The name "Bahia" is an archaic spelling of the Portuguese word "Baia" meaning Bay. Bahia is also one of the 26 states of Brazil and was first seen by European sailors in 1501. Escalera was constantly inspired by everyday events and scenes and although no one will ever truly know why he chose to paint this piece, based on his history and keen eye, we can assuredly conjecture that it brought him joy and a sense of creative expression and that in “his world” he could feel  the ocean breeze, smell the salt water and hear the sails flapping. He often said to his family that he dreamed in color and that many of his inspirations came while sleeping… perhaps this was one of them?
 
-1994