by Alejandro Anaya; art by Meagan Burns

As an artist living in San Miguel, one of the greatest gifts you can receive is the sense of belonging to a tight-knit, supportive community. If you toss a stone in the heart of the city, chances are you'll hit an artist. There's something about this place—its charm, its spirit—that recalls the magic of Florence. It's a town that draws people from all over, sparking a resurgence of forgotten dreams, igniting that creative flame that perhaps had long been buried. Here, artists inspire one another, showing you that your dream is possible, if only you're willing to put in the work.

One such artist is my friend Meagan Burns, a Chicago expat who has fully embraced the vibrant culture of Mexico. Through her art, particularly her continuous line drawings, she's immortalized fleeting moments from the streets of Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Francisco, Paris and, of course, San Miguel. It's not just her work that has captured attention, but the joy and energy she infuses into her art, making her a "celebrity" in the local art scene. Her videos, playful and sincere, showcase her unique ability to capture the essence of a place, its mood, and its rhythm.

Over the years, Meagan and I have collaborated on several workshops, even during the pandemic. I'm eternally grateful to her for opening my eyes to new ways of sharing my art with others. She taught me that art isn't just about creating something beautiful—it's also about legacy. It's about passing something along and inspiring others to discover their own creative voice. She is someone who has inspired me to come out of my shell and teach rather than just produce art. Her philosophy has helped a lot of senior expats in Mexico, even during the pandemic through Zoom, to find a new love for life in art.

In the five years I've known Meagan, I've seen her evolve. What began as a simple exploration of continuous line drawing has transformed into a deeply rooted philosophy—one that guides her artistic practice, her teaching, and even the way she navigates life. This is one of the reasons I believe more people should meet her and join her workshops. She really works on taking the fear out of drawing, and putting the fun back in, no matter your age or your experience with art.

I was astonished to learn that Meagan didn't take up drawing seriously until about ten years ago. And yet, her work reflects an extraordinary freedom and fluidity—an effortless stroke that comes after thousands of hours of practice, observation, and a willingness to capture the fleeting moments that often pass in the blink of an eye. For her, drawing is more than a passion or hobby. It's a need, a way to quiet the mind and find peace amid life's constant turmoil.

Our recent encounter at the Potranca Gallery, where Meagan is currently showcasing her latest work, was an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of embracing imperfection. We spoke about how, in continuous line drawing, those little "happy accidents"—the wobbly lines and unpredictable twists—become part of the magic. In this style, there's no room for second-guessing, no erasing or correcting. The line must remain unbroken, flowing from one point to the next, organically capturing the energy of the moment.

This, in many ways, mirrors the way Meagan approaches both art and life. As she often tells her students, "Continuous line drawing isn't about perfect technique or realistic representation. It's about capturing the essence of a moment—the energy of it. And that energy is what truly makes art come alive."

There's a certain fearlessness in Meagan's approach, a philosophy she lives by. It's a perfect metaphor for those of us who have chosen to step away from the comfort of predictable, structured lives and dive headfirst into the unknown. It's the very same spirit that drew us to this ever-changing world of art. In a time when uncertainty is the only certainty, Meagan's work reminds me that imperfection is where the real magic happens.

My conversations with her remind me that there's no "perfect moment" to be an artist. There will always be chaos, doubt, and obstacles—but what matters most is how you move forward. How you face the challenges, and how you remain true to your vision, even when the world feels uncertain.

Meagan is living proof that embracing imperfection can lead to something beautiful. By moving to a foreign country, building a community from the ground up, and sharing her philosophy of fearless creativity, she's inspiring others to rediscover their own uncorrupted, childlike wonder.

Meagan is the Featured New Artist at the December 14th Solstice Party art exhibit at the Chapel of Jimmy Ray in Cieneguita. You can also see her drawings, reels and adventures on:
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Continuous Line Drawing Class
Free Continuous Line Storytelling

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Solstice Party
Chapel of Jimmy Ray
Saturday, December 14, 1-5pm
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Alejandro Anaya is a visual artist and writer, originally from Torreon who, for more than five years, has lived and actively participated in the San Miguel community. His collaboration with Lokkal is part of his philosophy as a storyteller, and his commitment to share his discoveries and reflections on this beautiful part of Mexico, with all who seek to live a unique experience in our magical town.

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