“Reconnecting with my Ancestros” | 12 X 12 inch Archival print

In the heart of the Oyamel fir (Abies religiosa) forest in Michoacán, Mexico where my ancestors are from, I find inspiration as I depict myself as the Aztec goddess, Itzpapalotl. She's the embodiment of transformation, just like the monarch butterflies that grace these ancient woods.Itzpapalotl, often called the "Obsidian Butterfly," reminds us of the delicate dance between life and death, creation and destruction. As we honor her, we also recognize the profound connection between nature, and our own existence.But there's a story here beyond the divine. These breathtaking forests are under grave threat due to deforestation. According to historical data, over the past decade, more than 50,000 acres of these vital habitats have been lost. With approximately only 2% of the original Oyamel fir forests remaining, the urgency to protect them couldn't be more critical.These forests aren't just land and trees; they are a living connection to our ancestors. The monarchs, messengers between real