Arts and the Pandemic: Painting Masks to Keep Arts Alive. The story of Omar Sierra, a Belizean artist based in Placencia
Omar Sierra is a Belizean artist, based in Placencia. He started painting at the age of 10 and continued with his passion in the past 21 years. His work primarily includes murals, wristlet and canvas paintings.
“Through art, I’ve served my community in many different ways. At times I’m donating a mural to the community or teaching children about art and painting. My paintings also tell a story of how beautiful Belize is. Painting scenes from my surroundings for people to take all over the world is a great way to serve my Belize.”
Sierra's subjects and methods vary while he seeks to evoke a different feeling in each scene.
“My artwork isn’t limited by size. It can be as small as a face mask or as large as the wall of a building.”
The Mask Project
Painting masks to keep arts alive © Omar Sierra
Due to the abrupt halting of the tourism industry caused by COVID-19, Sierra began painting on face masks. The idea came from his wife, and after painting the first mask, custom orders started flowing in.
“The ultimate goal is for people to experience happiness. As we are living in an era of a pandemic, having your own personalized painting on a face mask makes a mundane requirement a little bit exciting. It’s wearable art, and people love it.”
Sierra collaborates with a Belizean seamstress, Lorna Zamora of Xceptional Ideas, to buy masks. He prefers these masks because of their high quality, strength and triple-layer design, making sure they also provide protection from the virus.
Serving the community and Belize
Painting by Belizean artist from Placencia, Omar Sierra © Omar Sierra
“Heritage plays a major role in my art. I believe capturing the many traditions that are seen and practised in Belize through Art is in effect immortalizing these moments forever.”
Contact:
Contact Omar Sierra on Facebook or Messenger and follow him on Instagram @omar_sierra_art or @wearable.art_byomar.
Phone: +501 624-7168
Email: sierrasworld@hotmail.com
Written by Ella Békési