Pátzcuaro is a town located in the state of Michoacán, México, approximately 5 hrs. from Mexico City, my hometown. Translated to "Place of Happiness" in Spanish, Lake Pátzcuaro features a spectacular view in every direction, and several small islands throughout. It is located a few miles from the city and has been a tourist favorite spot for years. Being there means being in a peaceful state surrounded by incredible beauty at one of the highest altitudes in the world for a lake. There are multiple legends behind this magical region in Mexico, starting with its origins of the native American Purépecha and Tarasco peoples. Traditional fishing is part of the ancestral heritages and unique to the region. The beauty of these canoes with fishermen and butterfly fishnets has inspired many photographers and artists. The town of Pátzcuaro is known for its delightful artisan architecture, also unique to the area. If you visit, you will find excellent cuisine and traditional arts and crafts along with museums and various touring opportunities.

My mother was a Pátzcuaro fan and started taking me there since I was a child. I have numerous memories of visiting the lake at different ages, but sadly noticing the waters were contaminated and continue to be today. There are efforts to clean them and I hope they do not give up on the projects. It would be fantastic to see the lake turn clear and show all the fish that live there.

My painting "Pátzcuaro Fishermen," intends to capture all of these impressions. For me, the canoe, hats and of course the butterfly fishnets are the key to the whole thing. I just love the way the sun shines on the edges and reflects the silhouette of the canoe and the circular-shaped crafted nets. Balance comes to mind, the skill of maintaining the center while being able to yield to each side as needed. I suppose that can be a metaphor for life.

The last time my mother and I visited, I had an opportunity to photograph a girl in the nearby town of Tzinzunzan, who gladly posed for me. I call this lovely image "Tzinzunzan girl" and is one of my treasured photos.

During this trip I was also able to visit the Tzinzunzan Archeological zone, where I snapped a couple of images of the Yácatas: Circular shaped pyramids, ruins left by the Purépechas. 

I have fantastic memories of Pátzcuaro, and it is one of the many gifts my mother gave me while alive, sharing her love of nature, beautiful and peaceful places like this one, and teaching me respect for the native people. I encourage everyone to visit the beautiful state of Michoacán, including Morelia, the capital.

Ana Luisa Rincón Roldán