The Piece draws from Mayan mythology and symbolism. The artist utilizes the world-renowned composition of the Madonna and child to share the rich mythology of the Mayan goddess Ixchel. The same composition beloved by the very church that sought to suppress and extinguish her light and role in the world now tells a story of resilience and passage of time. The mother goddess holds a child, much like the Madonna holds baby Christ, symbolizing the next generation and the protection of a mother. However, instead of needing to be carried, the next generation already stands on their two feet and merely requires the guidance and instruction of their mother to enter the world. Ixchel's composition is meant to mimic the pyramids, which are a symbol of stability and endurance. Her legs make the base cross and around the daughter to provide protection and scaffolding. Ixchel's torso sits tall and narrow like the pyramids rising above the jungles of the Yucatan, an everlasting testament to Mayan ingenuity. The mother speaks the lessons, and they become something beautiful to add to the world. In this painting, the lesson is represented by the breath, which is represented as speech in Mesoamerican hieroglyphics; this breath becomes the flowers that add beauty to the world. The daughter (the next generation) mimics the mother by holding her doll and pays attention to the lesson unfolding before her eyes. The moon becomes Ixchel's halo and symbolizes her aura and wisdom. Although the daughter has no halo, she wears a ___ Flower representing the moon and her future position in the stars. To further represent wisdom and knowledge, Ixchel holds a scroll, a universal symbol of knowledge and learning. The scroll contains a single Mayan Hieroglyph representing "flower," a universal symbol of beauty. Below the flowers are powerful symbols of medicine, represented by a mortar and pestle flanked by aloe vera, a turtle shell, sage, roots, and bark. The basket of corn and the peppers hanging to the right of the painting symbolize abundance. Corn for many people in the Americas was seen as life itself and a gift from the gods. The corn is showcased in two varieties, blue and yellow, to show the mingling of the old ways (blue corn heirloom) and the new ways (yellow corn altered for abundance). Finally, the peppers that hang above the corn likewise represent abundance. But unlike the corn, the peppers also represent the passage of time. This is done by illustrating fresh green peppers and dried red peppers. The green represents the Daughter, fresh and new to the world, but still possesses a spicy kick. The red peppers withered by time are still spicy but are preserved and take on a complex flavor, possessing a multitude of uses. Like a Green pepper can mold or spoil, children can stray from their path or succumb to the dangers of the world, cutting their life short. This last symbolism showcases that time can bestow the lessons, knowledge, and wisdom we need to preserve our culture and guide the youth into a rich old age. 

My intent for this piece is to show respect to the people who came before us. Those who struggled to keep the stories and traditions we get to enjoy today are nameless and thankless heroes. Much of Mesoamerican history was lost during the conquest of Mexico, but the people did not go extinct, and neither did their stories. It's up to the new generations to preserve the mythology of the first peoples and shed light on how amazing our ancestors were. Recently, we have been experiencing a reissuance of igneous arts and culture. First-peoples have been reclaiming their culture and shedding the shackles of colonialism. Each new painting, song, story, and dance done in respect to pre-Columbian cultures is a step in the right direction. It is my privilege and honor to be a part of this Renaissance.