Latin Music Legends Stamp Release Celebration

"From this day forward, these colorful, vibrant images of our Latin music legends will travel on letters and packages to every single household in America. In this small way, we have created a lasting tribute to five extraordinary performers, and we are proud and honored to share their legacy with Americans everywhere through these beautiful stamps."

Marie Therese Dominguez,
VP, Government Relations and Public Policy

United States Postal Service



I'm connecting from the South by Southwest Music and Media Festival in Austin,Texas. Today March 16th was the first-day-of-issue ceremony for five
Latin Music Legends Commemorative Forever Stamps that I painted for the United States Postal Service. They honor Latin Music Legends Celia Cruz, Carlos Gardel, Carmen Miranda, Tito Puente and Selena. The stamps go on sale today and will be part of a special tour wrapping up during Latin Heritage month, September 15-October 15. Commemorative stamp print runs normally are about 40 million, but due to anticipated demand the U.S.P.S. has printed 60 million.For the celebration Gibson unveiled a series of customized studio guitars, featuring the artwork of the stamps and these five guitars will be retired to the Smithsonian after their touring exhibit. I want to thank visionary art director Ethel Kessler who made the stamps happen. Ephiphone President Jim Rosenberg, Maclovio Perez and Robert Trevino of Gibson guitars for their hospitality in putting this memorable release celebration together. Appreciation also goes out to Jennie Coe of the United States Postal Service and especially the hundreds of people who attended and waited in line to have their stamps signed. The celebration also included Grammy award-winning Latin band Grupo Fantasma who played before a packed house.



















After almost two years of working on these stamps I was especially moved to meet the Quintanilla family including Selena's sister Suzette who came to my rescue and sent me her favorite image of Selena performing in Houston. That image communicated her mesmerizing style and inspired the stamp. Pictured here is Selena's husband Christopher Perez, brother A.B., dad Abraham, her lovely mom Marcela, and wonderful sister Suzette.



















These music legends are heroes of the Latin sound and we honor their incredible contributions that will forever impact world music. It's all about the music! I hope you will click on the names of these legendary artists highlighted in orange to listen and see some of the phenomenal performances that inspired me to create these stamps. In alphabetical order they are; Celia Cruz, Carlos Gardel, Carmen Miranda, Tito Puente and Selena. Their distinctive styles embrace a diverse range of musical genres including salsa, tango, samba, Latin jazz and tejano.

I am passionate about Latin music as it has fueled my work for decades. As a child growing up in Mexico City I was lucky to study guitar and South American instruments like the quena and cuatro with Folklorista Gerardo Tamez. My uncle had a musical radio program at UNAM that introduced folk and protest music from Latin America. I grew up in a household where my architect parents constantly played instruments and sang songs. We were always dancing and to this day I can't bring myself to paint without music.

What an honor it is for me to tell you more about these extraordinary legends and the process of creating stamps to celebrate their contributions. I'm proud of Latin music because it is essential in communicating the spirit of our culture. I have to agree that Latinos are born with rhythm. These five dynamic individuals continue to inspire future generations of musicians. I hoped to paint portraits that would resonate for their families and fans. I felt compelled to give it all I had as an artist to communicate the essence of these legends, their spirit, style and sound.

Celia Cruz stamp, mood board with imagery

and an initial sketch

CELIA CRUZ

¡Azucar! What made Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa so unique?

I wanted to celebrate that electrifying voice, those elaborate wigs, flamboyant costumes and dazzling smile that made you feel like you were part of her family. Her powerful contralto voice, dance energy and charismatic personality endeared her to fans from different nationalities and generations. A musical artist who knew no boundaries. She broke down economic, gender and racial barriers with her humanity and mesmerizing vocal style.

Carlos Gardel stamp, sketch and a classic photo

CARLOS GARDEL

With his movie star looks and superb baritone voice, he was the first great singer of tango and remains an icon in Argentina, France and Uruguay. A magnetic stage presence he mesmerized audiences with his charm and dapper attire. Gardel's music has always fascinated me and I posed a model with my own guitar to get the right stamp composition. His nickname El Zorzal Criollo translates to the Creole Thrush. Listening to his music, I envisioned a smoky boliche and saw cool shades of blue as his incomparable voice evoked nostalgia and a longing for something lost.

