That Thing Called a Muse

 That Thing Called a Muse

Muse: (n)

1. Greek Mythology Any of the nine daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus, each of whom presided over a different art or science.
2. muse
         a. A guiding spirit.
         b. A source of inspiration.
3. muse A poet.
(definition taken from www.freedictionary.com)

You never know when a muse will arrive. I find some come in multiples and then it doesn’t seem like you can capture them on paper or screen fast enough.  I am usually inspired by cultural depictions. Choosing people with a certain spirit that comes across in the way they move, dress or even the combination of their features for subject matter. At times, it isn’t always the obvious choice. Not every good subject has to be something pretty by traditional standards but it does always leave a lasting impression.

The muse for this piece is actually a friend of Panamaian descent who participates in performing folkloric dances of that region. Inspired by  pictures of her in traditional dance wear, I saw how the rhythm of the drum rooted in African origin plays a strong part in the history and culture within the Caribbean and Latin American diaspora. The title of this piece, From Bomba to Punta, is a reflection of how two folkloric dance styles are tied in the rhythm of the drum.

Perhaps as artists we are guided to our muses, presided over by something that draws us to the ART OF SOMETHING and in the midst creating visual poetry. Perhaps all 3 definitions above for the word muse  are correct. Below are two examples of the folkloric dance styles from Puerto Rico and Panama. I hope for you, they also leave a lasting impression.

Folkloric Dance of Puerto Rico

Folkloric Dance of Panama

~Nia Andino~