Quetzalcoatl - Stencil Image

When we were given the task of selecting an image to stencil into our sketchbook, i did not have trouble choosing one. As I immediately knew that I wanted to stencil in the Aztec God Quetzalcoatl (Feathered Serpent). In context, this Aztec myth behind this god is one that tells of him leaving the Aztec to one day return and bring glory. Therefore, the Aztec awaited his return for many years to pass and he never returned. When Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico, many said that he had a striking resemblance to the Aztec god, the emperor Moctezuma was said to welcome him into their land as a result; resulting in the conquest of Mexico. 

After migrating to the United States at the age of twelve; I constantly looked for ways to remain connected to my roots. So when the opportunity to join an Aztec Dance group presented itself to me I did not hesitate. It was through my group Chimalli Tonatiuh (Sun Shield) that I learned some Nahualt (Aztec Language) and much of my current knowledge of the Aztec culture. When my Aztec dance teacher designed my dress she placed the image of Quetzalcoatl in my dress. Thus, the image has become meaningful in my life. This image is something that represents my culture, believes and traditions.

Unfortunately, as I worked on my stencil I realized the image was too detailed to complete and stencil in with acrylic paint. Fearing that the pain would leak into one big circle of paint in my sketchbook cover, I decided to change my image into a rose. Which signifies a more helpless romantic sense of myself.