Dum vivimus vivamus – While we live, let’s LIVE!

 

I first heard this meaningful latin phrase used by Patrizio, an inspiring artist I met in La Manzanilla, Mexico this winter. When my friend Andrea came down to visit, we took in an art exhibition entitled “Vivir” which is the Spanish word for “to live”. Appropriately, it included a piece by Patrizio called Dum Vivimus Vivamus. Each letter of the phrase had been painted on a block of wood. The artwork was arresting in its simplicity and powerful in its statement.

 

Fast forward five months. I’m visiting Andrea on Salt Spring Island for a couple of days. Days before I arrive she comes up with the brilliant idea of doing something similar to Patrizio’s piece in collage. She gets to work immediately and sends me this fabulous image!

 

 

When I get to her house, a pile of 3″ x 3″ wooden blocks await. They need to be sanded and then sealed with a mixture of water and white glue.

 

 

After all that work we have to eat 🙂

 

 

Now it’s time to get stuck in. Since I am behind in the cutting up images department I think, what the heck, and decide to paint the blocks and then collage the letters.

 

 

 

We work for hours! Of course we again need nourishment and dine and drink in style.

 

 

 

After eating, we work into the night.

 

 

The next morning we keep going….

 

 

Andrea finishes hers…..

 

……as I am still choosing letters – not as easy as you might think!

 

 

In the end, I have to finish the last three blocks at home and here they are at last.

 

 

The whole project was immense fun. Thanks to Andrea for the idea, for cutting up all those letters (you can see the piles in my last blog), for providing the wood blocks, AND for all the amazing cooking. Check out her delicious Monsoon Coast recipes!

 

And thanks to Patrizio for inspiring us. Dum Vivimus Vivamus – words to live by!

 

I’d love to hear from you. If you’d like to comment, please click on the title of this blog which will take you to my website where you can post any feedback. And as always, feel free to send this on to anyone you think may enjoy it.

 

Until next time

~ Gail

 

PS. In case you want to know how to pronounce dum vivimus vivamus correctly click here – apparently, I have not!

PPS. The Grilled Thai Beef Salad comes from a fascinating book called Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet: A Culinary Journey Through Southeast Asia