commissions
Much of my work has been private commissions. The shrines are intended to be personal and accessible, and that often inspires people to make requests for elements specific to themselves. I have created shrines in memory of loved ones, in the style of a Day of the Dead offrendo, good luck and protection pieces for new ventures, and for honoring significant events.
I have worked with mementos provided by the client, or used ones of my own, or a combination of the two. It is a very meaningful process that enables me to help the client better articulate what they are hoping to communicate, and results in a one-of -kind piece.
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss commissioning a personal shrine.
Mami’s Shrine
Mami’s Shrine (Mother’s Day 2020): This shrine is a commission by a son for his mother. The Black Madonna of Clermont-Ferrand is the central figure; thought by many to represent Mary Magdalene and her daughter St. Sarah. The Virgin of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Charity (Mother and patroness of Cuban peoples) are featured in honor of the family’s Latinx heritage. A small medal of St. Frances Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants, is hanging below the mirror. Mami Wata, a matriarchal water spirit from Africa is also in the background, holding a serpent.
All of these images are tied to the themes of protection and prosperity. Other items related to protection are the Hamsa hand and the Native American amulet hanging above Mami Wata. Elements corresponding to prosperity are the golden Chinese coins in three of the outer corners, a small gold Ganesh, and cowrie shells across the bottom of the shrine.
This piece was meant to bring good luck and prosperity to an owner expanding her business. The owner kept it behind the cash register for the last ten years or so, and has expanded again since then. I used symbols for abundance, prosperity, protection, and good luck.
This shrine is also a piece made to encourage abundance and prosperity within the client’s profession.
This shrine was made for someone who had recently undergone a successful kidney transplant. He and his wife owned a South American fusion restaurant at the time, so I made the shrine in the style of the restaurant. I used a milagro for the kidney imagery, and the twin saints, Cosmo and Damien, are actually the patron saints of organ transplants.