My current body of work is based on myths, symbols and motifs of the indigenous
people of the Caribbean translated into a modern context via traditional and computerized
painting techniques. Even though the Tainos were the first to encounter the Europeans,
their artwork, symbols, myths and traditions are some of the least known. My work
is a personal, visual translation of the oral traditions and symbols that have
survived.
These ancient voices speak of a time when there was abundance and simplicity
in human interaction. Instead of a scientific, logical explanation of the world,
oral tradition uses song, poetry, sagas and myths to understand and place our
human reality in a universe full of wonder and mystery. Each symbol, myth or icon
becomes a link to that ancient past, and speaks to modern man in archetypes that
have meaning in the present.
Through computer techniques symbols can be transformed into any material (stone,
gold, wood, etc.). The resulting work can seem to exist as a real object, but
in reality they are inventions existing totally in a cyber-reality. This cyber-reality
can be likened to the alternate reality that indigenous shamans and medicine men
have witnessed from time immemorial. Lush tropical colors are used to bring the
viewer into the mystery of this alternate reality. I paint Mother Earth (Atabey
in Taino) and her gifts to us and the reminder that we must be mindful of our
impact on the planet.
The most important influence on my work have been those ancient artists who
made objects with a spiritual intent – beauty intended for the gods and those
who understood the significance of the iconography. These ancient works are a
testament to human creativity, ability and endurance. With simple hand tools,
objects of great beauty were created.
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