And finally, our festival mascot and Creepy Tiki Magazine's cover, the main star of the event. Commissioned and owned by @mariacabrero , the Mai Tai Lagoon Monster. This one was a lot of fun brush work, using my ink stone for the first time. Since the festival is based in Cozumel we couldn't have a normal lagoon monster, this one takes inspiration from the Splendid Toad Fish, a colourful resident of the island's reef.
#splendidtoadfish #cozumel #maitai #tikiart #creaturefromtheblacklagoon #creepytiki #inkstone #watercolor
Creepy Tiki Fest Illustrations coming!
I completely forgot to post about the super fun work I did for @mariacabrero and her festival Creepy Tiki Fest Cozumel 2024. This illustration was commissioned by @deadheadrum for their Halloween Party supporting the @savingoursharksfoundation . The concept for this piece got me emotionally compromised with the situation sharks are going through, I didn't want to do another basic zombie shark, I wanted to make people conscious about what's really happening to them without sugar coating it, also keeping it tiki. I was also in charge of the final poster design. My concept is a Hammerhead shark that's been finned, thrown away barely alive, in his effort to swim finless he grew magic ghost fins and now roams the seas looking for revenge. Roughly 73 million sharks are killed for the global shark fin trade each year. A third of all shark and shark-like species (such as skates and rays) are threatened with extinction. These population declines are alarming as sharks are critical to healthy ocean ecosystems.
#savingoursharks #shark #illustration #tiki #tikiart #creepytiki
"Oya" - 2025
Mixed media: ink and watercolors
26 cm x 36 cm Arches paper cold pressed.
Collection "400+1"
Im so happy to finally be able to showcase the true texture of my artworks since I recently got myself a new scanner :)
#oya #orishas #yoruba
Parasite Colony
Oil on stretched canvas
30 x 20 cm
Last month I had some fun with oils as usual, it is a very good challenge to get me out of my comfort zone as they are completely different from watercolors.
#oilpainting #nature #monstera
To conclude I wanted to show you guys the final result of the illustrations on the printed magazine and the article we wrote about my whole creative process. I can't put together words to express how much I enjoyed this collaboration. Thank you @queer.lu for trusting me and I wanted to personally thank the fantastic 3 that work at the Rainbow Center, my beloved Luce, Kusai and Sandra.
Pisces ♓
Inspired by Olokun, an orisha from the Yoruba religion of West Africa and the African diaspora, including the Lukumi religion that developed in Cuba. Viewed as female, male, or androgynous, Olokun is the “owner of the seas”. They are connected to the River Ethiope in Delta State, Nigeria, the deepest inland waterway in Africa and is said to be the source of all the bodies of water in the world.
Ruled by Neptune (psychic, esoteric planet of mystery) and Jupiter (lucky son-of-a-gun planet of abundance.) So, Pisces are both secretive and expansive, magical and worldly, soulful and joyful. These water signs are better known for their ~old souls~ with enormous depths of compassion and empathy for others.
In this artwork Olokun is represented in its purest form, always known to be a hermaphrodite double tailed mermaid holding two tridents shaped like lizards to rule the abyss of the oceans. On top of his head sits a Yoruba beaded crown made of crystal beads. The roots of Orisha worship rest in Southwestern African indigenous rituals of the Yoruba-speaking tribes of Nigeria and Benin. In my personal point of view, magic and esoterism have always been represented by crystals and this makes the perfect representation of the magic powers that Pisces withholds.
A mutable sign, Pisces effortlessly adapts to their surroundings. These visionary fish have unparalleled access to the collective unconscious through their clairvoyance and make incredible artists and creatives. Kind and gentle, they're invigorated by shared experiences of music and romance. Any relationship with mystical Pisces is guaranteed to involve deep spiritual exploration.
My beloved Pisces may be wary of mirages: These impressionable fish prefer wearing rose-colored glasses to addressing problems, which can earn them a reputation for being flaky or delusional. They should remember that problems can't be solved by swimming away. Willful ignorance never makes conflict disappear: It only gives it the chance to grow. I love you my water fairy sisters.
Illustration commissioned for @queer.lu magazine.
#pisces #astrology #zodiacsigns #illustration
Aquarius ♒
Inspired by Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the Moon, fertility, and childbirth. She was also associated with medicine, rain, and womanly crafts. Ixchel had one of her main temples at Cozumel island, Mexico, still present in the form of ruins. I spent half of my childhood on this island, the influence of Ixchel is very present in Cozumel history and folklore.
