Mayahuel ~ original painting

Mayahuel
gouache on paper, framed
13.5x16.75 with frame (original measures 5x8)
Ships fully insured

This painting was inspired by the ancient culture around Mezcal (the Agave Spirit) and witnessing/tasting the creation of high elevation back-country agave moonshine which is forged with fire, stone and donkey. I danced with Mezcal frequently during my journey through Oaxaca and, from the first sip, very much felt the worlds and history of the land opening up in magical ways. The agave plant, which grows in volcanic soil and land inhabited by rattlesnakes and scorpions, is surrounded by colorful mythology. The beautiful agave Goddess Mayahuel was hidden in a far corner of the universe by her possessive Grandmother, Tzitzímit, and sat at the edge of a cloud every night singing a song both alluring and filled with sadness. The fire serpent Ehecatl heard her beautiful song, found her, and curled his breeze around her body in passionate caress. Tzitzímitl discovered the lovers and, to escape the grandmothers' rage, Ehecatl quickly enveloped Mayahuel in a powerful embrace of wind and swept her to Earth. As they embraced, their bodies melted together until they became a beautiful plant with many green spires to symbolize their ascent to the heavens, and spikes to keep the furious Tzitzimitl away.