The highest mountain in Peru is called Huascaran. It is near the town of Huaraz, where mountain climbers from over the world congregate in the local establishments, comparing stories. There are many peaks in the vicinity which all present different challenges to climbers, each formidable. Each mountain has a reputation from the number of climbers who have not returned.
The "Laguna Llanganuco" is a high moumtain lake which fills from the melting snows of Huascaran. It is pictured in this painting.
While in Huaraz, I found that a mountain I had imagined in my mind's eye, lived here, in fact. The peak "Alpamayo" appears in the perfect shape of a pyramid, and as it is normally covered in snow it glows and shines in different kinds of light.
Down in the town, I had to laugh while watching an ice cream sales man make two cones. "Huascaran!" he called out with the first dollop he plopped into a cone, "Alpamayo!" he shouted, as a scoop of vanilla filled the second cone.
ARTIST'S COMMENTARY (continued)
"Laguna de Llanganuco"
Aug. 22, 1988
egg tempera on hand made paper
7 x 10 inches