Madame Butterfly

I reworked a poster-like illustration inspired by the early 1900's opera, Madame Butterfly.  This one may not follow the storyline as closely as a previous version I had done but I wanted to focus more on both the mysterious and tragic aspects of the opera.  I constantly find myself wrestling with what is traditional and new so this was yet another piece where I was able to not only combine different media but also work with an old story that had been retold in so many ways.  Love it when it comes full circle like that.  Anyway,  I'll be jumping right into my next piece so be on the look out for more!

Luchadora

Luchador masks have intrigued me for a long time.  They're shiny, colorful, bold yet hide identity to create a new one-- one that represents strength.  I think that's cool.  Here is my version of my "Luchadora" mask.  It's feminine and powerful; using some inspiration from Wonder Woman's costume without being too patriotic-- if I did, that would defeat the purpose of being feminine, right??  I'll save that for another discussion...

Summeration y Quiero un Mondongo

This is a sketch I did over the summer of my dad at a BBQ.  I later went back in, cut out some of the background and added in a stylized version of fire escapes from worm eye's view.  Obviously I was missing my hometown (slash homehood), the Bronx.  Summers just aren't the same anywhere else.  Sometimes I have a little soundtrack going in my sketchbooks and this particular sketch's song is El Mondongo by Los Corraleros De Majagual.  Listen to it here.  I know it doesn't make much sense to think of mondongo in the summer, since its hot-- but when you think of home, memories don't have to make sequential or seasonal sense.  Time is irrelevant.  To me its all about the people, smells, music and of course, color.  Now I want me some mondongo!  "Mondongo!  Yo Quiero el mondongo!"  Yep, sounds like I'm totally ready for winter!

...And We're Back!

Well obviously I've been away from the blog world for some time now-- but that doesn't mean I have been taking any breaks!  Working full time and doing my own art thing can be tough but I've been working on 2 big projects for several months now.  They are still in the works but will soon be revealed.  In the meantime, I thought I'd give you a sneak peak.  How crazy is the weather lately, by the way?  Sheez!  Oh and how is it almost December already? ...Anyway, check back soon!