coverartist letterfrom
thepublisher
M
arch’s issue focuses on inspired and management
people and some of the stories of waste. I asked
surrounding the work that is a result of many questions.
one’s passion. In reviewing Sechrist’s The cruise ships
interview with Andrew Harvey, I felt myself have come a long
agreeing with his idea that finding one’s way in the past
passion comes out of one’s greatest pain. decade toward being environmentally
What is my greatest pain, and how conscious. It’s a process. He’s inspired
does that relate to my passion? It’s a great by his love of the ports he visits and
question. I’m not sure how important it wants to minimize the impact as much
is to truly understand my darkest hours as possible.
and the relationship between that and How wonderful it is to be away
what it is that I am now doing. I do want from the office for a length of time and
to ultimately be able to connect all the still be able to produce our magazine
Rise-Up
dots from my pain to my passion. I don’t on schedule. This is possible with
feel like I have to totally “get it” before pre-planning and production time
I move forward. I am making a positive correspondence with Cheryl and Robin
difference in the lives of many through helping out in a significant way. I so
by Rafael López
this magazine and my artwork. appreciate their team efforts.
True understanding takes time. At the moment I’m sitting in
What I thought was my deepest pain the internet cafe. Across from me is
T
he work of Rafael López is a fusion
when I was in my twenties is not the a gentleman who is reading “Ode”
of strong graphic style and magical
pain I feel in this decade of my life. The
magazine. On the back cover is an
symbolism. While growing up in
resulting shift in focus and direction
ad for Green Mountain Coffee. The
Mexico City, he was immersed in the moves in accordance with the energies
headline says “I REALIZED inspiration
rich cultural heritage and native color
of the hour.
can come from anywhere.” I concur.
Another aspect of this approach to
Yesterday I went on a tour through
of street life. Influenced by Mexican
finding one’s passion is through deep
the mid-level rainforest in Costa Rica.
surrealism, dichos, or sayings, and
introspection and complete honesty with
Al, our guide, shared many things. He
myths, he developed a style with roots one’s self. What is really important is the
is a local and loves his country. He has
in these traditions.
water/work that comes out of the well/will.
been giving environmental lectures for
Our meaningful work rises to the
nearly three decades about the forest
For his illustrations for Book
top of our consciousness, and it is that
- its plants, birds, insects and animals.
Fiesta!, written by Pat Mora, López
work that is the counterbalance of
His mission is to share what Costa
was the recipient of the 2010 Pura the pain — the jo y. It is this harmonic
Rica is doing for the environment and
Belpré Illustrator Award, given by
balance of one’s life that is akin to the
encourage sustainable standards for
powerful gyroscope that keeps the
land usage. He said 34% of the land
the American Library Association to
large ships steady on the high seas. It
in his country has been designated
honor work that best portrays, affirms
is this appearance of ‘smooth sailing’
as a preserve. I was impressed and
and celebrates the Latino cultural that seems to be the clue that we are
requested he write us an article for an
experience in children’s books.
on course with that special something
upcoming issue.
that counteracts our personal pain. Our
Many of the guests on this cruise
López also envisioned and
ability to shine, to smile, to inspire, to
are retired. It was easy to pick out those
led the Urban Art Trail Project that
bring joy to others in our daily life is the
folks who felt they had made positive
transformed San Diego’s blighted East reflection of this deep inner work that
differences in the lives of others - that
Village with colorful murals, sculptures
we have done.
what they had done was of value. Many
At the moment I’m onboard a
are still plugged in, in some way or
and art installations and serves as a
Holland America cruise ship. Our
another, by either volunteering their
model of urban renewal that has been
voyage passed by Haiti to our starboard
time or working part time as a way to
implemented in cities around the side. My heart opened upon seeing
give back, sharing their expertise and
nation.
this mountainous island stretch. We
wisdom.
traveled through the Panama Canal the
What will be your legacy?
Of his colorful, imaginative art,
other day and are now heading up the
Imagine it is profoundly inspired;
López says, “Style will never come
western coast of Central America. Each
plan on it.
when it is forced. It needs to happen evening we receive the itinerary for the
naturally, as the result of experiences,
following day. I was very interested in Susan Q Wood
travels, beliefs and the things that
attending a presentation and Q&A by
Owner and Publisher
John Bailey, the Environmental Officer.
inspire you in everyday life, such as
In part, it’s his responsibility to have the
music, food, color, texture and family.” ship exceed the environmental standards
Rafael López’s art is held in
set up by MARPOL (an international
private collections worldwide. View his
maritime organization) and care for the
health and wellbeing of all onboard. Part
portfolio at
RafaelLopez.com.
of this responsibility includes recycling
8 Broward County
http://FtL.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
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