Painting Natal

A painting of (the character of) Natal Castillo: absent father of Luz, Diaz and Inez. There is a loose resemblance to the late Wifredo Óscar de la Concepción Lam y Castilla (featured image), world-famous Cuban artist/painter. His godmother was a Santeria priestess like Natal’s mother and daughters.

About Natal: the Goddess involves him in her divine plan. His life is marked by heartbreak and emotional setbacks, yet these are sacrifices for a higher purpose; his personal growth and pre-destined success as an artist later in life parallels the Becoming of his daughters and the role they play in the purification and ascension of Cuba. It is all connected.

#Excerpt

… ” Alabao, he just cleaned up and put away all his painting gear. But all he can do now is go at it again, to grab a brush and paint, paint, paint.
Like an addict who washes down his misery with liquor, Natal craves a clean, chaste piece of linen to spit out upon his burdens.

With brisk gestures he puts back the paint cans on the floor and then clamps a new canvas on the drawing board.
He is close to a meltdown. Quick! Mix some yellow and white and let it all out now.

He gives color to the shame, the guilt, the sorrow, his love and the overpowering helplessness. He re-shapes all those feelings, he transforms them into something new, something beautiful to look at. ”   …

Excerpt from ‘Intro to Natal’; password protected chapter ‘En la Yuma‘. 
Inspired:  Let it all go – Birdy & Rhodes

Video: Consuelo Larralde