My Personal Reflection – Driven by an unsettling realization I wanted to do more than paint pretty pictures, I felt compelled to reflect. Reflection is very personal and highly individual. There are no formulas. For me the result has been a great adventure and a great privilege which has led to a series of paintings of the Tarahumara Indians of the Sierra Madre.

My church, Peace with Christ has gone to Juarez Mexico for 10 years, on building projects and medical outreach. I attended a trip to a Tarahumara Protection Center in Juarez, Mexico where I meet the Tarahumara Indians. Subsequently, I have made several trips down to the Sierra Tarahumara.

This experience touched me on many levels. These indigenous people were absolutely stunning to me on a visual and artistic level. As a woman I was overwhelmed by their daily life routine as mothers, artisans and providers. As an American, I found something about their community spirit, albeit a necessity for survival, strikingly refreshing. Their land is a powerful reflection of their rugged nature, their strength and their beauty. They often wear solemn faces. In their language they have not word for love. I wanted to tell a story. For the last three years I have been concentrating on painting the Tarahumara Indians.

For more information please download the PDF about the Tarahumara Indians by clicking HERE or on the image.

PAINTING A STORY

THREE AMIGOS – Three Colorado Artist and a project of the heart
In 2006 artists Jane Ford & Evelyn Valdes-Martinez, made a trip to the Tarahumara Protection Center in Juarez with Amigos Ministry along with a build and medical team. There they meet Juan & Carmen who have a ministry called Carmen’s Kitchen which feeds school children in a poor neighborhood in Juarez called Palo Chino. Juan & Carmen have also traveled to Creel, MX for 6 years to reach out to the Tarahumara Indians families during years of severe drought. In 2007 a third artist, Tim Deibler joined forces with Jane and Evelyn. 

This alliance of artists and missionaries has resulted in several trips to visit the Sierra Tarahumara and the family of Jaime Allaya of the Napuchi valley. In 2008 they visited during Semana Santa, Holy Week. These trips afford them unique connections with the culture they are portraying. For the three artists there is a feeling of excitement and privilege in pursuing this project which combines their love of art and desire to serve.

THE PAST 3 YEARS – establishing relationships & gathering experience
Over the last 3 years they have delivered tons of food, medicine, and other supplies to Jaime’s family in the Sierra Tarahumara. They have also participated in builds and medical mission trips at the Protection Center and surrounding colonias in Juarez. In August 2008 a build prepared Jaime’s home honoring his request that in the future visitors come and stay with them. They have funded a 2009 trip for Juan & Carmen to visit Jaime family at his request. Although future projects may include building a greenhouse and a school, the primary concern at present is building solid relationships.

MISSION- to continue to portray the story
To paint the Tarahumara and use part of the profits to fund projects for the Tarahumara.  Please visit their websites and view the paintings of the Tarahumara Collections.
www.timdeibler.com
www.janeford.net 
www.EvelynValdezMartinez.com