Sara Celis (and by default Luis Amendolla)

In my journey to discover more about the artist Luis Gasparo Amendolla it dawned on me that perhaps I should search not only for his name but also that of his wife Sara Martha Celis Massieu. So far my research has been limited to that of internet searches (which have been most helpful – if leaving a lot of information somewhat unconfirmed). There are several books I have found referenced in my searches in which are said to contain information about Luis but I have yet been unable to gain access to these.

On the morning of Monday 23rd of September 2024 (Perth, Western Australia time) I found (through a search of Facebook) the page of Luis’ former partner in crime (artistically and matrimonially speaking) Sara.

I took the plunge and decided to approach Sara with a link to my Blog post regarding Luis with the hope that she would confirm (or deny) what I have written.

Buenas dias Sara (please forgive my boldness for approaching you in this manner). My name is Simon and I am hoping you can help me. I have recently come into possession of a watercolour by Luis Amendolla and have been trying to research him but have had very little luck. I have written a blog post on him and his art (which I very much love) and I am hoping you might be able to confirm some things. I do not wish to stir up any bad memories but I would be honoured if you could please read what I have written and confirm (or deny) the veracity of it. I would dearly love to find out more about Luis and am hoping you might assist with my journey. Muchas gracias, Simon.

Sara is quite the accomplished artist.

Per Saras bio…

“Love is born at first sight”
Artist by birth and with more than 30 years of professional experience.

Her watercolours are quite beautiful

Saras landscapes are beautiful. I am fond of the medium of watercolours and have many such paintings adorning my home.

A selection of my collection (including my Amendolla – in the centre)

After my visit to the ARM Cuauhtemoc I have to say this is one of my favourite

The Tallship Cuauhtémoc (just in case you’re curious)

Cheeky? Subversive? Or just for the grandkids?

March 26, 2022 Recordando mi exposición en el Museo del Calendario (MUCAL)

I f you feel so inclined you can sign up for lessons

Saras exhibition at the Museo del Calendario

The Museo del Calendario is located in a 17th century mansion housed amongst verdant gardens in the centro histórico of the city of Santiago de Querétaro in the Free and Sovereign State of Querétaro, Mexico. Founded in 1987 this museum not only documents the evolution of the humanity’s obsession with the measurement of time it also celebrates Mexicos rich artistic tradition of calendars, from ancient Aztec calendars to contemporary works. The museum’s permanent exhibitions highlight figures from Mexicos Golden Age of calendar art showcasing artists such as Luis Amendolla and Jesús Helguera and explores the influence of calendars on Mexican society throughout time. The museum is touted as being the only one of its kind in the World.

Galleries within the museum showcase…….

Time and Space: Introduces the basic notions of time measurement.
Origin of the Calendar: Explore the first calendar systems used by ancient civilizations.
The Sun Stone and the Aztec Calendar: Features replicas and discussions about the importance of these artifacts in Mexican culture.
Evolution of the Calendar in Mexico: From European influence to modern promotional calendars.
Calendar Painters Rooms: Exhibitions dedicated to artists who transformed simple calendars into works of art

One room contains an almost 600kg replica of the object most commonly known as the Aztec Sun Stone calendar carved from cedar wood by the artists Irma Covarrubias and Luis Hernández.

In Saras words (via Facebook)

Ahora les traigo algunos de mis cuadros favoritos de mi colección personal. El autor de estos cuadros es mi difunto esposo Luis Ricardo Amendola.
Me parece increíble la capacidad que tenía de plasmar sus ideas de una manera tan clara y hermosa en cada cuadro. Podemos notar un gusto por pintar personas representativas de los lugares que visitaba.

Now I bring you some of my favorite paintings from my personal collection. The author of these paintings is my late husband Luis Ricardo Amendola.
I find it incredible the ability he had to express his ideas in such a clear and beautiful way in each painting. We can see a taste for painting representative people of the places he visited.