Prisms of Color: the Art of Lin Chimes
Tara A Spears
Is it that the beautiful surroundings seeps into their soul to inspire a creative output or is it that creative people gravitate towards this scenic Mexican setting in order to create? Regardless of the motivation, Jaltemba Bay offers such gorgeous natural beaches, climate, and culture that it is a virtual hive of talented artists. Previously, a performance artist was showcased but this week the focus is on one of the hidden jewels of the artist community, Lin Chimes. This multi-faceted lady is probably best recognized as the founder and director of the Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue (JBAR) which runs free spay and neuter clinics but her talents extend into many other endeavors.
A native of British Columbia, Canada, Lin has had a home in Los Ayala since 1990. “I have always dreamed about one day owning a home near the ocean with a colorful tropical garden in Mexico. I love the beach and I love to swim in the ocean, “explained Lin in a virtual interview. “Based on a friend’s recommendation, we vacationed in Jaltemba Bay. We knew that we had found the perfect place when walking the beach in Los Ayala.” The beachside home Lin and her husband, Jim, purchased was a very small dilapidated, old house that Lin completely renovated over the years. After the remodeling the couple decided to use the home to become a boutique hotel. Lin remodeled with her artist’s eye to create a lovely, comfortable vacation sanctuary with to die for sunset views. The years have been kind to Lin’s gardening efforts, now a robust feast of color and texture. 
During her busy professional career Lin was in education. Upon retiring, she had time to develop her life-long passion for both art and traveling. “I’ve always dabbled in artistic activities but really started seriously painting with the Guayabitos Artist group in 1996. It was both motivating and inspiring to be with other artists who were kindred spirits.” The following left photo is one of Lin’s early artist efforts; the one on the right is after 14 years of exploring the acrylic and water color mediums.
Growing up an only child on a small farm provided Lin with the opportunity to observe and interact with nature and animals. She credits her many travels that exposed her to magnificent art as she was able to experience world class museums. “I’m fascinated by world cultures and how culture impacts upon ones’ values.” The effects of these experiences impact her choice of subject matter. Her love of furry creatures is evident in the frequent inclusion of dogs in her paintings. When talking about her painting style, Lin is very modest about her talent. “For me, the uniqueness of a scene or person is what originally attracts me to try to capture a certain spirit, feeling or mood through the medium of paint.”
Besides nature, Lin is inspired by “The beauty of nature, colour, music, dance, people, movement and interesting conversation are all aspects of life that I find inspirational. In addition, Lin appreciates the work of other area professional artists such as Roberto Gil de Montes and Marielena Lozano. Over the years, Ro
berto and Marielena “have provided some thought provoking insights for me regarding the simplicity of colour, movement and design. I feel fortunate to call them my friends.”
The complexities of Lin’s painting are the culmination of her education and cultural view. Lin feels that she has attained her current skill set “through the encouragement of others and through my desire to keep learning, evolving and challenging myself.” One can recognize hints of feminism and other social issues in her choice of subject matter. “I like to paint figures, especially women, living their lives through normal activities which reflect their cultural roles and values in society. My painting titled ‘Missing Pieces” would be an example of one painting that reflects current social issues involving women.” (left photo)
Lin shares this encouragement with anyone hesitating to try their hand at painting. “I really do not think of myself as an artist but rather as someone who loves the creative process in whatever form it may take. For me, the creative process enriches my spirit and brings new depth to the meaning of ‘what living life’ is all about. Her advice to beginning painters: “Art has its own inner beauty….use yours to create it. Be brave! Remember, it’s only paint!”
Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. Artist, business woman, animal activist, educator and friend: so many facets form the woman. To view Lin’s art November through April, contact this multi-talented lady on Facebook, email: linchimes@hotmail.com or visit her pages online: www.jaltembabayanimalrescue.com or www.casacontenta.ca