Carmen Miranda stamp, photograph and preliminary sketch

CARMEN MIRANDA

The glamorous Portuguese born-Brazilian Bombshell samba singer who went on to become a film legend captivated audiences with her Latin charm and dazzling persona. Her remarkable film, stage and radio career and exotic signature outfit challenged me. I had to make it all fit in a way that would match the proportions of the other Latin Music Legend compositions. I tried to showcase her mischievous, playful and coquettish beauty in a classic Hollywood pose that tipped it's hat to her contributions in music and film.

Tito Puente stamp, mood board imagery and alternative sketch

TITO PUENTE

A musical pioneer this energetic and dynamic bandleader, percussionist, and composer fused Latin music with jazz and mixed Latin sounds with other musical styles. I was fortunate enough to see Tito performing live on the streets of San Diego. I was about 20 feet away and the raw energy and pure octane power he exuded was sensational. I wanted to capture in red the angular rhythms of Tito playing his timbales in the stamp's background. I'm currently working on a new book My Name is Tito about El Rey and can't wait to introduce this music legend to children.

Selena stamp and two sketches exploring composition

SELENA

The queen of tejano. I wanted to showcase her vibrant beauty. As an artist I was challenged by her love of fashion and style as Selena frequently changed hairstyles and clothing. After exploring many directions I became convinced that a photo provided by her family most closely communicated her essence. I worked to create a relationship between her hair and the background swirls to pay tribute to her sensual costumes and dance moves. I was moved to hear from Suzette Quintanilla who saw the stamp portrait before release and felt I had captured her sister's charismatic spirit.

HOW STAMPS BEGIN AND MY PROCESS

The Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee meets several times a year to look over many suggestions for stamp subjects. These ideas come for committee members, stamp collectors, postal officials and the general public. Once approved each job is assigned to an art director who selects an artist whose style and technique they believe can deliver the essence of a subject and meet the challenge of communicating at postage stamp size.

The Let's Dance: Merengue stamp and Mendez v. Westminster stamp

In 2009 I was approached by an exceptional art director, Ethel Kessler whose clients include the United States Postal Service. We had worked together previously in 2005 creating the Merengue Latin Dance stamp and the Mendez v. Westminster stamp in 2007. A year later I painted a poster to help win the Latino vote for then candidate Barack Obama and the style of the portrait resonated for the U.S.P.S. and gave me a chance to work on this incredible project.

Talk about connections, my very first children's book My Name is Celia about Celia Cruz opened the door for me to create books for kids. I'm currently working on paintings for a new book My Name is Tito to be released in 2013 on the anniversary of his 90th birthday. I was excited to immerse myself once again into their lives and music and began to conduct extensive research into Selena, Carlos Gardel and Carmen Miranda. I tried to get inside the details of their lives by reading biographies and articles, watching films, looking at images and above all playing their music nice and loud.

Sketching for an upcoming children's book My Name is Tito and cover of My Name is Celia both written by Monica Brown

As an artist I tried to find the emotional qualities that described them and created mood boards with imagery, colors and textures to illuminate the path these paintings should take and develop a visual language. I poured over hundreds of images and worked to channel the spirit of their music into my sketches. I choose to not directly use any one image but reference still photography and video footage to synthesize information and get to the essence of a portrait. I stylized the images with the hope that people would see them and hear their music. Working closely with the art director I decided to show each musical artist in the period of time we thought people would remember them most. It's got to reduce well, not fill in or lose parts and communicate at the size of your thumb.

I then begin to sketch and it all begins with a pencil on paper. Talk about pressure. I was constantly aware that each stamp design had to be approved by committee, genuinely resonate with families and connect to fans. I gave it my best shot painting each portrait on a piece of sanded wood about 15 inches tall by 9 inches wide. I selected the wood carefully looking for the right texture to add character to the images. The process of sanding takes time and I like to think with patience the grain speaks to me.

