I haven't visited Taos in years, but after reading this essay from today's guest, Suenammi Richards, I think I may need to book a trip there soon...
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Picking Locations with Heart
By Suenammi Richards
There was a swirl of thought placed into the development of
my characters for my latest book. Even
more so into the location where this great and magical love should grow wings
and take flight. During the research side of writing my latest book, So a Psychic and a Rocket Scientist Walk
into a Bar, I decided to set the locale as Taos, New Mexico. Taos is an
interesting artistic hub bub of modern and indigenous art. Taos went very hippie in the '70s and thankfully,
never quite recovered from it. This legacy of art, peace and free love leads us
to one of Taos’ most prolific and well-known visual artists. This artist is
mentioned briefly in my book. He is Ted Egri. My female protagonist has a piece
of his. He represents a blending of
indigenous art and regional legacy.
Taos has a very prolific culture of art. This art is a mix
of indigenous stylings and contemporary takes on historical folklore and canon.
The art ranges from pottery from very early indigenous tribes to modern digital
media. While my characters did not delve into the visual arts scene, it would
be remiss to not point out that visual art is Taos’ most valued cultural
contribution.
Even though I write, my first artistic love is visual art.
Years ago I studied some of the contributions from this area. I was impressed
and moved by the cultural history and authenticity of Taos’ artistic scene. So
when I wanted to really immerse characters in a place where magic could be
believed, I dedicated this location to the cause.
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| Author Suenammi Richards |
I also desired to point out the importance of indigenous
voices. Art as it exists and lives is much like writing in the idea that it is
a living tangible expression of the most poignant aspects of the human soul. As
artists it is important to recognize our roots and how they have influenced
where we are as a species. What our artistic futures can hold. In the shards of
a dish that is thousands of years old we can see the parts that carried us and
made us. There is the need for community, sustenance and care. A bowl is a
symbol of how we should preserve and treat our art. We carry the best of it. We
carry as much as we can. Not only for ourselves but to share with others.
So a Psychic and a Rocket Scientist Walk into a Bar
Clair wasn’t sure what she should expect when she literally ran into Sergei and promptly passed out. There had always been whispers about Clair and her family. No one knew quite what they were but it was a history and a birthright Clair had deftly avoided for almost all of her life. This new occurrence puts Clair on the cusp of what was always fated to be her calling. With someone’s life at stake she knew she finally had to literally choose between life and death.
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You can learn more about Suenammi Richards on her blog and by following her on Twitter.
You can purchase So a Psychic and a Rocket Scientist Walk into a Bar on Amazon.
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