Editor’s note: Contrary to the popular belief of my male friends who are obsessed with Angelina Jolie, I did not intentionally come here on the heels of her recent trip to Ecuador. I planned mine way before, though I doubt my trip will get as much press coverage.

It’s Day 2 in Quito, Ecuador and I’m fighting like mad for an Internet connection – it’s me against the machine.

While I’d love to write down every juicy detail of my expedition right this minute, I have decided to save it up in my handwritten journal and publish when I’m with connection again.

And I’m trying so hard to memorize every detail. Which brings me to my latest thought: I often wonder about the memories that will ultimately stand out when I return home. Of course, I can’t know now. I can write down every detail and stay present during every turn (except during nap time.)

The idea of “what sticks”  when it comes to travel and exploring the unfamiliar is a cool concept – and continues the adventure after I get back.

In the meantime, here’s a short list of what’s fascinating me here so far – I’ve included links where possible, so I encourage you to take a look around and see the sights.

1 Oswaldo Guayasamin: Famous Ecuadorian painter, sculptor, collector. My fabulous guide and I checked out his final work “The Chapel of Man.” I’m so intrigued, blown away and a a bit obsessed. In his art, he captured the pain of humanity in dramatic forms as a message … a message so abrupt, I found myself a bit shocked at the first. And then further study made a whole boatload of sense. Picture included here (not mine, but I did take an exact replica) and I’m eager to share more, including an interview with one of the museum staff members.

2. Mitad del Mundo: The middle of the world – I stood there yesterday, basking in all the glory of latitude and longitude coming together. A whole troupe of French scientists were the cool guys who marked the spot and the Mitad del Mundo is adorned with their sculptured mugs.

3. Churches and more churches: I know, I know – you’ve seen them in every city – how different can it get? Way different – I actually recorded many observations and cool commentary from my guide via voice recorder (memory tool!) just so I can recount the richness. My interest in the evolution of Catholic Church and the Incan / Andean cultures started during my Peruvian adventure. More to come.

4. I simply can’t close this post without mentioning the brilliant time I’m having here at the rustic yet magical Hacienda Rumiloma – and no, they’re not paying me a word to write this. The attention to detail and the effort to create a space that reflects the authentic Ecuadorian culture is almost unbelievable.  But believe it – they’ve done it.

How do you memorize your travel adventures? From photos and postcards to journals and simple reliance on fond thoughts, we each have different ways of keeping our travel experiences and memories alive. Share your ideas in the comments below!

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“The soul never thinks without a picture” – Aristostle

I am no Ansel Adams. I never learned how to color between the lines. I’m a wizard at drawing stick figures with perms.

But I’m great at seeking out people to learn from – the masterful artists, photographers and visually creative folks who inspire me. Katie Sokoler is a magician. Nick Onken’s photos make me feel as if I’m with him when he’s shooting. New friend Victoria Thorne marries pictures and words like no other. Daydream Lily’s Liss has visual superpowers.

Films, too, have imagery power that ignites me. A few nights ago, I went to see Half the Sky Live with my friend Stephanie, who wrote a brilliant review of the book for TJCC.  In this film, we watched, one by one, the stories of women whose lives have been abused, destroyed and ultimately empowered through action and hope. We watched men talk about their role in domestic abuse and violence against women and what they’re doing to help stop it.

Do images, pictures or films tell a better story than words alone?

Images are compelling. Seductive. And have the potential to revolutionize human communication. Nothing reveals the nuances of a person, a place or a culture like an image – a snapshot, a motion picture, a short documentary.

I glance, watch, my skin tingles and I am then forever changed.

They have – and will – change the world of words. I will always be a writer, but I’m psyched to also consider myself a “very amateur visual artist who will always keep learning because she loves the way images tell a story.”

My commitment to learning continues – and I’m starting to create a portfolio of my own. I’ve chatted with a few friends who are interested in doing the same – we’re amateurs, but the stories are no less powerful.

In this post, have included my own photos from my travels abroad. There’s a skin tingling story behind every one of these photos and on the whole, they sum up my quite ridiculous travel obsession.

But those stories are for another time. Today, take 5 minutes to draw, paint or snap your own story.

