FAQ
What Are Muertitas?
Exploring their meaning:
Muertitas, my sculptures of beheaded antlered women adorned with Day of the Dead motifs, hang on the wall ever watchful and protective. They embody the essence of nature spirits, serving as custodians of cherished memories of our departed loved ones.
My upbringing, steeped in the rich cultural tapestries of Hungary and Michoacán, has profoundly influenced my artistic journey. This amalgamation of cultural heritage holds a poignant significance in my personal evolution, from individual growth to the expansion of my family through marriage.
In these mixed media wall pieces, I blend the vibrant symbolism of the sugar skull, a celebration of life's joys intertwined with the solemnity of mortality, with elements of Hungarian Folk Art. Through this fusion, I explore the intricate interplay of life's cycles—birth, death, and rebirth—while delving into the resilience of the human spirit.
At the core of my artistic expression lies a fascination with overcoming adversity and flourishing in the aftermath of trauma. These sculptures serve as tangible representations of this resilience, depicting the capacity to bloom amidst the horrors and challenges life presents.
In essence, my Muertitas encapsulate the complex beauty of existence, inviting viewers to contemplate the enduring power of memory, the resilience of the human spirit, and the eternal cycle of life.
What Is Your Process?
Each piece is unique, presenting its own set of challenges. I create molds, resin casts, and work with various materials such as monster clay, air-dry clay, and collected found objects. I utilize paint, glue, and manipulation techniques. For an insider's view, visit me on Patreon for behind-the-scenes content and more details about my creative process.
Are You Taking Commissions?
Yes, although sporadically. To stay updated about commission availability, sign up for my mailing list here. I assure you that emails are infrequent, and your information remains confidential. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Are Any Muertitas Available for Purchase?
For finished pieces, check my shop's Sculptures section. If it's empty or none of the available pieces resonate with you, subscribe to my mailing list for the latest updates.
What Inspired Your Muertitas?
I had prior experience with sculpture, but previously, my pieces were personal and not intended for public display. In August 2012, the San Fernando Valley-based artist collective 11:11 A Creative Collective initiated a challenge for artists to create pieces from styrofoam heads for a group show called Heads Will Roll. Inspired by the open call, I sculpted one of the characters from an unpublished story. These sculptures gained popularity, surpassing recognition of my other artworks.
Will we know about this unpublished story?
Absolutely! I intend to publish it, but I'm still working on its completion. To receive updates on its progress, subscribe to my mailing list.
Where can I donate to support you?
I'm grateful for the inquiries about supporting my art, leading to the creation of a Donations section on my site. If you appreciate my work and wish to contribute to materials like copper foil or colored pencils, the Donations page was designed especially for you. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Thank you for your kindness and support.
Are you offering art mentorships or internships?
Currently, I don't have the availability to take on students. I will be giving a class or two in the future, online and in-person. Sign up for my mailing list or follow my blog to hear about when that will happen. However, I'm curious about how you discovered my work. Feel free to drop me a message via the contact form.
FAQ
Exploring their meaning:
Muertitas, my sculptures of beheaded antlered women adorned with Day of the Dead motifs, hang on the wall ever watchful and protective. They embody the essence of nature spirits, serving as custodians of cherished memories of our departed loved ones.
My upbringing, steeped in the rich cultural tapestries of Hungary and Michoacán, has profoundly influenced my artistic journey. This amalgamation of cultural heritage holds a poignant significance in my personal evolution, from individual growth to the expansion of my family through marriage.
In these mixed media wall pieces, I blend the vibrant symbolism of the sugar skull, a celebration of life's joys intertwined with the solemnity of mortality, with elements of Hungarian Folk Art. Through this fusion, I explore the intricate interplay of life's cycles—birth, death, and rebirth—while delving into the resilience of the human spirit.
At the core of my artistic expression lies a fascination with overcoming adversity and flourishing in the aftermath of trauma. These sculptures serve as tangible representations of this resilience, depicting the capacity to bloom amidst the horrors and challenges life presents.
In essence, my Muertitas encapsulate the complex beauty of existence, inviting viewers to contemplate the enduring power of memory, the resilience of the human spirit, and the eternal cycle of life.
News
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Flowers of the Grave Prints: Art Inspired by He...
Flowers of the Grave: Honoring My Mother Through Art and Heritage "Flowers of the Grave" is a deeply personal series honoring my late mother’s memory and her love of flowers,...
Flowers of the Grave Prints: Art Inspired by He...
Flowers of the Grave: Honoring My Mother Through Art and Heritage "Flowers of the Grave" is a deeply personal series honoring my late mother’s memory and her love of flowers,...
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Honored to Share My Journey: Reflections on My ...
I’m thrilled to share that I was recently featured in an article by Justine Chahal of Solving Sacramento on the site CapRadio, highlighting the impact of art in our communities. It’s...
Honored to Share My Journey: Reflections on My ...
I’m thrilled to share that I was recently featured in an article by Justine Chahal of Solving Sacramento on the site CapRadio, highlighting the impact of art in our communities. It’s...
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Why I Chose Helen Fabela Chávez for My Día de l...
I am honored to create a Día de los Muertos altar at the California Museum, dedicated to a woman who has inspired me deeply: Helen Fabela Chávez. Special Event at the California...
1 commentWhy I Chose Helen Fabela Chávez for My Día de l...
I am honored to create a Día de los Muertos altar at the California Museum, dedicated to a woman who has inspired me deeply: Helen Fabela Chávez. Special Event at the California...
1 comment