I buy my acrylic paints in large jars at a small tiendita in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. These paints are bold just like Celia, Carlos, Carmen, Tito and Selena and for me authentic Latino color is all about orgullo!

One last thing, these are forever stamps making them as timeless as the Latin Music Legends who inspired them.

I hope you will join me today in celebrating our Latin Music Legends, Celia Cruz, Carlos Gardel, Carmen Miranda, Tito Puente and Selena by listening to their music.

The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred

With the help of her animal friends, a farm maiden begins to cook.

The goat lends some butter; the cow, fresh milk; the chicken, a few eggs—all for a pot of rice pudding. Inspired by "The House that Jack Built," Vamos offers a fresh, new twist, playfully introducing Spanish into this cumulative tale. The pot becomes the cazuela; the goat, the cabra; the butter, the matequilla; and so forth, until the text is bursting with bilingual energy. With each repetition, the momentum builds and bubbles until it reaches a boiling frenzy. Vamos then skillfully ties it all together, as each animal's Spanish name and accompanying ingredient is reiterated in a simple phrase—allowing readers to recall their meaning and relationship to the rice pudding. A party ensues, and all return to the cazuela to give thanks and share in their communal creation. López's artwork, with its desert palette punctuated by brilliant primary colors and its graphic, hard edges, suggestive of folk art, is a perfect match. His sophisticated, multilayered textures create depth, give form and work together to create an image that's easily readable, humorous and harmonious. Complete with an arroz con leche recipe and glossary of Spanish words, this thoughtful work will appeal to both Spanish speakers and learners.

A wonderful read-aloud, filled with merriment and conviviality. (Picture book. 4-7)
Kirkus Reviews

I'm excited to report the release of The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred written by the inspiring Samantha Vamos. It's a great feeling to see our book hit the shelves as the process of bringing a book to print is a long journey. I wanted to share some of the sketches for this lively and colorful tale as everything starts with pencil on paper.

Click here to read more about the birth of The Cazuela.
Thanks to amazing author Samantha Vamos for putting together the short video to celebrate our new book.

Music on my Mind

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. No wonder it has found it's way into so much of my work. It is an essential part of my ability to create.

My father was and architect by trade but his real passion was digging up vanishing music from Old Mexico. Huasteca songs from Hidalgo and San Luis Potosi, Tierra Caliente from Guerrero and Veracruz tunes with Cuban and Caribbean influences. With his brother Ruben who hosted a radio program for UNAM devoted to these songs and musicologist Raul Helmer they traversed my country in search of pieces of musical history. Growing up listening to these amazing recordings and playing instruments with my family are among my favorite childhood memories. I started playing the guitar at age five and studied indigenous South American instruments in sixth grade. My best friends are musicians and I send my young son to a public school that has a strong music program.

When painting I listen to music and think about the colors the sounds and rhythm bring to the surface of my canvas.
Take a look and see if you can hear the music.

Storytelling connects us to the world

In December like a bird, I can't wait to migrate south to my home and studio in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Sitting here at my weathered wooden desk covered with paint and coffee cup stains I've been thinking about storytelling and how it connects us to the world. Originally practiced by elders, stories passed on knowledge and wisdom to new generations.

A humble art form practiced in Mexico are small retablos or laminas painted on tin. Deeply rooted in Spanish history they tell stories of miracles and represent the heart, soul and religious traditions of Mexicans from the 17th-19th centuries. I've always been fascinated with the colorful symbolism and allegorical storytelling found in these clever art works used on home altars to give thanks to the infinite number of Catholic saints. Usually painted by self taught artists working alone in their studio or workshop I've been waiting for just the right opportunity to get a piece of tin and give it a try.

