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.

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