In a world increasingly dominated by screens and technology, it’s easy to loose touch with the natural world and the greater mysteries of life. Being Latin American, and growing up with magical realism as part of my language, I like to think of the importance of telling stories that keep kids curious, grounded, and aware of the wonders of nature and the cosmos. Getting inspiration from Pre-Columbian Andean imagery was the perfect vehicle for me to tell those stories.
The Andes, with it’s imposing mountains and views have inspired awe and reverence for centuries. The ancient civilizations that thrived in these regions developed a profound connection to both the natural world and the cosmos (they had sophisticated understanding of astronomy), which they expressed through intricate art and symbolism in ceramics, textile, wood work and metal work. These symbols are more than just beautiful designs; they are a visual language that carry deep meanings and tell the stories of people deeply attuned to the rhythms of the earth and the mysteries of the stars.
You can often find in Pre-columbian a strong relationship between the seen and the unseen worlds, condors are often portrayed as messengers of our ancestors in the heavenly realms we can’t see, making a connection with the people that have passed. In this sense, our ancestors are still present, watching over us, and condors – who we can see – are a reminder of the worlds beyond. As a mother, I wish for my son to have some of that connection, and know that instead of just us both in our small apartment, he’s connected to many in the vast universe.
