Milagros
Enlarged Heart, 2023, charred wood and sliver leaf, 48” x 37”
Milagros, or miracles, are small religious charms that have been used in Mexico and other areas of Latin America for hundreds of years to petition saints for guidance, help and protection. This series of reliefs, Milagros, are made from burnt wood panels and silver leaf that use the destructive force of fire to help create the images. Wildfire became very real threat for me during my time in Northern California. In these personal works I have carved actual-size images from my own body and illustrations of internal organs onto wooden panels. After carving the panel is completely charred with a torch. Silver leaf is applied to the body part, creating a crackled and striking image. They function as an ex-voto or milagro, a kind of offering to the destructive force of these wildfires. Pairs of the Milagros panels are then put into artist made wooden carrying cases for their transportation and protection that also function as frames and display boxes.
Left Brain, Right Brain, 2022, charred wood and sliver leaf in wooden case, 32” x 21.5”
Heart and Stomach, 2022, charred wood and sliver leaf in wooden case, 32” x 21.5”
Left Lung, Right Lung, 2022, charred wood and sliver leaf in wooden case, 32” x 21.5”
Left Skull, Right Skull, 2022, charred wood and sliver leaf in wooden case, 32” x 21.5”
Left Kidney, Right Kidney, 2022, charred wood and sliver leaf in wooden case, 32” x 21.5”
Left Ear, Right Ear, 2023, charred wood and sliver leaf in wooden case, 32” x 21.5”
Left Foot, 2022, charred wood and sliver leaf, 17” x 12”
Right Foot, 2022, charred wood and sliver leaf, 17” x 12”
Left Hand, 2022, charred wood and sliver leaf, 17” x 12”
Right Hand, 2022, charred wood and sliver leaf, 17” x 12”
Left Ear, Right Ear, 2023, charred wood and sliver leaf in wooden case, 32” x 21.5”
Enlarged Heart, detail
Enlarged Heart
