PAINTINGS

stories behind

geometry, birds and eggs

With deep respect for the natural materials given by our earth, all the pigments and paper I have used are prepared by hand. The paintings are an attempt to visualize the spirit of nature and the convergence of polarities in space-time; a dance between heaven and earth, between ideal and material worlds, told through the symbolism of fabulous myths and stories centered upon birds.

Birds are found in all three worlds. They are capable of flying higher than mountains, closer to the sun, yet not get burnt. They are capable of seeing at night and flying without making any noise, living in caves underground and witnessing other realities. Birds are steeped in symbolism. Different birds represent our respective strengths and weaknesses, as well as being considered messengers of the spirit of the earth. They play central roles in many myths, legends and worldviews.

Pachakutik

2020

Watercolours on mulberry paper

32 x 32 cm

This painting is about an Andean myth called Pachakutik which means the return of the old and new times. This myth has been found in many of the pre-Columbian peoples, and brings the renewal of time and space every 500 years. It is happening nowadays and it is symbolized by the condor (the heart, intuition, and femenine energy) and the eagle (the intellect, reason, masculine energy). Only when these two birds fly together, it would be the start of a new time and space.

Owls, birds of the night

2020

Watercolours on mulberry paper

32 x 32 cm

‘The owls, birds of the night’ was painted when the pandemic started as a way to invoke those birds capable of seeing in the darkest nights. Ironically, it is in these dark nights when we can best see the stars, specially the four stars constellation called Crux, which marks with great accuracy the direction of the south celestial pole and was the origin of the squared andean symbol: the chakana.

Blue bird
from the Andes Mountains

2020

Watercolours on mulberry paper

20 x 17 cm

Royal flycatcher
from the Amazon Jungle

2020

Watercolours on mulberry paper

20 x 17 cm

Macaw woman

2020

Watercolours on mulberry paper

20 x 17 cm

Demon head bird

2020

Watercolours on mulberry paper

20 x 17 cm

The same geometric grid but interpreted in different ways. Birds from diverse areas of Ecuador, each one of them reflecting the sunlight so differently.

Weaving life: The hummingbird

2020

Watercolours on mulberry paper

20 x 17 cm

This chakana pattern painting was inspired by the weaving hands of my grandmothers who like the hummingbird weave their nest with great care. They have woven the first garments and also stories in the mind and hearts of their children.

The Three Worlds

2020

Watercolors and shell gold on mulberry paper

113 x 32 cm

In this principle of complementary opposites, a third whole unit is formed, which emanates power, energy and reproduction. The world we live in (in Quechua, Kay pacha), is born from the convergence of the world above (Hanaq pacha) and the world below (Ukhu pacha). Birds are found in all three worlds.

The Great Spiral

2020

Watercolours on mulberry paper

100 x 50 cm

Rewilding

December 2020

Watercolours on Hemp paper

27 x 20 cm

The earth reborns when the heart remembers the sweet fragance of the wild.

Watercolours on hemp wasli paper

20 x 17 cm

To hold and be held; to keep and be kept; to contain and be contained. Different generations, each one contained in the mother and at the same time containing her daughters in her womb’s eggs.

Their eggs 2020

Watercolours on hemp wasli paper

20 x 17 cm

From the largest bird from Ecuador, the Condor, to the smallest, the hummingbird. They are all born from the perfect structure of an egg. Actual egg sizes from Condor, Hen, Attagis gayi, Rufous-collared sparrow and Hummingbird.

Duality

2020

Watercolours on hemp paper

27 x 20 cm

The principle of duality is called Yanantin in quechua. Feminine/masculine, day/night, sun/moon, pattern/matter, exterior/interior, archetype/form, honours the concept of balance and so acts as a philosophy for life.

Tinku

Watercolours and 23ct moon shell gold in Hemp wasli paper

2020

55 x 40 cm

Tinku is a quechua word that means the convergence of oppositional forces. More than just opposing, they complement. More than a struggle, it’s a unification that gives born to life.

It is said that two Macaw-women gave birth to the Cañari people, a pre-Inca culture from southern Ecuador; while the bird with whom balances on top of the chakana is an oil bird with demon head. This bird lives in caves and it is a witness to the underworld.