While visiting Cuba...
On a recent trip to Cuba I was intent on seeing everything, and it was imperative that I visit Havana, Castro's Cuba, before all the 'stuck in the 50's' character disappeared.
Top of the list was the Partagas cigar factory, since your humble writer loves the Cuban leaf. The atmosphere was as thick as fog inside. Rich, cedar boxes of cigars abounded in the dimly lit main showroom while the sounds of the cappucino machine in the bar at the back of the shop hissed and spluttered. Every time the showcase opened for a purchase, the smooth aroma filled the room.
Purchases complete, I made my way back into the heat of the day toward the Capitol building where, I had promised myself, I would sit on the steps and watch the city of Havana unfold before me. I wasn't disappointed. After clipping and lighting my Cuaba I settled on the marble steps. No one took any notice of this turista just puffing peacefully on one of Cuba's main exports.
Amid the usual sights and sounds of a major urban center there were certain anachronisms that you just don't see in any North American city, but are every day realities in Havana and the streets of "anytown Cuba" - old 50's American beaters - hundreds of them. Some, lovingly maintained, and some hanging on to their mechanized life by a thread. Some are brush painted gaudy colours and used as taxis, and some look like they have been parked in a barn for the last 60 years.
I decided to take advantage of this and hailed a repainted, but otherwise mint looking, '56 Chev to visit the Museum of the Revolution which is a must see destination in Havana. Even if you don't have time to go inside this museum, the exhibits ringing the outside are both bizarre and enthralling. There are tanks, two aircraft ( a Curtiss Kingfisher and a Hawker Sea Fury), the wrecked tail section from a shot-down B-25 from the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion, a Sam missle with launcher, the jet motor from a U-2 shot down during the Cuban Missle Crisis, and a red laundry delivery van that has been ventilated with hundreds of bullet holes. This apparently occured during the latter stages of the revolution as it approached the Presidential Palace in Havana.
Wandering the streets of Havana, down the narrow alleys, I'm taken by the amount of restoration that is underway on the buildings in old town. Everywhere, scaffolding and tarps cling to the walls as workers painstakingly recreate the original limestone details that have been eaten away by pollution and erosion. The finished examples stand out in their new bright finery like bridesmaids at an old folks home. The best example of this is along the Havana waterfront promenade, or Malecon, as it is known locally.
The beautiful old architecture, the ancient but willing '50's automobiles hobbling along among more modern traffic, the heat, the sunshine, the wonderful and exotic aromas of a tropical city - these are the memories I carried home.
I thought to myself, there must be a way I can somehow embrace this in a more permanent manner.
After some experimentation, I was able to capture the spirit and atmosphere of the Cuban streets on canvas with my Old Cuban Cars selection of artwork. I invite you to have a peek and experience what its like to walk down a street in Havana or Varadero or Matanzas. Look around and the scenes on these canvases are what will greet you.
It is my pleasure to share them with you.
Published April 6, 2010
Bill Gedeye writes and creates his art from Brentwood Bay, BC
