Guatemala Women's Series
Paintings by Wyn Kalagian
Statement of Inspiration
I first traveled to Guatemala in 1990 to attend an International Planned Parenthood meeting. I was fascinated with the country, especially the women and their way of life.
Returning in November of 2007 on an art workshop tour, I was again impressed with the women and how hard they work to keep their families functioning. Their clothing is a work of art, colourful and well designed. These paintings are my impressions of their uniqueness.
I witnessed the women working hard. Carrying weighty loads on their heads, they stride to market with their children in tow. Their daily responsibilities are enormous and diverse. They are a content and proud group of women.
My last visit touched me so much that I decided any money I received from a painting inspired by these women would go back to assist Guatemala women. Profits from the sale of these pictures go to "The Guatemala Stove Project" which is a Canadian non profit, registered, charitable organization. Their core activity is to build masonry cook stoves for impoverished households in rural Maya villages in order to dramatically improve the health, life expectancy and overall well-being of women and children.
(www.guatemalastoveproject.org) June 2008Wyn Kalagian
905 687 7193
wynworks@computan.on.ca