What’s next…?

Life happens and distractions took me away from creating art.

It’s a slow process getting back into the flow of things.  I’m pulled away often and after a long day of work there’s very little energy left to dream or imagine the next thing even if you have some ideas you’re too tired to execute them.      

After honoring every town in Puerto Rico by using their town flag and the idea of the Vejigante mask for my handmade artwork, I felt that it needed something more when I looked at it hung on my wall.

solo artwork 

versus

group artwork

As I looked at the solo mask compared to a group of masks, I realized I needed to do more.  Several times I thought of how to make the solo town mask stand out. Yet days, weeks and months went by with no result.  One day, while gardening, an idea surfaced and I quickly sketched it out.  I got the material and went to work.  This is the result. 

Mask inspired by the town of Utuado's Flag

In this case, I hand painted the wooden frame for the town of Utuado.  

Top Close-up

The process is a slow one since the lettering has to be precise and the Flag of Puero Rico, Coquí on a leaf, El Morro, and Palm Trees are all hand painted. 

Bottom Close-up

The black backgroud simulates the starry nights of Puerto Rico.  Seriously, you can see the Milky Way on a clear night.  I was in awe when I for the first time saw the Milky Way one night in Camuy, Puerto Rico.

I really like how Utuado Vejigante Wooden Frame turned out. 

If you are interested you can message me via my Etsy store since these are custom made artwork.

This particular one is on it’s way to Puerto Rico to be proudly display at TJRanch.com

I love TJ Ranch, it’s my favorite getaway spot on the island aside from all the cool adventures this island has to offer.  

For reservation visit:  airbnb.com/slink/VPRmbtDG

It’s that time of year and if you are searching for something unique gift ideas please visit:

SybariteStudio.etsy.com

Or for digital art: 

SybariteStudio.redbubble.com

Here's a glimpse of all the towns of Puerto Rico in more or less on the map of the island.

Love, Coffee, Mugs

During my short lived time in Puerto Rico, I fell in love with a wide range of island coffee.

I had the opportunity to tour a few coffee farms.  I learned about their process and how they went from seeds, plants, harvest, roasting, manufacturing to the finished coffee ground sold at local stores.

My favorites are:   Café Oro de Puerto Rico,  Café El Coquí, Café Lareño, Yaucano

Sadly, I had to leave. I miss living in there. I miss the beaches, mountains and most of all I miss the  sounds the Coquí makes at night. 

I miss seeing the stars and the Milky Way when I used to work at the Arecibo Observatory.  Whenever I had the chance to go up onto the gantry that held suspended a three story movable Dome, I would pause to look at the sky and across the island.  With very little light pollution, I could see more constellations than I would in the city.  It was just magical.  Fond memories.