Illumination

 

My shrine for the auction to benefit the street children of Oaxaca this year is called  "Illumination". It reflects my feelings about the raw and aged beauty of Oaxaca, Mexico, and the people of Oaxaca's ability to "rise" above the challenges of life there...thus the word "Ascension" and the dragonfly imagery on the inside of the cigar box.

 

 

Found objects, silk flowers, "flamed" texture and the word "Illumination" adorn the outside of the cigar box that holds the shrine inside...

 

The "mystery" builds as you open the lid of the box...

 

The shrine, made from a "found" clipboard", has a transferred engraving of a dragonfly under a translucent "pane" of mica. A ceramic Madonna, silver hands and eyes, silk flowers and the word "Ascension" complete the shrine...

 

The shrine inside of the cigar box is actually made from an old clipboard, and I have added various found objects such as tin milagros, a ceramic Madonna and painted silk flowers. The beautiful, vintage cigar box that houses the shrine measures 8x11x2-1/4".

I had the privilege of visiting Oaxaca in the fall of 2007, and have not forgotten the beautiful smiles and faces of the people (especially the children!) who live in this corner of southern Mexico. It truly is a MAGICAL place, full of the love and pride of the

people who reside there.