Yucutan of Mexico! You can really feel the transition from the coast into the north and yucutan of Mexico. Incredible energy filled with ruins and the nicest people who smile and look you in the eyes and invite you over for dinner. Really made me feel special and many of the people if not all I met spoke Mayan and were super proud of their background. I tried to learn but in the end it was extremely hard!
So in the yucutan is where I painted my final mural of my travels. I couldn’t go to Mexico without leaving a Molly Keen mark so I thought why not? I decided to head to the jungle and away from the city.
Starting the Process of painting the mural. I don’t like to draw before hand or have something in mind. I like to have paints in my hand and just go for it. Here I was going with the window. I jut kept going and going and all came as it came. I like this type of process without thinking and just feeling!
Here is inside the Palapa, you can see it will be a private room and its all made from bamboo and adobe (mud, straw, flour and water)
Here are details of the work. The more I painted the more ideas and comfortable I was with the shapes and patterns.
What: A mural! Inside a “Palapa” (bungalow) made from bamboo and natural adobe sealant I painted inside next to a honeycomb shaped window.
Of course the window also inspired me as I usually do not work with straight lines and geometrical shapes so I decided to take a risk and try something new.
The exchange: Painting in exchange for food and bed.
The final mural
Here is the view from outside of the palapa.
Inspiration: Inspired by the glorious stars and beauty of the animal choir at night, the darkness and power of the stars left a standing impact on me. I could imagine myself in this time and place when the Mayans were around and looking up at those stars for guidance and acceptance and for knowledge. I related so intensely to this concept and I have never seen them this bright. Also I happened to be in this location during a meteor shower so that made it extra special.
Me and the final work!
Mayan ruins are everywhere and scattered just as the cenotes d the region are. This part of Mexico is super important and special. Here are three baby falcons that were so scared to see me they started chirping and their mom came for me. Huge birds the babies had feet larger than their bodies and their eyes reminded me of cartoon characters. Special moment.
Just a 20 minute walk away was a pyramid from the Mayans. It’s a small one, but no one controls it and it can just go and hang out. It’s big enough that you must hike and then you are able to see a 360 view of the whole jungle. Imagine that picture perfect view where you’re able to see above the tops of the trees. Simply breathtaking!
I was inspired by the blue and pink color combination. Here is the sunrise from the morning I hiked to the temple that overlooks the whole jungle. The energy of the animals waking up in the jungle pierced me with tranquility and silence.!
This location was perfect to enjoy all the Yucutan has to offer. There’s a system of “cenotes” there which are lakes/caves/sunk holes that are all connected through underground and underwater passageways. This makes the area great for diving and exploring.
Also there was a type of plant flower that was the most beautiful purple I ever saw. Tried to capture it, just stunning.
Wow I went to a new cenote everyday after painting. I even jumped off one cenote jnto the sink hole 75 feet! It was the loudest and most painful “booom!” when I hit the water. Ouch. You can see a little blob near the top of the picture that’s me jumping!
The pictures that were laid out on the top of the water was just beautiful. The reflection of the sky, connected to the ground.
More color inspiration I love the contrast if the red and blue here.
Here is more from the cenote. I really explored the area. Not so many people and tons of places to go. Everywhere you need to go we hitch hiked and this is one of my most favourite things to do as you can get to know local people.
There you have it. The last mural, I make my return home this week and can’t wait to give everyone back home a big hug and kiss…and then start planning my next adventure 🙂