“Lupe” – Our Lady of Guadalupe is a traditional icon, she is the patron saint of Mexico and the imagery is used constantly. I wanted to take a different approach while keeping the popular motifs used in a Lady of Guadalupe image. I kept “tradition” in mind, and decided to give her a “Traditional pin-up” look. My version of “Lupe” sports tattoos on her face, neck, and hands.

The Kabuki Actor – This piece was done in homage to the Ukiyo-e work depicting Kabuki actors. Ukiyo-e means “pictures of the floating world” which is an art period in Japan. Famous for woodblock prints that were produced, because it was mass produced by printing – Ukiyo-e art was available for the masses. Kabuki is Japanese theater, and much like today’s obsession with actors and actresses in today’s gossip magazines – this art form immortalizes popular actors and the characters they play. This piece was done using traditional calligraphy brushes and Chinese water colors.