The Art Scene of Loja Ecuador

One of many artist-built mosaics lining the interior garden walls Artist Designed House - Salinas Brothers' Compound Brothers Boris and Aquiles Salinas have constructed one of the most unique artist residences within Loja, with each adding their own special touches according to their artistic talents. Both men adhere to a philosophy of living gently on the earth, which translates into using mainly found materials for construction and decoration. Boris's pottery studio is open to the exterior, allowing nature to penetrate within. Of special note is the fact that Boris mentors numerous students by allowing them access to his studio. Adjoining the studio is a newly opened art gallery - works of art by Boris and his children are available for sale here. Aquiles's painting studio - "Iki Arte" - is located on the second floor, where the expansive windows command a great view of the southern part of Loja. Aquiles's wife and daughter are also artists in th...

Yorqui Llacxaguanga's camera-shaped house Artist Designed House - Yorqui Llacxaguanga's "Camera" A unique building and property, exhibiting extreme attention to detail and careful planning. The interior side of the garden walls are adorned with mosaics. The ground floor contains an art gallery. Throughout all three upper floors are additional works of art collected over several decades. One example of the careful planning is evident in how the windows of the first floor act like additional paintings as they frame a view of the exterior mosaics. Even the location of the property speaks to "Why a camera?" The answer is evident when exiting onto the balcony that surrounds the "flash" and the panoramic view of Loja which appears is one of the best available in the valley. One section of the garden walls, designed to look like a roll of exposed film The property is open to visitors by appointment. Contact Jonathan Poma to arrange an opp...

Monte Sueños upon approach Artist Designed House - Meredith Miller's Monte Sueños Monte Sueños, or "Mountain Dreams," is the passion project of artist Meredith Miller and her deceased husband Brian O'Leary.  Open to the public as a quest house in nearby Vilcabamba, the "new age" retreat center's publicity says it is "dedicated to the values of peace, sustainability, and the creativity of art and new science." In 2004, O'Leary and Miller purchased one hectare of land overlooking the village of Vilcabamba along with a complex of old farm buildings.  By 2011 the property had grown together into a 10-room accommodation built according to the couple's unique vision.   A view from the interior of Monte Sueños Located in Vilcabamba, Loja Provence (about 1 hour travel south of Loja city) Phone:  +593 098 812-0712 facebook.com/monte.suenos