As we walk around the old historic part of town, centro, we are consistently impressed by the artful quality of what we see. The subject needs some explanation. Art has an aspect of subjectivity. The art I am referring to reflects attention to nature and detail without making concessions to modernity, consumerism, and technology. In my eyes it is the triumph of the substance of the environment over style the age of consumerism has fed us. The subjective aspect means some will appreciate what we are seeing as art, and others will simply see aging structures.
Our perspective is that there is attention to details in people’s living spaces, without the expense of buying from Amazon or big box stores. Plants are a big deal here and they often are in pots. Many of the pots appear to be rustic, aged, as though they have been accumulated over much time. The shiny glazed pots that are so prevalent in our part of the country are much more rare here. People may go out in the desert and dig plants for the home (get ready to be arrested, scolded or fined if you try that in the Spokane area). The markets that sell plants are less expensive than at home, and the environment has very few sub freezing days allowing gardens and pots flourish and grow perennially. The result is a lot of dense plant life here that reflects its environment whether it is in pots or in the ground. It is seen in public gathering places, businesses and the rooftops of homes. The reason I did not reference yards is because people do not have yards in centro. Life is art reflected in the homes and businesses, but art that grows organically out of a cooperation with the environment.
The colors and construction of homes and businesses also reflect the high desert hues of the environment. The combination of bright and earthy colors arrest notions of dullness. Buildings are restored rather than torn down and rebuilt in a modern fashion. Much of that is due to Unesco heritage designation that is similar to our historical neighborhood designations in Spokane. The rebuilding and remodeling here is done much more by hand by skilled artisans that what we have seen at home.
Another aspect of art in the living space is the doors. There are very few modern exterior doors here. They tend to be made of thick stout wood. Many are quite weathered, but many are lovingly restored and oiled. This post is dedicated to those doors, which endlessly fascinate us, and includes about a dozen pictures of doors.
School has been out all week and the downtown area is even busier than usual, with many more kids than usual. Not sure how so many people have time to come down town as families. We tried to think that maybe the crowds are about Christmas shopping, but there is hardly a shopping bag in sight. Seemingly the crowds are about enjoying the collective energy of extended families and a beautiful resonant town. We continue to be impressed that little kids run around in this mass of people without being reprimanded. If they fall no one rushes to them. Parents amble over; tears, if they fall, are short lived. In over a month now we have seen screaming crying children about five times. So much less stress is evident in the populace it carries over. We feel more relaxed and unhurried than ever.
Enjoy the doors, let me know what you think. I love the feedback!
Discover more from Chiropractic Life Center
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
The doors are fascinating. There is so much craftsmanship that went into them. It would be interesting to know the personality of the home owner or the person making them, to know what the thought process was that went into these. Especially the blue hand in the middle of the one door!
Totally agree, the story behind the person behind the door would be interesting to know. We see other doors that have seemingly inexplicable items on them, often used for handles, knockers, or no obvious use. Thanks for the response.
The doors 🚪 also seem like entrances to the community soul to a world of creativity, expression and a world cherished for the beauty surrounding it.
Such a delight to see the community is alive with creative expression and colorful artwork, plants/ nature intertwined with the people. In comparison Spokane is drab and lifeless with pockets of creativity and color of course that just my opinion
Have fun and thanks for sharing the adventures
I think your opinion might be similar to mine. Doors do embrace symbolism, and are an opportunity for creativity as the invite. To embrace culture was a major impetus for our travels and remains so. Seeing the world through a different lens is our opportunity for growth.
Dr. Pat,
I love reading about your journey and seeing the world thru your eyes.
You wrote: “The subjective aspect means some will appreciate what we are seeing as art, and others will simply see aging structures.”
I would simply see the aging structures if not for seeing it thru your eyes. Your posts are opening a whole new world for me. I live in probably what it the most modern and pristine community in the country where all doors look the same, all homes look the same, and residents aren’t even allowed to plant outside their homes. I love where I live but I also love seeing your new world thru your eyes.
I am so glad to see how much you are enjoying your retirement. You are doing retirement the way it was meant to be done.
Regards from Las Vegas,
Larry
Thanks for following Larry. Love your comments on the post. So much to observe, but at times the blinders get in the way.
I love the colors and endless variety of doors and entryways also. When I visited I walked around all day just looking and enjoying. You’re right about squallung children, I didn’t see any! Entire families just enjoying being out together. So pleasant!
You sound exactly like one of us. We walk, look and enjoy. Merry Christmas to you!
Hi pat. Love the pictures of all the doors, So unique. When Hope and I were in San Miguel around 10 years ago we also took note of the doors as artwork. They add so much to the ambience there. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Thanks for the response and glad the doors sparked memories. They have garnered a lot of attention, guess I hit a note there. We mostly walk around, looking at things talking to people whenever I get the chance. No tourist things I guess, but love soaking things up. It sounds as though we would love to be walking around with the two of you.
The doors and the courtyards beyond them are one of our favorite memories from visiting San Miguel de Allende. Thanks for sharing!!!!
Thanks Hope! A lot of people are responding to the door post. Makes me happy that people can get a grasp on what I was speaking. Appreciate all input.
The doors are really unique. Very neat! I especially liked the door with the turquoise hand. The plants look really beautiful too.
Thanks again Autumn. Merry Christmas to you. The doors really struck a chord with a lot of people, none moreso than the turquoise hand