Ancient Cities of Mexico

I have just published Ancient Cities of Mexico, a print-on-demand book containing some of my favorite black and white infrared-style photos of pre-Hispanic ruins. These images span a period of about 25 years during which I have made more trips to Mexico than I can count. If you decide to watch the book preview below, make sure to click on the "Fullscreen View" icon (bottom right of screen) for optimum viewing.

Ancient Cities of Mexico by John S. Mitchell | Make Your Own Book

You will also find these images and many more like them in my Pre-Hispanic Ruins in Black and White gallery.

Eagle and Totem Pole

I was strolling through Vanier Park in the Vancouver neighborhood of Kitsilano one afternoon when I looked up to see a bald eagle perched on top of  the 100-foot-tall Centennial Totem pole that towers over the park. This scene struck me as a potent symbol of British Columbia's native peoples, the rightful owners of the land that the magnificent carving now stands upon. This totem pole is one of two created by Chief Mungo Martin of the Kwakiutl Nation to mark British Columbia's Centennial in 1958. Its twin, which was a gift to Queen Elizabeth II, now graces Windsor Great Park in London, England. You will find this image in my Vancouver gallery.

Huichol Art and Handicrafts

Mexico's Huichol Indians or Wixáritari produce some of the most vibrant and unusual art and handicrafts in Mexico. They embed multicolored beads in beeswax to decorate bowls, masks, and figurines with symbols reflecting their shamanistic beliefs and traditional way of life. Common motifs include deer, snakes, eagles, and scorpions, as well as ears of sacred corn and peyote buttons. Huichol artisans also fashion intricate yarn paintings depicting psychedelic visions and myths. I came across the fanciful beaded sun pictured above in an Acapulco market and was struck by its brilliant colors and positive energy. You will find this image in my Huichol Indian Art and Handicrafts gallery.

Latin American Children Gallery

For me, one of the greatest joys of traveling in Latin America is meeting the children. They are bright lights in a region that is too often plagued by hardship and violence. I came across the young Maya girl above in Cobán, an old Spanish colonial town in the misty highlands of Guatemala. She was helping her mother cook and sell tortillas in the doorway of a house. When I asked this shy girl in Spanish if I could take her picture, she folded her arms and looked at me with a quizzical expression, making me realize that my life was as mysterious to her as her life was to me. You can find this image in my Latin American Children gallery.