(Act One, Scene One) Alejandro, 26, an artist at La Semilla de Dios Cooperative, in La Palma, El Salvador is busy working on his latest creation, a brightly colored wooden cross depicting the lives of the townspeople celebrating at Mass. He is so engrossed in his work that he does not hear a large group of neighborhood children and young people walk in. One of the little girls, Marta, 6, taps Alejandro on the shoulder causing him to turn around. He puts his cross that he’s been working on down, gives her a hug and says hello to the rest of the children. The children all return his greeting.) Alejandro: Hello, everyone! It’s good to see all of you today and I’m glad you stopped by. There are some really wonderful things going on lately at La Semilla de Dios and I think you all should know about them! The other artists and I here at La Semilla de Dios have been hard at work preparing crosses and other handmade items for the town’s market festival which will take place in two weeks. This is the first year that our cooperative will be making an appearance, so weve been working very hard and even staying a little later than usual, so we can make a good impression on everyone. Come; let me show you what weve been working on! I think you’ll really enjoy it!” (Alejandro leads the children who follow him excitedly to a large faded table with a blue tablecloth over it. The children eagerly gather around the table, the smallest ones pushing to the front to get a better look. With a dramatic flourish, he uncovers the tablecloth revealing all sorts of large and small brightly colored wooden crosses, copinol seed pendants, nativity scenes, childrens games, puzzles as well as other items. The children swamp the table, picking up the handmade creations and admiring them. The room is abuzz with chatter as the children go around the room showing off their finds to their friends. Alejandro claps his hands loudly three times to command attention and the chatter stops; the childrens entire focus is now on him.The children move closer to Alejandro and all find room on the floor still giving him their full attention. Alejandro clears his throat, takes a deep breath and begins to tell the story of the rich and beautiful history of La Palma. Alejandro picks up a copinol seed and holds it high in the air. The children all move closer to him to get a better look.) Alejandro: This is a copinol seed, small in size, but large in importance, especially to the town of La Palma. Please study this seed carefully, at first glance, this seed seems like just an ordinary seed, nothing too spectacular or attractive about it, nothing that would cause you to take any notice, or be drawn to it. However, things arent always what they appear to be on the surface and looks can be quite deceiving. Sometimes, you have to look much deeper than the surface of a thing in order to discover its true beauty and value and see it not how it is, but how it can be someday if enough love and attention is poured into it. Anything and anyone for that matter can be transformed into something beautiful under the care of a creative compassionate person, someone who knows how to coax great miracles from the ordinary, from the forgotten, from the overlooked. You see, the story of how the beautiful artwork of our town came to be began with a young mans dream to improve the lives of others through art and the simple beauty of a tiny copinol seed that served as a great inspiration to a young dreamer and sparked an artistic revolution right here in La Palma. Boys name: Thats cool! What was his name? (The copinol seed has made its way around the room to each child and the child closest to Alejandro gives him back the copinol seed.) Alejandro: His name was Fernando Llort and he was not much older than many of you are now. He was only 23 when he arrived here in La Palma, so full of life, ambition and purpose. Just like many of you, Fernando was also a dreamer and a thinker, a restless spirit who always searching for the next big thing, always seeking to make his mark on this world. He was passionately in love with life and the craft of making art. This love affair with art went back to his childhood days when he would draw in his notebooks in school and he was always called upon to draw the maps on the blackboard. Everyone who saw young Fernando said he had a dreamy, far-away look in his eyes, seeing what the rest of the children just couldnt. Perhaps he could see the distant and faint shadows of La Palma and the hurting, exhausted townspeople desperate for a miracle even way back then. To him, art was more than just an occasional hobby, it was life, he craved art and creativity the way some children crave fresh air and playing outdoors under a Salvadoran sun. Even when he was just a youth, he had already figured out what his lifes mission was and that was blending the two things most important in his life, helping people and his passion for art. He was intent on carrying out this mission and following its path, a path that would lead him here to La Palma. When he arrived here, he was struck by how so many people were struggling just to scratch out a simple life for themselves and their families and he was moved with compassion for them. He had already achieved a fair amount of success with his artwork and thought that art could help the people of La Palma lead more dignified and successful lives. He wanted to break the vicious cycle of poverty, hopelessness and despair that the townspeople seemed to be trapped in, so he decided to teach them art. He believed that art could be their escape from poverty and their ticket to a better life, but he needed some way of introducing his artistic vision to them and wasnt sure what to do. One day, the answer came to him from a very unlikely source but one that would change the future of La Palma forever.One day, Fernando saw a little boy hard at play rubbing a small ordinary seed against the ground. At first glance, it didnt seem like anything special, but then Fernando realized that the seed resembled a tiny