Anahata Katkin

Sunset

LOVE THIS!

I will admit here that this artwork is absolutely what made me read Little Bee by Chris Cleave.  I read it on the plane to Bali and really loved the screen play type action.  It was sad and intense but I loved it.  But now that I'm finished I can hardly let go of the book because I love the cover sooooo much.  I've contemplated taking off the jacket of the hardcover book just to frame the pretty thing.  The illustrators name is (Are you ready?) Roberto De Vicq De Cumptich!

Eduardo Prints

The incredibly talented, creative super hero Eduardo Recife has a new website up and some new additions.  Also he has prints I hadn't noticed before available right here!

Peach Face

Peachie face draft, originally uploaded by Anahata Katkin.

Things feel like they are revving up at Papaya. We just got a great big giant, overly official, mega warehouse! We've been busting at the warehouse seems all year and now have gone up to 12,000 feet! Can't tell you how cool it will actually be to drive a SEMI into the building if it's raining to unload. These are those days I have to remind myself of where we started. And at times from my little wooden house here in Belize that sways on stilts when you walk - I easily forget what's happening back at home. But these are the days the little light bulb goes off in my heart and I say- yes! Yes. We did it! Proof that good things happen to those who love to make themselves happy! Donald-bad-hair-trump was talking about what a great time it is for entrepreneurs. No doubt he was probably speaking about the big real estate mogul types and not the, "How-cute-is-that-shop-type" but I found the words uplifting and was thinking of our little art community and how many people are out there doing incredible things. Hold onto your hats. People are hungry for beauty, and inspiration and your incredible creations. Thank you for being a part of my dreams in the making.

Serena Cole

Ooooohhh.  I am mesmerized by this artist Serena Cole.  Fun to see a modern use of watercolor.  Really striking images.  Incredible!!

Blue Angel

blue Angel, originally uploaded by Anahata Katkin.

It's been years since I could face purples. I think I might have worn too many amethysts in my teens. But here they are again. I keep stopping on plums and cool tones. It feels great for the first time in nearly ten years. Also loving darker colors too. And more subtle color transitions- compared to my usual Baliwood preferences. I had to come to a warm climate to fall in love with cool tones all over again.

I also had a visit from a real life angel. This is little Raphael who came to my place today and decided to snooze on my couch while his mom and I had a chance to drink coffee and talk.  Such a sweetie!  Those pillow cases are from the best sheets ever I got at the Amlapura Market in Bali.  See.  He even has a halo!

New Community Arts Project?

island colors, originally uploaded by Anahata Katkin.

I'm hoping to put together an impromptu book about Caye Caulker. Anahata style of course with photos and artwork I've made here etc. All profits would go back to the community here. There is no support here for the arts and schools have little to no art supplies nor programs. I'm wanting to generate a fund for "Arts on the Island" to support art supplies in the two schools here, murals in public areas and instructors for children. I'm also hoping to do some collaborations with local artists here for fun. Sooooo....You might here me talking about this more as I roll out the project and roll up my sleeves.

eat cake

eat cake, originally uploaded by Anahata Katkin.

Working on some new designs. Kathleen this one's for you! (Ok so maybe I'll take the bitches part out- I don't really want to though)

Hurry Up & Slow...

Feeling the strong urge to work on a million projects at once.  But most calling me has been a bit of painting.  I always feel that painting is like a discipline for me.  It's hard for me to "hurry up and wait". 

This is a sneak peek from a 4 foot canvas I'm playing with at the moment between dinner & living room movies.  I'm fighting the urge to make predictable pieces that I know I can whip out.  They are always fun- but I don't feel the same satisfaction when they are finished.   Any of you who have hung around here with me know that I am always wanting more than what I can actually create.  Painting seems like it flushes out the challenge and makes artwork the persuit it should be. But slapping on a face or two or a cut out bird is sounding like a nice shortcut at the moment. In the meantime it's back to the digital drawing board for new PAPAYA goodies.  

Florida

Back from a little kid friendly fun in the Florida Keys for the Holiday weekend.  Got overly sunburned from some strange phenomenon.  Why does sun effect you differently in different places?  Certainly it's hotter here in Belize.  Still we baked like cookies in the sun and fueled ourselves on ice cream.

Does anyone know the name of this tree?  It was glorious there and I've never seen them before.  Bold as cherry blossoms but Big Bird blooms instead.  We joined other family members and cousins there.  Which explains why I would leave a lovely tropical island in Belize in exchange for the Florida Keys.  It was my first trip there and I have to admit I thought it a strange place.  I couldn't quite wrap myself around the feel there. But we had a blast all the same.

The primary theme though was the invention or rather the discovery of a very important snorkel mask.  This was my main view during the weekend at Hawks Cay. My son wasn't into deep sea snorkeling and searching for fish.  He was far more satisfied inches from the sand.  He's searching for "fossils".  Coral bits with patterns on them.  Yep. Life is still simple.  But the man made lagoon featured other highlights such as two boys who had crafted a hand made boat made entirely from cardboard and duct tape! (My camera battery was dead!)  Yes.  Two of them floated around with it and used a towel for a sail and plastic shovels for paddles.  I highly recommend it for you and your kids.  I'll let you know how our attempt to copy this feat goes this summer!

Sending a big shout out to my sweet little man.  He is the new owner of a "yellow belt"  and discovered he has board-breaking super powers!  Love to my "future cartoonist".