DANZANTES• The spiritual nature of this series is undeniable; these works attempt to weave a beautiful impression of the magical and mystical Indigenous ritual of dance. Inspired by my travels to Peru for Inti Raymi (The Festival of the Sun), Oaxaca for the Guelaguetza (The Festival of Indigenous Dance), and by San Francisco's Mission Carnaval celebration, Danzantes depicts powerful and enchanting ritual dancers. Paying homage to the rich craft culture in South and Central American communities, the paintings feature embroidery and beading stitched directly on to the painted canvas. The ornate, handmade costumes of the dancers are a testament to the importance of craft in these ceremonies and cultures and are an integral part of the dances themselves. The colorfully costumed Danzantes are painted on extremely textured mixed media canvases to reflect the raw essence and crumbling beauty of the walls and buildings in the villages.