painting, a creamy white surface against a brown frame. The idea came to him that he might draw a tiny picture on the surface of the seed. Where others only saw just a common and ordinary seed, Fernando saw something beautiful, Fernando saw art and the beginnings of something very special. His deep love and respect for the beauty of La Palma was reflected in his artwork and he drew simple pictures on the seeds, just village scenes and the daily life around him. Before Fernandos arrival in La Palma, nothing like this had ever been attempted before because no one had even thought to paint on copinol seeds. From a tiny seed, came the first artwork ever done in La Palma. With the discovery of this new artistic medium, he taught the villagers how to paint on copinol seeds and they formed a cooperative called La Semilla de Dios (the seed of God.) What I hope you take away from this lesson of Fernando Llort and the copinol seed is that art can be found anywhere, even in the most unlikely of places. All you need to see is a willing heart and a creative, imaginative spirit. Next time youre out walking, pay close attention to all that you see and take a few moments to observe everything. Perhaps new ideas will come to you and you will see something that no one else has. Perhaps you will even find a new way to make life better for all those around you. Fernando did, he listened to his heart and La Palmas future has forever changed because of one young mans gift to see something common in an uncommon way! This all happened quite some time ago, but here at La Semilla, the treasures of the past are kept safe available for a new generation of Salvadorans to learn from and enjoy. Each and every one of you with no exceptions has the potential to be a La Palma artisan someday.Dont let anyone tell you any different. Each of one you deserves to have your stories told, your voices heard and your legacies written in paint, as lessons to be told both now and in the future. Okay! (Alejandro claps his loudly with determination and purpose) Here are some blank crosses that were just made today by the men of La Semilla. Would anyone like to try their hand at making La Palma art? (I think that Alejandros speech here is too long and will lose people!) (Instantly, all of the childrens hands shoot up and they talk excitedly among themselves. Alejandro chooses four of the most excited and vocal children to work on art. He leads them to a table where a pile of newly-made wooden crosses, pots of brightly colored paint, large jars of clean water and large paint brushes with thick, black bristles are quietly waiting.The children grab the crosses and the art supplies and begin to work. While they work, Alejandro continues to talk to the rest of the children. After a couple of minutes, he goes to check on the children and see what progress theyve made. Marta shows Alejandro her finished cross.) Marta: Alejandro, why are all the colors that we use so bright, almost neon? Alejandro: The artists in La Palma only use bright colors to express our deep joy despite our sorrows and sufferings. The crosses reminds us of our turbulent and difficult past, but the bright colors and beautiful artwork represent our hope for a bright and peaceful future, one without war, one without violence. Our artwork is an expression of our gratitude and everything else flows from that! Would you each like to share your crosses with the rest of us? Children (in unison): Yes! Marta (holding up her cross for all to see): My cross shows my familys garden that my father had planted for my mother. It was his wedding gift to her. He knew that she loved flowers, so he planted a garden full of her favorite flowers and plants so that every time she looked at her garden, she would be reminded of the deep love that he has for her. My parents have told me that when I get married, I can take my wedding pictures in the garden. They said it will be continuing the tradition of love on to the next generation by passing it down to my new husband and I. Alejandro: Thats a beautiful story! Do you ever play in the garden at all?” Marta: Sometimes, but mostly, its my parents that sit there and talk to each other in the evening to unwind and discuss the days events as they enjoy each other’s company.” Alejandro: Excellent! Thanks for sharing, Marta! (Marta nods.) (Alejandro turns to Jose.) Alejandro: Jose, tell us about your cross!” Jose (holding up his cross high for all to see): My cross shows my favorite place to go whenever I want to be alone and write. There’s a large hill behind my house that slopes down to a small pond. Someday, I’m going to be a journalist, so I’m always writing and thinking up questions to ask other people when the daily chores are finished.” Alejandro: I also have a favorite place to escape to, the deep and dark woods at the edge of town. It’s the same woods where La Semilla gets most of its wood for the artwork. Theyre so beautiful and peaceful, I usually end up staying there for hours just praying and reflecting. (Alejandro turns to Juan.) Alejandro: “Can everyone see your cross? (Juan holds his cross up high for all to see.) Juan: My cross shows the Salvadoran people coming together in solidarity, people of all ages living together in peace. At the top of the cross is a large white dove to symbolize our country’s hope for a lasting peace and the large heart represents the love that all of us in La Palma feel for each other. The younger ones are learning from the older ones, traditions are being passed along, ancient stories are being shared with the next generation and there is finally a sense of community where everyone has their place and is able to contribute something meaningful.” Alejandro: “Juan, your cross is beautiful! It echoes the exact reasons why La Semilla de Dios began in the first place, to create a community of artisans and entrepreneurs where the people of La Palma could all come together, learn from each other and create something bigger than themselves, something lasting, beautiful, and indeed meaningful. In doing so, a