wall painting

"Monarch butterflies represent transformation and life's ephemerality on this physical plane, reminding us of the importance of living and enjoying each moment," explains Costa Rican artist Dania Morales while finishing her latest composition. Combining different techniques, the artisan uses acrylic colors to craft this expressionist painting, portraying a woman surrounded by butterflies in a magical scene full of symbolism.

The painting, titled Despertar con las Monarcas in Spanish, comes signed and stretched.

"Antigua Guatemala is a place that inspires me a lot. Its architecture and history make me travel back in time," reflects artist Boni about what inspired him to create this stunning composition. Using oil, the artist paints a traditional street in a colorful palette, with a volcano in the distance representing the country's natural wealth.

Titled Calle Las Campanas, this painting comes stretched and signed.

An elegant polygonia butterfly spreads its vibrant orange wings. Guatemalan artisan Pedro Apop crafts a detailed sculpture by hand from ceramic, inspired by his love for nature. He adds the motifs to the sculpture using paint that he carefully mixes himself in an effort to closely approximate the natural colors of the polygonia butterfly. A hook at the back permits wall display, or the sculpture can pose on a tabletop.

Painted by hand in warm, happy colors, this gecko is born of prehistoric cave art. J. Blas sculpts the gently curving silhouette from sheet iron. It depicts Kokopelli, a prehistoric image regarded as a deity who plays a flute. Legends suggest Kokopelli was a Toltec trader. He traveled from central Mexico to the southwestern deserts and mountains of the U.S. where he is featured in rock paintings dating back thousands of years.

Sunlight drenches this batik on cotton work by K. Baka. Set in Aburi, an "aklowa" (village) about 30 miles north of Accra, the painting is a personal expression of what the artist considers to be one of his sanctuaries. The pair of cottage huts and coconut trees represent twins with whom he became enamored upon first visiting the village. Towering flora backdrop the serenity of Baka's refuge.

Aburi is a hilly town, renowned for its spectacular view, as the higher elevation affords glimpses of Accra rivaling those seen from a helicopter. Here also is the home of one of the world's most significant botanical gardens - a haven for exotic, tropical and medicinal plants. Inspired by the contrast between urbanity and the peace of the countryside, Baka elaborates this work using dyes extracted naturally from vegetables.