Artist Reply: L.A. I am also a long time vegan and this sport is one that has so much of life's reality in it that I still love it. Also the running of the bulls in Pamploma. Mano y mano. Thanks so much for the kind words and I would love to see that image you painted. Thanks you so much and a most Merry Christmas to you and those you love. Michael

Artist Reply: Not everyone is a fan of this sport, but I find it no different then boxing, or contact sports or the old Mayan style soccer which ended in the the captains head being sported around the field if he lost. Sometimes in competition the stakes are higher in the scope of things. I appreciate you kind comments. Have a most lovely week. Michael

Artist Reply: Hugo, I agree with you. I am a long term vegetarian and don't and haven't ever hunted. Running with the bulls fasinates me and bull fighting all for the mano y mano. To me the travesty of mass death of animals for their skins is the highest form of unconsiousness. I rush by the meat counter at the store. But some things have a romance and to taunt death is intriqing to me. As climbing in the Himilayas might be enticing to one. It is the romance of the country and the tradition. Hugo, it is not the macho imagery but the tradition and the massive horns of death the one must face in life that draws me to this. My gratitude for your understanding. Miguel