sense of solidarity and community is achieved and felt by all involved. All right, last, but certainly but not least, lets hear from Solana who looks as if she is so eager to share with us the story of her cross that she just cant seem to stay still! I really enjoy her enthusiasm! (Solana waves her cross excitedly in the air and moves closer to the children who all scoot up closer to see her cross.) Solana: My name means sunlight and my cross shows a bright, radiant sun giving light and warmth to the campesinos as they work outside tending to the fields. They are pictured with full baskets ready for market; their crops and their very lives completely dependent upon the sun. They are grateful for their bountiful harvest which would be impossible without the sun. Alejandro: Another beautiful cross and accompanying story! Thank you, Solana for sharing with the rest of us! I can tell that all of you put a lot of thought into your crosses and what you wanted to tell us. Now we know a little more about each one of you, and thats always a good thing! Okay, everyone, (Alejandro claps his hands loudly) how about we break until tomorrow? I have to finish up my quota for the market festival and Im a little behind! Ill see everyone here tomorrow, same time!” (The children all get up to leave, and as they do, some give Alejandro hugs and even fist bumps. The room eventually empties out except for one boy, about 12 or 13 who stays behind. His back is turned to Alejandro and he is admiring the table full of crosses and art supplies. He gently picks up a paintbrush and fingers the bristles. Alejandro taps him on the shoulder.) Alejandro: : Beautiful artwork, isnt it?” (Ramon puts down the paint brush and faces Alejandro.) Ramon: Yes, it is, profound even!” Alejandro: What is your name, young man?” Ramon: Ramon Morales. Thank you for todays wonderful and inspirational lesson. I got a lot out of it and I know that the others did as well. I I would like to study art from you if possible. Perhaps you could teach me how to make La Palma art. I never even knew that my friends could make art before today and I really enjoyed watching you help Jose, Juan, Marta and Solana make art and hearing the beautiful stories behind each one of their creations. It was amazing to see what you were able to do with each of them! Someday, when Im a little older, I would like to become a member of La Semilla cooperative so that I can work on my art full-time and be able to make a living from it so that my family can have a better quality of life. (Would Ramon say the word quality?) I have so many questions about art that I know you will be able to answer. You seem to know a lot about La Palma art, how its made, the beautiful history behind it and how its supposed to tell a story to others as well. Its not just meant to hang on a wall and look pretty, its meant to reflect and celebrate the culture and joy of El Salvador and to communicate the heart of our country. I even have my own sketchpad that I carry with me everyday to work in the fields so that I can draw what I see on my lunch breaks. I just draw so that I can remember what I see, so that I can hold onto something beautiful when things dont go so well at home! Alejandro: Yes, I see. Was your sketchpad a present from your parents? Ramon: My sketchpad was a present, yes, but not from my parents. It was given to me by the greatest and most generous (Would Ramon use the word generous ?) people ever from Global Village Missions when I was only nine and Ive been drawing in it ever since. Out of all the things that I own in life, my sketchpad is my favorite because it brings me the most happiness. No matter how the hard the work day is, or how rough things may get at home, it all seems to disappear (not melt) whenever I draw. Before they gave me my sketchpad, I had never even thought of doing art. It wasnt even an interest of mine, but now its become my favorite thing to do whenever Im not too busy tending to the fields, helping my mother with the household chores or playing with my brothers and sisters. My art has made me realize (?) that I too, have something special to share with others. I too, have a gift that I can give to the world to make it richer! (?) Alejandro: Yes! I think youve touched on something very important, Ramon. The goal of each artisan is to make others lives richer and better through art. Here at La Semilla, we each bring all of our own individual dreams and hopes to the blank canvas and the world is the better for it. Most people only know El Salvador because of our long and devastating civil war and years of unspeakable violence because thats all they ever hear about. However, through our artwork, we aim to show the world another, more gentle side to our beloved country. Through our artwork, we want to show the power of the human spirit to heal, that great tragedy and loss does not define us and kill the human spirit, and that there is life and beauty on the other side of war. Our simple and humble lives will indeed go on, lives that are beautifully and delicately captured in each cross and painting that we make. Our artwork is also our way of forgiving our violent, destructive past and making peace with it. You would make a great addition to our cooperative when you get just a little older. You really seem to understand La Semillas vision and mission and we need more positive and youthful hearts like yours with fresh ideas to continue on our work and legacy here in La Palma! Ramon: Thank you, Alejandro! Im glad you understand me! I really hope that were able to work together because I need someone that understands me and how I feel about art. I could use someone to tell me to stay with my art and not to give it up! Art is what I enjoy doing most of all, but my interest in it is slipping away lately. I have some dark days where I feel like putting down my sketchpad and never picking it up again! Alejandro: Ramon, thats not good at all! Why is that? Ramon: Because no one around me really believes in me and my dream to become an artist someday. My