Incense

"Incense" shows a side of life in Chichicastenango, Guatemala not often described in photographs or paintings of this town. Generally the first thing you'll read about this large indigenous town is its famous market days on Thursdays and Sundays. Vendors sell flowers, food, handicrafts, fabrics, pottery, and much more. Included in the shops are pom and copal (traditional incense) which is likely in use by the woman in this painting.
Of lesser focus for the tourists is the number of churches in Chichicastenango. This woman is at the entrance to the church while others gather on the steps to sell flowers. The contrast between her and the those conversing on the steps was stark. I had a sense of solemnity from this woman and wanted to share her story.

"Incense" is one of my paintings included in "Portraits of Life: An Ekphrastic Anthology" with poems written by local artists. The book is the rsult of an event sponsored by the Ellicott City Poetry and Prose non-profit organization in conjunction with an exhibition I had with my friend Elaine Weiner-Reed at the Baltimore County Arts Guild (BCAG) Clubhouse Gallery. Take some time to listen to the video I have provided here to hear the poet reading her piece.

You may also be interested to know two music performances were performed for this piece and one additional poem.