Icons....

Here in the desert and being so close to Mexico, you find all kinds of lovely icons featured on line and in stores. They have a spiritually as well as an old world feel of elegance to them. Retablos, referred to as "laminas" in Mexico, are small oil paintings on tin, zinc, wood or copper which venerate a multiplicity of Catholic saints. The literal translation for "retablo" is "behind the altar." This genre of folk art, deeply rooted in Spanish history, represents the heart and soul of traditional religious beliefs in 17th, 18th, and 19th century Mexican culture. Colorful, spiritual, symbolic, allegorical, historical and charming are just a few of the words that best describe this very special art form.

We are looking forward to exploring the area south of us here towards Tucson, Tubac and Nogals into Mexico.