Aquarians are ruled by Uranus, which is the planet of invention, innovation, space travel and aerodynamics. Aquarians not only want to save the world, but they’ve got the engineering and intellectual smarts to actually have a plan on how to do it too. Aquarius’s symbol is the water bearer, which many believe represents the gifts of truth and pure intentions that they bring to the world. Which fits with the depiction of Ixchel as knowledge bearer goddess, often shown holding an upside down vessel pouring water. That’s why I picked her to represent this sign.
Aquarians are very upfront people, and they don’t do shenanigans or shady business. They’ll tell you how it is and feel no two ways about it if you don’t like it. Some people find them aloof or cold, but they just keep their emotions more buttoned down than most. Not one for "going with the flow", Aquarians make their own mind up and then stick to it. You can not cajole or persuade them from their viewpoint, unless you've got *evidence*. This sign is like the "eccentric professor" of the zodiac. Thinking outside of the box? What box? They are innovative and unique, they can dream up schemes and ideas the rest of us simply cannot. Aquarians live largely in their own head. Dissecting knowledge, deconstructing conventions, dreaming up dreams, thinking about outer space (seriously). You could be telling them something really personal, and they are looking at you but their face is blank. Sorry.
I love my fellow aquarians so much because we are out of place in this world, but between us there’s this empathy and understanding that connects us, we make each other feel at home.
Illustration commissioned for @queer.lu magazine.
#aquarius #astrology #zodiacsigns #illustration
Capricorn ♑
Inspired by Njǫrd from Norse mythology, he is the Viking god of the wind and of the sea and its riches. His aid was invoked in seafaring and in hunting, and he was considered the god of “wealth-bestowal,” or prosperity.
Saturn is the ruling planet of Capricorn, and this planet represents restrictions of all kinds. Its influence makes these people practical and responsible, but also cold, distant and unforgiving, prone to the feeling of guilt and turned to the past. They need to learn to forgive in order to make their own life lighter and more positive.
Capricorn is a sign that represents time and responsibility, and its representatives are traditional and often very serious by nature. These individuals possess an inner state of independence that enables significant progress both in their personal and professional lives. They are masters of self-control and have the ability to lead the way, make solid and realistic plans, and manage many people who work for them at any time. They will learn from their mistakes and get to the top based solely on their experience and expertise.
Indeed, inside every earnest Capricorn is a mischievous troublemaker (in tarot, Capricorn is symbolized by the "devil" card). Though this earth sign may seem a bit conservative and restrained at first, Capricorn's closest friends and lovers know that these sea goats love to party.
Of course, Capricorn must remember that not everyone wants, needs, or desires the same lifestyle Capricorn lives. Although Capricorn is extremely ambitious—and their determination is undoubtedly extremely inspiring—it's important that Capricorn doesn't impose their standards on others. It's no problem when Capricorn focuses on their own aspirations… but projecting their values on their closest friends and family is a totally different story. And this is the struggle I’ve had all my life with my Capricorn dad to which I dedicate this piece, reminiscent of our Viking blood that he is so proud of. Love all my Capricorns for pushing me higher than the sky.
Illustration commissioned for @queer.lu magazine.
#capricorn #astrology #zodiacsigns #illustration
Sagittarius ♐
Inspired by Tanit, chief goddess of Carthage. She ruled over the Sun, Stars, and Moon; and as a Mother Goddess She was invoked for fertility.
Ruled by the planet Jupiter, Sagittarians are lively, passionate, smart and more philosophical than their clown-y energy may hint at. They love to feel free and resist rules, regulations, constraints and schedules. They just like doing what they do, when they wanna do it. They're born travellers, adventurers, explorers and free spirits.
Tanit is also known as the "patron of the drowning" and goddess of (self-destructive) desire which aligns perfectly with Sagittarius' penchant for immoderation. The Lamb of the Apocalypse is a symbol of Jesus Christ in the Bible's book of Revelation. The Lamb is a sacrificial lamb who was sinless, victorious, and able to redeem people through his death. Often showcased in medieval art as a lamb with a humanoid face containing 7 eyes (This reference was also used for the conception of Lilith from Neon Genesis Evangelion). And like this, the very "syncretic" nature of the goddess Tanit is being rendered by the fusion of different visual elements.
