A local icon has left us. He came many years ago to share his imaginary world and his creations with San Miguel de Allende and with all Mexicans. Farewell, Anado!
Who was Anado McLauchlin?
Visual artist, great friend, legendary teacher and spiritual guide of creatives from all over the world, eternal learner of life itself in each of the paths he had to travel. “The guy from Oklahoma”, an appropriate adjective and title under which director Julio Carlos created a documentary to tell their story, discovered his creative mission on the streets of New York in the early 1970s, while flirting with the excesses of the era and driving a taxi to survive. He tells us this himself in this tour he took of one of his masterful mosaic murals, at his ranch Chapel of Jimmy Ray on the outskirts of SMA.
A few months ago, Anado was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, so his soulmate Richard Schultz and his lifelong friend Michael Sudheer started a GoFundMe campaign that resonated in the hearts of friends and acquaintances around the world, raising enough money for his treatment. But the universe had an even bigger and more momentous adventure in store for Anado, and he is now fully embarking on it.
We are left with his creative legacy
This prominent member of the American expatriate community found in Mexico an inexhaustible source of inspiration that ranged from pre-Hispanic cultures to national contemporary art, to vitalize his authentic style that also takes up elements of Hindu culture, which led him to experience a spiritual awakening during his youth. We are the steps we take and what we build with our hands, and he knew this perfectly. Mexico was his great teacher and he will continue to be so for many creative spirits of all ages who find in his artistic work a breath of fresh air that encourages them to find their center and express it to the world. Thank you for so much, Anado!
From Local SMA Guide we want to send our deepest condolences to Richard and all of Anado's loved ones who surrounded him until his last breath. Know that we will honor his life and legacy with admiration, respect and affection.
