capturing my joy

 I decided this year to really have fun with my shrine... and to include things that I love.  Maybe it is a little altar to remember those things that inspire me- because the me I am today will not be the same me I am tomorrow.  Does that make sense?

Inside the door of my shrine is an original painting of a woman painted as a skeleton with flowers in her hair and that familiar uni brow that we all love.  She is painted on Bristol board with acrylic paint, embellished with prisma color.  Dia de los Muertos has always been a favorite holiday.  As a Latina, I love the celebrating of my ancestry- eating my grandmother's favorite cookies- and imagining her visit on the wings of hummingbirds.

 And inside the shrine is a small glass jar.  I captured a very special little artist and placed her in the jar with another flower and some branches with pieces of glass.  She began as a small print of one of my paintings that I embellished just for the occasion.  I originally painted her as a little girl and imagined what she might be like.  Impetuous, impatient, spirited, beautiful.  All of the things I think of when I see my own daughter.  Which made me love her challenging aspects all the more.

  Behind the little jar,  I painted a dark blue night with the silhouette of trees.  

Lots of places to climb, get lost or hide.  

 I then used paper cut outs to mimic Papel Picado to give my shrine a Festive feeling...  Because although life is full of losses- it is also full of joy and celebration.

On the back is a small pocket with a ACEO print

 And that is my shrine.  I am so happy to be able to offer it for auction and to make my art be of service to others.  Thank you so much for taking time to look at my little shrine.  I hope you find the perfect shrine for you!  

Happy Bidding!