This painting is featured on The Solutions Journal Article “Colombia’s Dynamic Rivers: Integrated Interpretations and the Rights of Nature”!Mixed Media – Oil and Acrylic on Canvas – 16” x 20”
November, 2017
One of the communities that I work personally with and study their beliefs and symbolism is called the Kamentsa. They are a deeply spiritual people, worshiping and symbolizing the natural world and their territory in the Cloud Forests of the Colombian Amazon.
This painting depicts the Frog, considered by the Kamentsa to be “The messenger of water and the goddess of fertility and femininity.” The geometric depiction is the Kamentsa symbol for the frog that they weave into many of their remarkable traditional crafts, and the central portion of the painting displays a traditional Kamentsa mask that is worn during ceremonies, and displays symbols and colors of water and femininity.
Oil on Canvas – 20” x 28”
May 2017
The Kamentsa tribe is extremely traditional and spiritual, basing much of their beliefs on shamanism, symbolism, and traditional medicine. They are based in the western limits of the Amazon jungle in Putumayo, Colombia.
The Shaman, or “Taita” for the Kamentsa, has a duality with the Jaguar, the solitary leader of the Jungle. The Taita is known to be the solitary guide of the community, both in the spiritual and natural world. In this painting we have a Shaman transitioning into a Jaguar with a headdress of Macaw Parrot feathers, a symbol of freedom of mind and body. Additionally, above the face is the symbol of the Andean Bear, which represents Power for the Kamentsa. In the background is the Kamentsa symbol of the Sun, giver of life and energy, and the Moon, a sacred symbol of femininity.
Oil on Canvas – 22” x 28”
July 2016
Inspired by the mythology of the Kamentsa tribe of the Colombian Amazon, whose beautiful creationary tale describes a lightning bolt striking a rainbow, and from there come crystals and Macaw Parrots to disperse life to the rest of the world. Looking on is the “Pachamama,” or mother earth.
Oil on Canvas – 24″ x 24″
August, 2015
A conceptual painting representing a life, world, and universe without limits: an Unbounded World!
Oil on Canvas – 20”x 24”
April 2015
Only a person who Risks is Free.
Oil on Canvas -30” x 40”
December, 2014
Many symbols and spiritual beliefs are intertwined throughout South and Southeast Asia, transcending race, organized religion and historical territorial and military disputes. This is especially apparent through the close ties and parallel histories of Buddhism and Hinduism, now two of the world’s principal belief systems.
No two symbols better represent this transcendence than the Garuda, or “Khrut” as it is known in Thailand, and the Emerald Buddha. The Garuda is known in Hindu mythology to be the “Vahana,” or vehicle and protector, of Lord Vishnu, but is also prominent in Buddhist symbolism, and is often seen sculpted on the outsides of Buddhist temples. The Emerald Buddha has one of the most remarkable and improbable histories that can be imagined, surviving perilous travels and natural disasters throughout the region, and now resides in the Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple) in Bangkok, Thailand, surrounded and protected by golden Garudas.
Oil on Canvas – 16” x 20”
April, 2014
Ayahuasca is a powerful psychedelic natural “potion” that has been used by indigenous Amazonian cultures for centuries, both for spiritualism and as a medicine (“self-cleansing” through drinking Ayahuasca is believed by the Shamans to help remove anything from parasites to infections to cancer).
More specifically, Ayahuasca is a boiled then condensed and concentrated mix of various leaves and vines, most notably the Banisteriopsis vine, which gives it a red color and is responsible for its principal psychoactive properties. The exact preparation depends on the Shamans and regiones.
Oil on Canvas 24” x 36”
March, 2014
In this symbolic work, I aim to project one of my most cherished concepts for living my life and doing my art: improvising and being spontaneous.
Some of the symbols in this painting which demonstrate this concept are a labyrinth with multiple exits, wind, a motor with crossed-wires, vision and light, time, and fun. These are basic structures or forces that precipitate spontaneous experiences and decisions.
The colors represent a profoundness of experience and serenity that is found when staying true to this philosophy. A hidden message can also be deciphered if one looks closely at the structure of the painting.
Improvise! Break away from routine and planning and so much more can be discovered!
Oil on Canvas – 24” x 48”
March 2014
This painting was inspired by one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite philosophers.
Oil on Canvas – 24” x 36”
June, 2013
Using my imagination, I painted my interpretation of one of my favorite and most personal songs, “La Chispa Adecuada (The Adequate Spark)” by the Spanish rock band, Heroes del Silencio. Listen closely to the intelligent lyrics of this song and much of my symbolism will become clear.
Oil on Canvas – 24″ X 36″
January, 2013
This painting was done on commision and is a representation of the personality and characteristics of the man who commissioned the work. I was able to get to know him over a few days time, making careful observations, before beginning the work. This painting was nearly my last, with the oil fumes poisoning me due to poor ventilation in my working space, and an emergency hospital visit coming soon after completion. Art is about sacrifice, and it’s my passion, so I have no regrets.
