Surrounded by Art and Music

I am loving how Bagamoyo has an abundance of artisans from wood carvers and painters, to the drummers that you can hear from down a lonely alley. There are many hidden gems and artists studios that seem to find you. In the old city area of Bagamoyo, the area that was developed during the height of slavery and trading, and then to become the thriving center for the commercial and local fisherman and is now home to many of the local artists and musicians. I was wondering around with a few other friends one day and I heard the beating of drums off in the distance. Of course, I set out right in the direction of the rumbling that was music to my ears. I walked up and started talking to three guys that were playing and asked to take some photos. They happily glowed with the idea of having their pictures taken while drumming. They asked it I could print out photocopies, and i laughed and said I forgot to bring my color printer with me. They laughed and then asked me to email them photos to their studio address.

Just as I came upon their jammin' session I noticed the most amazing, old building that looked as though it had been destroyed by a past bombing/explosion, and was crumbling before my eyes. It really wasn't bombed, yet was rather laying down due to old age. There is no roof just open windows perfect for welcoming the smiling ocean along with its refreshing breeze, that is just down the hill about 300 yards away. Through the windows and doorway, the most vibrant paintings and sculptures re veil themselves to anyone whom is fortunate enough to wander by. It is such a stunning juxtaposition with the texture of the rough, golden-orange hued, mud walls and the vibrant, rich colors of the paintings that literally cover each wall from floor to ceiling. They share this magical space with hand carved copper, stone and wood masks and sculptures and their awesome creators too.

As I was taking some photos one of the local artists, Zachereah, swayed in with his larger-than-life, happy smiling face. He explained to me that this ever-so-raw space was like a co-op for the artists. They paint on the street or in the back under the swaying trees, and also crumbling facade of a building that once stood. I can't wait to post my photos once I return. I find it VERY inspiring. Such a cool, cool space. I want to drop back in and buy a mask to add to my collection.

Last week a few of the other volunteers went to another local artist studio just down the road from where we are staying. It is in an interesting mud hut, with cool open rafters, a thatched roof and dirt floors. Oh by the way, most all of the villager's homes have dirt floors, with the exception of the more established business' and or residences. We can't leave out the roaming chickens that hang out and peck around, so randomly along with the occasional CUTE, CUTE goats that also roam about. Such a trip!!! Sometimes I wonder, 'how and the heck do people find their missing goats?' Maybe they come home like dogs and cats - ha ha. I did notice that some of them are tied up to a tree with by a long rope.

Back to the artists studio. The upstairs loft is where the painters and artists make jewelry and hang out. Downstairs they cook and prepare the wax for batiking and also display their art along the walls. This day they were preparing for us with hot wax and all. We spent a few hours learning how to create a batik from our own hand-drawn sketches and then wax and dye them. Such a fun process. I copied one of the patterns from my book for refererence. The interesting thing is, since I have traveled to Bali and watched the women Batik, I have wanted to translate my own patterns into beautiful, HEIDI batiks. And, here I am :)
Manifestation at it's finest.

I had such a fun day sharing an interesting space, creating alongside with other local artists.

Right ON!

Ciao for now