07 Oct I would rather see the MARKETS than the monuments
I love markets. I am not talking about your run of the mill supermarkets that we are all used to. The markets that I am talking about are the outdoor markets that you usually find dotted around cities mostly in the summertime or the permanent stalls lining bustling streets or the markets that are housed inside large buildings in the center of city neighborhoods. Food, clothing, household goods, flowers and art all set up displaying wares to prospective buyers. I love the smells, the colors, the noise all coming together exciting all my senses. I love to just meander through the aisles taking everything in.
When I travel, I am always drawn to the markets. They excite me more than a day spent learning about the political history of ancient cities. I can learn more about history and the people by strolling through a market then I can by taking a monument tour. The influence of immigration, colonization, trade routes and political takeovers show up in how people live; in the foods grown and eaten; in the nationalities of the vendors and the goods available. Just as an ethnographer or archaeologist can unearth and learn from artifacts left behind by early civilizations, I love to explore and imagine and learn about the daily habits and cultures of people by watching as they go about their daily tasks.
As an artist, markets are just so full of unending beauty and inspiration for me. The color of a ripe tomato the texture in the skin of a melon or the unique shape of each potato that sits in the basket, are so beautiful. Each stall displaying their goods are like galleries exhibiting the latest collection of art. The compositions of stacked vegetables, breads and even soaps abound throughout markets in such a beautiful array of textures, colors and scents. Food, art, fabrics, antiques, jewelry, clothing; each market holds a special need and attracts a unique group of buyers. Each market tells a different story. Each holds history and significance. Each holds its own beauty.
All around the globe, markets have been the community hubs where people gather. They serve not only a commercial purpose, but are an important social aspect of towns and neighborhoods. Sometimes the markets are defined by the neighborhood, and sometimes the neighborhoods are defined by the markets. They can hold customs and traditions of neighborhoods and cultures. There is so much more than buying and selling that happens at markets. It is a rich and diverse merging of beauty, people, history and need and serves both commerce and community.
As I travel around the world, I usually end up at the markets with my camera. I share with you my love for food, art and detail from some of my travels.
