On this special day, Dec. 21, 2012, Dañel writes …

Today the Mayan world awoke to grand celebrations of the dawning of a new era – the Age of Aquarius.  Mayan shamans throughout the Yucatan Peninsula are heralding what is hoped to be a new world of creative enlightenment, telepathic communication and humanitarian union around the world.  We as artists have the potential to be the new world leaders, to set the example and be the inspiration.  In this digital age, where engineers have so well crafted technology that replaces the need for human labor, we have to strive to protect the intellectual and artistic property that makes us uniquely human.  Artists will need to be revered in the same manner in which we have revered our engineers and computer specialists.  The arts are what help us to preserve the essence of our humanity, share our inner spirituality and enlighten others toward a vision of a greater common good.  On this beautiful December day on the 21st of 2012 I say fellow artists, stand up for what you do, it is a valid and important craft that you have to share – go forth – and make art!