"Courage is Grace Under Pressure."

Before I left for Cuba, I was told this true story. A very wealthy Doctor wanted to leave Cuba.  The year was 1960. Castro had already sent Batista running. The revolution had begun. Cubans were allowed to leave but could take nothing with them.  Money, art, and anything valuable became the property of the Cuban government. This wise Doctor who had been practicing out in the Cuban countryside, away from the newspapers and political gossip, was not about to leave his money behind.  As he approached customs, the Doctor was commanded to turn over his money. The government officials knew that he was a wealthy Doctor even if he was a little "out of touch" with the happenings in the big city of Havana. The Doctor threw a fit. He yelled, stomped and demanded to keep the money that he had worked for. They condescendingly explained because of his "country living" the Doctor was most likely unaware of the fact that his money would not be leaving Cuba. Finally exasperated, the Doctor opened his cash box and threw $200,000 onto the table in front of Cuban officials and proceeded to board the ship. The officials shook their heads as they collected the "donation."

Ernest Hemingway in Cuba

The Doctor is not the only Cuban who had to leave everything behind. Many artists left their art work behind. If they were unsupportive of the government their artwork was even destroyed. Some of the "destroyed" pieces actually survived and were found hidden within walls  and other odd places. I guess it was hard to be a government worker as well as an art lover. (more on this at a later date)

 Ernest Hemingway was another creative spirit who was forced to leave many of his legendary writings behind. Thankfully they were rescued by Hemingway's secretary and her husband who returned for them. (another good story for a later date)

On a walk, we stumbled upon a place where Hemingway stayed while in Havana. (pink building)

We stepped inside the building where these pictures of Hemingway hung along with his autograph.

One of my favorite Ernest Hemingway quotes is, "Courage is grace under pressure." This quote makes me wonder, do I have courage? I look at the courage it took for the many people who fled Cuba. Some never to make it to safety alive. I look at the courage of those who stayed. I look at the Cuban parents who put their children on a plane headed for the US (see Pedro Pan post) What would I do? How do I overcome challenges? Do I exhibit grace under pressure?

Cubans on Truck Raft 

This past year has been one of new challenges and pressures. The pressures of new challenges have resulted in discovery and self-actualization. The challenges have encouraged me to think in new ways, to view new perspectives and to gain deeper understanding in the field of art education as well as in my own identity. 

My trip to Cuba contributed to my emergence. I stepped out of my comfort zone, embracing the excitement of the unknown.

My interest in various art education pedagogies had been peeked through the stimulating research journals and discussions with other art teachers and Profs within my UF classes.  Seeking her guidance, Dr. Elizabeth Delacruz, a UF Prof. encouraged me to participate in the NAEA research group heading to Cuba. At the Museum where I teach art, Curator of Education Zach Zacharias and Chief Curator Cynthia Duval  both told me to leave my fears behind and to just "Go for it. I would not regret it." They were right. The mix of new found self-confidence, support and encouragement from others projected me towards my Cuba endeavor.

The purpose of this blog was to share with you my journey to Cuba and to articulate discussions. Interestingly, most of my Cuba discussions took place not on this blog, as I thought they would, but in person, in e-mails or on Facebook.  

This blog is part of an Independent Study for my MA.  I find it hard to refer to this experience as an Independent Study. The process of this blog was collaborative. It was an idea formulated through discussions with a very supportive, Dr. C. Roland my supervisor and prof. at UF, as well as other professionals in the art world. However, what makes this blog to me almost a "work of art" in and of itself, is not the author or professors but rather, the Cuban people whose ideas and voices have been politically silenced. People who depict courage in their words, actions and art. This blog is their time to shine.

Although my Independent Study  is coming to an end, I will continue with this blog. My trip to Cuba has placed me on a new road of discovery. Just yesterday, one of my art students told me her grandma was from Cuba.  As I looked at her artwork, I had to catch my breath. Two generations later, I could see color influences and assemblages reminisce to what I had observed in Cuba. This observation begs me to delve deeper down another dusty trail as I articulate her grandmother's time in Cuba and how art played a role in who the grandma is today and what she has passed down to her granddaughter. It causes me to reflect on the fact that maybe the Cubans did manage to leave the island with their art. It may not have been a physical piece of art but rather the essence and ambience of their culture prevalent in the art I saw in my classroom and across the ocean in Cuba.  It may be rather interesting to research the "trickle down" affect of art and the Cuban-American child. 

And for...the rest of the story.

What the Cuban officials, who had confiscated the Doctors hard earned cash failed to see, was the tiny smile on the face of the Doctor as he walked away. The Cuban Doctor had put on the performance of a lifetime. He had exhibited courage through grace under pressure. Little did the Cuban officials know, that this "exasperated" Doctor had a plan. Relying on his intellect and good acting skills, the Cuban Doctor managed to sacrifice $200,000 as a decoy so that he could leave Cuba with $2,000,000 strapped to his stomach. America was to be a new beginning for the Doctor. He solidified his success by having the courage to plan ahead. 

I have plans which will mostly likely take me in unexpected directions. I guess this is somewhat of an oxymoron similar to that of the title "Independent Study." I assure you, the Cuban adventure is far from over.

Future post will include my: 

• My treasure hunt in Cuba and what I found digging in the garbage. 
• My Cuban inspired artwork. 
• Google Earth tour of my trip to Cuba with images. (My attempt to fly back) 
• Further research regarding the influence of Cuba and art produced by 2nd and 3rd generations.
• Mysteries about hidden Cuban artwork
• Vintage Cuban postcards paired with present day images. Havana Revisited -an exhibit coming to MOAS in April.
• and more...

Thank you to my dear Cuban friends for showing me....courage as grace under pressure.