Gracia

OTAVALO, ECUADOR

WENDY GAUNTLETT-SHAW – ARTIST



18”x36” Oil on Canvas

Original $3000

Fine Art Giclee Reproduction: $600

(On Canvas, Stretched and Gallery wrapped, ready to hang)

10% Donated for micro loans to women

Her bare feet were firmly planted as this woman stood confidently in the square, grinning widely for the camera. Her girth was great due to the layers of rags wrapped around her for warmth. Dark eyes looked directly at me as if to say, “I have a heart, feeling and a story.”  I saw pride, style and an impish sense of humor.

I think she is beautiful. She stands confidently, boldly, courageously. But it is her eyes, her face, and the wrinkles that show her spirit. How old is she? The creases on her face map her life. I have never painted such lines before. They call to me at a time when I am noticing my own emerging wrinkles. Our culture does not honor our natural aging process. What can she teach me? She gives me the power to find beauty in everyday life. She has style and grace.

Grace or Gracia – perhaps this is what I should call her. She teaches me to accept aging gracefully. Accept life with dignity and be thankful for one’s blessings. This is Gracia.