com/

GUEST TESTIMONIALS:

Great Work! Super nice event last night! The Great Vibe was in the Air, The Art, The universe conspired and so “We the people did” Congrats Mia!! …. By Arturo Amaya

I loved your show I left there feeling FABULOUS, the energy and vibe was GREAT!! XOXOXO…. By Audrey Aybar

Until the next time we meet, Mia

The GODDESS is coming to a town near YOU.

 

Art By Mia will be exhibiting a small sample of some of her Goddess Art Works. The Art exhibition is a celebration of the Divine Feminine. It will be a multi media show of Sacred Paths, A journey of Culture, Spirit & Mythology. View inspirational art through the eyes of the GODDESS within YOU.

 

 

~~ Live GODDESS body painting will take place at reception with a limited supply of FREE gifts ~~

 

Exhibiting Artist: Mia Roman Hernandez

Where: Chashama - 266 W. 37th St in Herald Sq. NYC 10018

FREE ADMISSION / FREE WINE

MEN ARE ALSO INVITED.... DON'T FEAR THE GODDESS... LOVE HER..

Reception opening on June 17th from 7-9pm

Show will run from June 17th until June 24th

For private viewing or group lectures and  Goddess workshops please contact Mia (artbymamamia@yahoo.com)

This show was made possible by Chashama, www.Chashama.org

Sponsored by CARIB - Caribbean Association for Resource, Information & Building

Hope to see you there....

Chamaca Arts ~ Art By Mia Joins the DeAlmas Women's Collective 2nd Annual Urban Goddess Summer Festival

 

Come and celebrate your femininity and connect with other amazing women at the 2nd Annual DeAlmas Womens Collective Urban Goddess Summer Festival.

We are all Divine Creations that illuminate the universe with our talents and qualities. Join us on June 25th, 2011 as we celebrate Women, Water and Wholeness. A day that is sure to be soul filled and heart warming.

The gathering will include: Belly dancing / Healing circle / Food & fun / SheSpeaks: Poetry, song and testimonials / walking meditation to a waterfall ~ tribute to honoring water / Flower ritual / Embodies affirmations and Networking.

Don't miss the Goddess Creation project lead by Mia Roman Hernandez from Art By Mia / Chamaca Arts. A project where we create from the inside out with a focus on the Goddess Within.

Bring Blankets / chairs / instruments / food-drinks to share and a bright colored scarf.

Where: Harlem Meer, Central Park ~ 110 Street & Lenox Ave. NYC ~ 12-5P

Look for the balloons to the right of the pathway entrance (in front of the lake)

RSVP: dealmasinfo@gmail.com (indicate # of adults and children attending)

Hope to see you there.

Art Journaling with Mia

Art By Mia

I love Art and  writing so I created my very own Art journals. They are so much fun to do on a rainy day, sunny day, cold day, hot day... under the full moon or in the park. Art journals can be created anywhere at anytime. My journals are filled with color, shape and form.. they are decorated with affrimations, clippings, trimmings, paints and pastels ... anything i get my hands on is fair game in my house!!!

There are tons of books you can get, but i suggest you sit in the bookstore and breeze through them and use it as inspiration to create your very own. I am a Goddess with a Loaded Paintbrush soooooo... that was one of my entries. I believe i can fly and have wings sooooo.... that was another journal entry and so on!!! its that simple. No formal art training needed just a little inspiration and you are on your way to art journaling. Stay tuned for new posts from my Creative Closet and be inspired!!!