American Art Clay Company - Inspiration Can Come From Anywhere - Guatemala

Inspiration Can Come From Anywhere - Guatemala

Art is a wonderful outlet for ideas that have been inspired from a variety of sources. If you've ever traveled the southwest you can find plants that Dr. Suess must have come across sometime in his life. He may have just seen pictures of the plants but there is little doubt that some of his odd looking art was taken from existing things. If you are looking for inspiration from natural sources, Coban Guatemala is a cornucopia of inspiration ranging from the rain forests of the Verapaces to the art created by the Mayans.

The natural beauty of the Verapaces includes a place called Semuc Champey which is a river that has incredibly beautiful cobalt blue pools. The river disappears into the ground only to surface 400 yards away. Also in the Verapaces you will find a protected wildlife area that offers you the opportunity to see the national bird, the Quetzal. This bird has inspired artists for centuries and along with the rattle snake, was the most revered creature by the ancient Maya. The feathers have been used in royal costumes and ceremonial garb. The Mayans married the two creatures and the Quetzal Coatl (Plumbed Serpent) is a diety who is the movement of all creation and all effects so produced by that movement. Capturing this in art is a challenge and a blessing for all who study the Mayan culture. If you are a bead maker you may want to integrate these images into your beads. Along with this diety, there are many others to work with. There are images of the symbols on the internet if you are not fortunate right now to be able to see them first hand during your Coban travels.

Much of the inspiration of artists visiting Coban comes from the art of Guatemala. The fabric and the clothes made from it are so colorful and beautiful. Many natives wear these colorful clothes in their daily Coban activities of working and going to school. During the festivals the colors are outrageous and fun.

There are also traditional ceramics that are colorful and include many of the local floral and fauna. Once you get an idea of the style you can incorporate just about anything from the rain forests or high deserts. One outstanding source of inspiration is the flowers, the orchids in particular. You can find some rare ones if you take the time to hike the jungles. These can be used for inspiration with beads, glass and ceramics.

There really are too many items to list here regarding what could inspire someone while visiting Coban. Many times it's the little things you find in the restaurants or on a hike in the jungle. It may include items found in the markets or at festivals. You may even find it while you research for you trip. The many wonderful items created by the Mayans and passed down through the centuries are well worth a trip to get ideas for your next artistic endeavor. Whatever inspires you, a trip to Coban will surely provide an opportunity to find it.

Back to News & Information Area...