Christine’s World

Like many Canadians who winter in Mexico, Christine Gribbin has learned to seize the best of both worlds.  In Montreal, Quebec, she still maintains a busy life is the world of film and fashion, but when the cold winds blow, she retreats to the sleepy village of La Manzanilla 200 kilometers south of Puerto Vallarta on the Jalisco coast.  There she resides in the charming upstairs casita of artist Carol Lopez and pursues her own interest in painting.

The influence of the cheerful and easy going life of her landlady and the village at large can be seen echoed in both her art and her countenance.  I’ve been meaning to share her world with you for some time, but unfortunately the laid back life of the beach seems to be lost a bit in the more complicated life of interior Mexico, not to mention my trip northwards.  But here, at last, is a peek into Christine’s Mexican environs and art.  If I had been able to capture a more rounded view of her life there, I would have also photographed her on the dance floor or on the beach, sipping tequila with the regulars at Daniel’s sunset tequila soiree, or listening to music at one of the beachside palapa restaurants; but these views of her aerie and her paintings are what I was able to capture.  I hope they will adequately portray this vivacious and talented lady.
(Please note that the sketch of the woman’s face on top of the fridge is by Christine, but the painting behind it  is by Carol Lopez. You can see photos of Carol’s studio here.)