Who are the visual artists that inspire you? Why, when, how? (Or just even the “why.”) How do they tell a story?

**

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*Note: 1,459 was a random number generated by fast typing.

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Post written by Christa Avampato. You can follow Christa on Twitter.

A few weeks ago, I was on my way up to Harlem to do some research for an after-school program I’m hoping to launch in January. As I was walking up Broadway, I stopped to admire a painting that has been done of the sidewalk.

It depicted a smiling Barack Obama beside a very pensive Hillary Clinton. Scrawled next to the painting was a URL: http://www.hanisidewalkart.com/. I wrote down the site to look into at a later date.

Two weeks ago I moved into a new apartment, and the day after I moved in there was a large gathering of people in a circle across the street.

I thought for sure someone was hurt, signing autographs, proselytizing, or break-dancing – all common things in New York that draw large sidewalk crowds. None of the above.

There was Hani, painting Michael Jackson on the sidewalk.

This time, I went home immediately and looked up his website. I would have interviewed him right there on the spot, though didn’t want to disturb his creative flow. I emailed him and he wrote back that same evening to say he’d love to be featured on TJCC. His story and work are fascinating and I am enthralled with his art, much of which is showcased on the website. I’m very happy to share his remarkable talent with all of you in this interview.

Christa: How did you get started as a sidewalk artist and why did you choose that medium?

Hani: I was in Italy when I first saw a girl drawing on the sidewalk. I was inspired. I kept thinking about it until I start doing it. I found myself there; I loved every aspect of it especially the medium because I always liked using my fingers to mix the paint, even when I used oils.

Christa: What’s been the most satisfying aspect of your work as an artist?

Hani: The most satisfying aspect of my work as an artist is that I ‘am doing what I want to do for a living. My independence. I chose my job and made it happen. The response and all the positive reactions and feedback that I get from people [is gratifying].

The inspiration that I exchange with people. Without it I could not have continued for all these years (25 years and counting!). And finally I love the truthfulness and honesty of it all. The fact that the work speaks for itself.

Christa: What do you hope your work accomplishes?

Hani: What I hope my work accomplishes is to sustain me and my family. I hope it makes a difference in my life and hopefully other people’s lives, inspiring and spreading good will. And I hope it helps me get closer to God.

Christa: What work will you be doing in the coming months that New Yorkers should be on the lookout for?

Hani: So as to what I will be doing in the coming months: I don’t have anything specific other than to continue to work/ I am always searching for new ideas. I want to be able to touch people lives, minds, and hearts. That is always a struggle for me, I am never sure if what I’m doing is helpful until I start doing it, and that is the hardest part. The Start.

Christa: I noticed you’ve done a variety of commercial work: from Nickelodeon to Fendi. Has the current economy effected this portion of your business in any way?

Hani: Yes! The current economy affected my work in a big way. I think that art is the first thing to go and the last to come back. So, I am working as much as I can now trying to market my work. I am going through so much to try to reinvent myself.

Christa: How do you choose the subjects of your work and the locations of the art?

Hani: I look for an area that is highly frequented and hopefully a clean surface and a wide sidewalk away from any private property or business or any complaining managers. As for the subjects, it has to be something that I like visually, something that provokes interest to as many people as possible, inspiring and thought provoking.

Lots of times, people and friends come to me with ideas and suggestions, but I have to be convinced of course!

Christa: What advice do you have for other artists who are looking to get their own work out into the world?

Hani: Do exactly that: take it out to the world. Take it to the streets, directly to the people. There is lots of feedback out there, lots of critics which all artists and creative people need. Museums and galleries are not just indoors. They are also outdoors. You will never know whom you are going to meet. Everybody walks outside. You meet real people out there who become who they truly are when walking on the streets with everybody else.

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Christa Avampato works in the field of innovation and product development and is a graduate of of UPenn (BA) and the Darden School at UVA (MBA). Her writing focuses on curating a creative and original life, drawing inspiration from a variety of topics including the arts, books, travel, new technology, and New York City.

In addition to being a weekly TJCC Contributor, Christa writes abouts creativity and hope at Christa In New York and about entrepreneurship at Examiner.com. You can also find Christa on Twitter.

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