When I first learned that I could accompany my husband to Santiago, Chile for his consulting work, I had to look on our globe to find out where it was. I found it below the equator on the western edge of South America – a long narrow strip sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the snow-capped Andes. Further research told me that one semester of college Spanish would not be sufficient. But as this adventure immersed us in Santiago for most of 1998-99, we quickly learned enough about the language and customs to get along. I was further aided by an internet site, CHIP News (Chile Information Project), which kept me abreast of Chilean current events translated into English.

Access to daily news in Santiago was especially fortunate, because it was a stirring time to be living in Chile. Their former leader, General Augusto Pinochet, was arrested in London under a Spanish warrant that accused him of waging a campaign of genocide during his regime. His military overthrew the socialist government of Salvador Allende in 1973. Under Pinochet’s control the country made huge economic strides. From those who have benefited, he receives adoration and loyalty. Others lost loved ones to torture and death. This created a profound split in the country – the resultant scar formed in silence and fear for over 25 years. The recent exposure of the atrocities has reopened their deep wound. What pours forth, for many, is a demand for overdue justice. Others prefer not to remember how their economic status was attained. Emotional intensity bleeds on both sides of the issue.

These events have shaped the people of Santiago into a conservative, slow-to-trust people. The city is aloof, noisy, and congested. My friendly, casual nature was not appreciated there except by a few who became close friends. But as I walked in their beautiful parks scattered throughout the capital, I observed that it is within these relaxed boundaries that they are able to let their hair down a bit. Families and friends stroll hand-in-hand. Lovers tenderly hold each other and kiss endlessly. Gardeners lovingly tend to the grounds and stretch out on the grass for their afternoon snooze.

My artwork in this exhibit reflects observations of these two aspects of my experience in Chile. The “Clay Road” paintings are about the anguish of their political turmoil. The “Lovers” intimate my hope for their future healing.