Super excited to share that my newest painting, “Lechuzas”, will be featured at the next ArtUsCo group show,”Birding Man”, from 3/28-5/20.
In Mexican and Central American folklore, owls are considered omens, sometimes believed to be witches in disguise.
According to legend, lechuzas are witches who sold their souls to the devil in exchange for power. And as a result, they can shapeshift into giant owls, sometimes described as having a human head and owl’s body, hunting unsuspecting victims at night.
They’re said to prey on animals or drunk folks, but children are often described as their preferred targets.
Which is why whenever I heard an owl at my abuelo’s rancho in Honduras, as a kid, you best believe I hid under my covers all night! Thankfully, now as an adult, I’m very fascinated by them, as well as the shapeshifting witches 🤓
So when the opportunity came up to make a bird themed piece for the upcoming group show, I immediately knew I wanted to draw two different interpretations of the famous Mexican witches.
Who knows, maybe I’ll make children’s story on them one day!
Birding Man’s opening reception is tomorrow, so if you’re in Austin, come check it out!
More about the show:
Birding Man is a group exhibition honoring the avian world and its many symbolic, ecological, and imaginative meanings. This exhibit celebrates birds as messengers, observers, guardians, and living bridges between the natural and spiritual realms.
Rooted in ArtUs Co’s commitment to visionary, nature-inspired, and consciousness-expanding artwork, Birding Man invites viewers into deeper relationship with the more-than-human world, fostering connection between artists, community, and the living intelligence of nature.
Doors open at 2:30pm
3-6pm – Soft opening with birds of prey, talks, & poetry
- 3pm – Live Birds of Prey demo
- 4pm – Talks by Bryan Olivas-Orozco, Cameron Kennedy, Travis Audubon, Jen Bristol
- 5pm – Bird inspired poetry readings curated by Bryan Olivas-Orozco and Bob Peck
**6-7pm – Gallery closed for party set-up (grab a drink or bite to eat from our neighbors in the Arboretum shopping center)
7-11pm – Art party with performance by Jenna Jasso at 7pm, followed by music by DJ Chappie Funk & Bird Inspired Costume contest at 9pm, top 3 costumes win prizes! Drinks courtesy of Goodnight Loving Vodka.
Tickets: $20 (free entry for kids 12 & under)
Exhibit Dates: March 28 – May 30 after opening this exhibit is free and open to the public, gallery hours are Thurs-Sun 12-6PM
And if you’re interested in reading a graphic novel about Lechuzas, my pal Ashley Franklin made a queer spooky story around the mythology for their YA graphic novel The Hills of Estrella Roja. Which I highly recommend!
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