co-workers all agree that I have natural talent and enjoy my artwork, but they say Im too young and inexperienced and try to talk me out of going to art school. They just brush me off and say that Im chasing the wind. They dont really listen to me and just tell all of the reasons why they feel it wont work and its frustrating (?) trying to get them to understand, trying to get them to see what I see and feel what I feel ! Alejandro: I completely understand! It must be very frustrating trying to share your heart with those who wont listen or cant understand. Thats why the need for cooperatives is so important. Artisan cooperatives such as La Semilla provide artists with a creative outlet to realize all of their dreams, as well as a safe and supportive haven where they can be among others who share their passion and will encourage them as well. When people dont understand something, like an idea for instance, they are less likely to support and encourage it because of fear and unfamiliarity, thats just the way the world works, some call it human nature. Im sure that your co-workers mean well, but have you ever told them how their words frustrate you? Ramon: No, I havent because Im scared of how they might respond. They tell me that Im talented, but they keep on remindign me that I am a campesino, and that I should be humble in life, just sticking to what I know which is working the land, gathering the crops, and taking care of my mother and siblings, just work and home. They tell me that art school is an impossible dream and will only lead to disappointment. Every time I talk with them, they just give me a sad smile. They truly dont believe that there is life beyond these fields for me and that makes me sad! I began to doubt my love for art because they were so sure of what they were saying. I began to wonder if this is really what I wanted to do, so Im very glad that Pilar invited me to come here to listen to you talk and to see the artwork. Ill have to thank her when I see her again. Hearing the story of Fernando Llort and the copinol seed makes me believe that dreams are possible, you just have to use your imagination, fight hard to make them come true and never give up! Alejandro: Ramon, I would be honored to work with you and teach all that I know about La Palma art. I must admit that this new territory for me and for you as well. I guess well figure this out together, you see? I think I may be able to arrange some private one-hour lessons with you after La Semilla closes for the day where I can show you all the tricks of the trade. Im usually the last one to leave here anyway, with all of the cleaning up and preparing for the next day. Sometimes, I stay late and work on a few of my own individual projects. The quiet and stillness help inspire me and its good to have some time to myself too. Please bring your sketchpad with you tomorrow so that I can take a look at your artwork. Im sure its wonderful and I would love to see it! About us working together, please ask your mother and see if its okay with her. Come around 11:00 tomorrow morning either way! Ramon (thinking hard): “Wait a minute! You know, now that I think about it a little more, I don’t think that my mother would allow me working with you at all because shell probably tell me that I’m needed at home to help with the chores, to work the farm and give me a whole list of reasons why it wont work. Shes always been very overprotective of me and doesnt let me go too easily. I havent even told my mother that I do art at all because Im afraid of what she may think. With all the work we have to do at home, there really isnt much time to do anything else except the basics! Just forget it, Alejandro! Im very sorry I mentioned it! (Ramon starts to run off.) Alejandro: Ramon,venga aqui, por favor! Ramon, come here, please! (He motions Ramon back with a wave of his hand, but Ramon doesnt respond. He motions to Ramon again and Ramon walks towards Alejandro with his head down, eyes lowered. He stands directly in front of Alejandro and slowly raises his head. Alejandro puts two firm hands on both of Ramons shoulders.) Alejandro: Ramon, please listen to me carefully. What Im about to say should help you through those dark and doubtful days when all around you seem to be telling you to quit and to lose faith in yourself. I know what you are going through and believe me when I tell you that Ive experienced this as well. I havent always been so confident of myself. You are not just chasing the wind, as some may have you to believe. You are following your heart and paying close attention to its rhythms and stirrings. Your heart has such a strong and tender pulse, but not everyone may feel it, so pay close attention to whom you tell your dreams because not everyone will understand. Great dreams will often face great opposition and even be misunderstood. Thats the time when you need to make the decision to believe in yourself the most and follow your dream wherever it may lead, without worrying what anyone else may think or say. Right now, you may feel as though you are wandering, but your dream will always find a home at La Semilla and we will do our best to support and encourage you. It is truly okay for you to have a dream of a better life for yourself, one beyond poverty and these harsh fields. So, hold on to it despite your present circumstances. Hold on to it no matter how many people may try to discourage you. Believe in your talent again and take your rightful place among the wonderful artists of La Palma! Yes, please bring your sketchpad with you tomorrow and let me see what you can do! Ramon: Yes, sir! Ill see you tomorrow and let you know what my mother says about us working together!” Alejandro: All right! I hope your talk with your mother is successful! Adios, Ramon! Ramon: Yeah, me too! Adios, Alejandro! (Ramon exits whistling, while Alejandro begins to straighten the room and gather up the art supplies.)
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 01:44:22 +0000
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