Maestro Esteban Valdez, San Miguel, Mexico

Maestro is a respectful form of address used in many parts of Latin America; sometimes applied to someone very skilled at their craft or trade. In this case the Maestro is a ceramic artist who is famous for his use of very old techniques. Angelica introduced me to him and asked if i could make some pictures of him. The more I watched him work in his humble studio, the more he seemed like an old shaman working his magic. I imagined that the very archaic animal motifs he used on his pieces must have come during journeys to the spirit world. When I got the nerve to ask him where his inspiration came from he told me that some of it came from the cartoon shows he watched with his grandchildren....

Angelica, San Miguel d'Allende, Mexico

Angelica was one of the many blessings I experienced while creating a photo essay of San Miguel d' Allende. She manages her father's transportation company which arranges cars, van, buses or anything else you may need to travel in Mexico. She was my trusted and very capable guide.
This portrait was made while visiting the house where Diego Riviera was born in the beautiful town of Guanajuato. Angelica delivered a breathtaking reading from a wall mounted facsimile of Frida's famous 'retrato', a testament to her love for Diego. During the hush that followed, Anjelica turned to face me while I made this photograph. I will always remember her humble manner and natural beauty.

Near Bonfim, Salvador de Bahia

Carnaval Dancer, Olinda, Brazil

During Carnaval I was asked to photograph a Maracatu musical group in Olinda, which is near Recife in the Northeast of Brazil. This rhythmic sound is driven by a powerful percussion section and this is one of their dancers photographed at dusk. I used a 50mm lens wide open with tri x film and floated beside her to make this image.
She had an aura of sensuous majesty that I will never forget. Like the beloved Yemanja.

Luciana, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

Luciana, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

Walking along the ocean past Sao Joaquin market, we arrived at an enticing entrance to the beach. Luciana worked at the stand selling drinks to help beach goers keep cool. She wanted to be photographed so I snapped a few polaroids so she could have one. When the first one didn't work out so well she smiled and said that she was so hot she probably melted the film. Who was I to argue? She loved the photos and offered to bring all her friends down to model for me.
When i stopped by a few days later, she announced that she was pregnant. She seemed a little sad. And so the wheel turns.

An Artist, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

Painter, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

Walking throught the streets of the Pelourinha we came upon this artist's studio. He had just finished an enormous mural ( a very prestigious commission ) at the central bus terminal of Salvador. He told us that he had been invited to Portugal to teach art. He is accomplished in the classical European styles,yet managed to create his own unique, Afro-Bahian feel as well. I always remember his friendliness and generousity.

Ascendinha; Salvador de Bahia

Ascendinha's daughter visits, Salvador de Bahia