As I remember, this painting is the only one of the egg tempera studies which depicts a tree in the foreground. This pine, leaning out to brave the winds that sweep against the rocky slope it clings to, is a symbol in the metaphoric sense- of the will to live in the face of adversity. It clings on for life itself.
      Such is the tenacity and independance of the people who live in the mountains, who also demonstrate deep patience and sympathy to strangers. For them human interaction seems to be a welcome rest from the struggle and work of survival.
      More than once, I have seen tears at my departure, from friends I had known for mere weeks.
      What's more, I have always encountered sincere respect, in all Latin American countries, for my life as an artist, and here I must include the military personel I have encountered, even when I have found myself in war zones, in Guatemala and in Peru.
ARTIST'S COMMENTARY (continued)

"East of Puebla, Mexico"
Dec., 1988
egg tempera on hand made paper
7x 10 inches
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