My close friend Gil Gutiérrez lives in a bohemian home that used to be a horse stable in the centro of San Miguel. He is without a doubt our town's most beloved musician. A virtuoso on the guitar, he has played with symphony orchestras across the U.S. and at Chicago's Millenium Park to a crowd of 10,000 people. My favorite place to hear him play is sitting around his kitchen table as his authentic music and vibrant spirit is an endless inspiration. He is building a home in the countryside near town and this past Fall was attacked by a stray rottweiler abandoned near his land. His arm was injured badly but healed quickly and he was able to get right back to making music. To commemorate and give thanks for this miracle I painted a lamina for him in the style of my compatriotas. My gifted friend is pictured with guitar on his land where he grows lavendar and his favorite drink mezcal invoking the protection of El Señor de los Rayos. You might notice the surrealism of his extra hand in my painting with the popular cuernos symbol to signify that he won't let anything stop his music. A graceful bird carries the banner of musical notes and the hand painted text tells the story of the miracle. I used sponges to age the piece that was painted with Mexican acrylics on tin.

In this painting I wanted to celebrate the humble art and storytelling of Mexican lamina painting as well as the power of my friend Gil's music. If you live in New York please be sure to catch Gil Gutiérrez live at Carnegie Hall with trumpet legend Doc Severinsen on January 28th. I believe his music captures the sound and soul of San Miguel de Allende and to hear it you can check out his website or visit his blog: Gil Gutiérrez Music.

Book Fiesta! 2010 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award

On Sunday it was raining hard and I was hard at work multi-tasking my latest children's book and installing new shelves for my son Santiago's robot collection. The phone was ringing off the hook and I couldn't quite get there from the farthest part of the loft. Finally I connected with Lucia González calling me from the American Library Association with the incredible news that Book Fiesta! Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day; Celebremos El día de los niños/El día de los libros had won the 2010 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award. I need to express my thanks to Harper Collins for believing in the project and sincere appreciation to the ALSC committee for giving this very special book such a boost.

To say I admire the author Pat Mora is an understatement as her inspiring text featured Latino children inviting kids from other cultures to a book fiesta and linked this to a celebration of Children's Day. A big thanks to our visionary editor Adriana Dominguez who paired my work with Pat's writing and to Stephanie Bart-Horvath for design. Having served as co-chair of Read Across America I learned firsthand that reading really brings people from different cultures and paths of life together. It meant so much to me that this book was selected because children and books deserve to be connected.

Bravo to Julia Alvarez for her novel Return to Sender that examined the blurry line between American citizens and undocumented persons for winning the 2010 Pura Belpré Authors Award. I want to also give a serious tip of the hat to three exceptionally gifted fellow illustrators and friends David Diaz, Yuyi Morales and John Parra whose books were also selected by the committee this year as Belpré Honor Books. I really look forward to spending time with all of you and celebrating in Washington D.C. this June.

To read more about Book Fiesta and see the illustrations please visit my book blog by clicking here: Rafael López books

Phoenix Rising Mural

This weekend we finished a mural called Phoenix Rising at the San Diego Cooperative Charter School, a unique public school that includes classes in art, music and Spanish for every child. I designed it in a simple graphic style as I wanted it to be painted by children, teachers and families. That's the school's art teacher Miss Allison Bell jumping up and down when we made it happen. This was the second mural I've volunteered to create for this inspiring public school under the leadership of a dedicated principal Dr. Wendy Ranck-Buhr. I spent a week applying the grid and tracing the design out on the 108 foot long surface that wrapped around the art room. Together with parent and school volunteers we painted the outlines and children filled in the spaces with vivid colors. The painting of this mural was a fulfillment of a promise I made during the election to take action with my artwork. The phoenix is the mascot of the school and I thought a strong metaphor to express the new spirit of collective change that is sweeping the country. I want to thank all the visionaries who made Phoenix Rising possible especially Allison, Celestina, Steven, Danny, Paul, Candice and the amazing children of the San Diego Cooperative Charter School.

To see a you tube video created by designer/illustrator Steven Morris about the mural please go to this link: Phoenix Rising Mural

Please be sure to click on Older Posts and check out the paintings I created for Oprah Winfrey's school in South Africa.