Sagittarians are the bright and breezy sign of the zodiac - all big hugs, bouncy energy and lots of laughs. They have zero filters, which makes them spontaneous, rude, honest, hilarious and challenging. If you know a Sagittarian, you’ll know all about this! They’ll have said things to you which ~scorched~, but five minutes later, all is well again. You just can’t stay mad at them.
Sagittarians are great companions for wild weekends, they are great friends and social networkers and the best companion for an introvert. They also have a very intellectual side to them ruled by Jupiter’s energy. Working on this project I’ve been collaborating with Luce, researching, comparing characters, putting everything together and I had so much fun with my Sagittarian girl nerding about anthropology and ancient history. Thank you for your support and invaluable knowledge.
Illustration commissioned for @queer.lu magazine.
#sagittarius #astrology #zodiacsigns #illustration
Scorpio ♏
Inspired by the Chinese goddess Bai Mundan, an ancient prostitute that transcended to become the goddess of love, sensuality and romance, her symbol is the white peony.
Ruled by the planet Mars, which is showcased on the orb she holds, Scorpios are known for having strong emotions and intense personalities. They can be passionate, magnetic, and have a deep emotional reservoir. All this is attributed to the dominance of Martian energy.
Known for its delicate flavour and gentle aroma, White Peony Tea embodies elegance and tranquillity. This flower is showcased on her clothes.
“If you don’t have a partner, try this Bai Mundan love spell. You’ll need a white peony (or any other white-petaled flower, like a daisy). Slowly tear off all the petals, saying,
‘Bai Mundan, for love I ask; help me in this sacred task.’
Let the earth and air accept the petals but one, which you should carry with you as a love charm.
Release it in thankfulness when your wish is answered.”
Scorpios are said to have a tough protective shell and may find it hard to let their guard down. They can be secretive and possessive. They are also charismatic, magnetic and alluring. Much of this is down to their intense secrecy. They love analysing and probing others but will not bear the slightest intrusion to their own lives. This air of mystery adds to the allure.
I chose a mythological being from Chinese culture because they match perfectly this secretive and mysterious way of being that scorpios have.
I’ve always been surrounded by a lot of Scorpios, like the rest of the world since they are the most common sign. They can be sometimes overwhelming with love and intensity, which can be easy to manage if you are emotionally smart enough. Their empathy is just a gift to everyone, they are the best listeners, honestly get you a Scorpio therapist.
Illustration commissioned for @queer.lu magazine.
#scorpio #astrology #zodiacsigns #illustration
Libra ♎
Inspired by Xochipilli, the Aztec God of Flowers, Love and Allucinogenics. The only real queer god among Aztec deities.
Libras are often described as charming, captivating, and elegant. They are also known for their diplomatic skills and ability to connect with others. They are compassionate and empathetic, and are often willing to go out of their way to help others. Libras are often artistic and have a flair for aesthetics. They are also known for their style, fashion, and design sensibilities.
Xochipilli represents the perfect balance between the celestial realm and the earth, and is presented as a statue of a young man in a state of hallucinogenic trance, looking up to the sky while being grounded. In this artwork he looks up through the flowers to represent the tinted lens of drugs, he is surrounded by two large Aztec fire lilies, which represented love and fertility in the Aztec world. The wings rest around the ground pillar, symbolizing the perfect balance of heaven and earth.
So basically he is an Aztec twink addicted to peyote, tabaco and ayahuasca, being also the god of everything that could make you dizzy.
This is very important:
Back then the Aztecs were very homophobic, punishing gay intercourse with death. Xochipilli was the only god that offered the queer Aztec people a chance. If a gay couple was found by society having intercourse they would be killed by law, unless they ask for Xochipilli´s blessing, which consisted of taking a very important decision on the moment (very libra) they had to choose which of them would be the man and which the women. From that moment on, the one that chose to be the women must dress, act and live as such for the rest of eternity. This is how Muxes were born and therefore trans women in the Aztec world.
This curiosity was one of the reasons I chose him to represent Libra, all that decision making and balance is pretty much it.
I always had a beautiful relationship with my windy Libra sisters, althought I would reccomend to step away from any Libra man you would be dating, Its just a waste of time for everyone, they dont even know if they want to kiss you or not. They are great aside from that.
