"Mi Sol" (2003) – acrylic paint, color pencil, & gold ink
In Mexica (Aztec) culture, Tonatiuh was the sun god and the leader of Tollan (their heaven). He was responsible for supporting the universe. The Mexica believed the world had been created and destroyed four previous times; each of those cosmic eras ruled by a different sun god. Tonatiuh was the fifth sun (quinto sol) representing "movement" – the four previous being "earth," "wind," "fire," and "water." Many believe it is Tonatiuh’s image that is found at the center of the Mexica Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar). It is a testament to his importance in Mexica society.
I like to incorporate the idea of Tonatiuh into much of my artwork. His image is a representation of our indigenous past and is symbolic of our deep roots in this land. In Mi Sol, I wanted to paint Tonatiuh in his splendor – soaring up in the sky and radiating his light throughout the world. I painted him with warm colors in the foreground and used cool colors in the background to create a distinct contrast. Using vibrant earth colors, I bound the celestial image with a Mexica-style border to frame its infiniteness.
I like to incorporate the idea of Tonatiuh into much of my artwork. His image is a representation of our indigenous past and is symbolic of our deep roots in this land. In Mi Sol, I wanted to paint Tonatiuh in his splendor – soaring up in the sky and radiating his light throughout the world. I painted him with warm colors in the foreground and used cool colors in the background to create a distinct contrast. Using vibrant earth colors, I bound the celestial image with a Mexica-style border to frame its infiniteness.