On my trip to Peru, I hadn't expected to find a archeological site in the center of Lima. Actually, according to my reading of blogs and travel sites before leaving, I wasn't supposed to even go to Lima much less have such a great experience. A fellow artist, Dan Welden, suggested I visit TRESS, a printmaking studio in Miraflores to meet Cristina Dueñas who runs the space. There I met Kathleen O'Connell, an American artist, who showed us her portfolio inspired by Huaca Pucllana, and told us that the pyramid was within 5 minutes walking distance from the studio.
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| Bunny Eyer, Kathleen O'Connell, Cristina Dueñas |
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| Print by Kathleen O'Connell |
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Print by Kathleen O'Connell
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Visiting the site, we discovered that the entire structure was built of clay bricks that were dried in the sun, not in a kiln! Thousands were stacked vertically, 'libro' or book style, to create this huge structure. It's hard to fathom how long a process this was.
Huaca Pucllana was an important ceremonial site for the Lima Culture and dates to 200AD.
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| Here it sits juxtaposed with Lima's modern cityscape. |
As part of my continuing Art Vacation series - I plan to take a group to Peru next May to visit sacred sites and work in the TRESS printmaking studio. Contact me if you are interested.
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