The fourth painting in my series, Women of Influence.
Her sisters so far include Princess and the Tui Birds, Woman with Sapphire Eyes, Woman with Lotus Flowers, Ocean Woman, Three Baby Birds, Woman with White Peacock Feathers, and The Centenarian Woman.
This piece is inspired by the Mayan culture—one of the world's earliest civilizations. This beauty finds inspiration for life in every aspect of nature, where everything has purpose, from the natural world to their gods. Holding a powerful gaze, she reminds us that we each carry an internal light, one that ignites when we move in rhythm with nature, fostering equality, freedom, and enlightenment. She connects us to something far greater than ourselves, encouraging us to seek integrity, harmony, and humility in all aspects of life.
The Mayan culture teaches us so much about our inner strength and the importance of being part of something larger than ourselves.
Our lives are constantly filled with distractions, often pulling us down and burying us in fear. There have been times in my own life when I felt paralyzed by fear, uncertain of where to turn or who to turn to. But I realized that by finding my inner light and connecting to the bigger picture, I created a flame that could not be extinguished. It has helped me navigate external battles, disputes, and behaviors beyond my control. It has also taught me to love unconditionally and to choose compassion over judgment.
Remind yourself: we are all connected on a much larger scale than what is right in front of us. The Mayans deeply believed this, and their culture exists to remind us today—now more than ever—of the importance of recognizing both humanity and nature.
In this piece, you will find the Quetzal bird, native to Guatemala. Regarded as one of the most beautiful birds in the world, the Quetzal is deeply connected to the Mayan people’s spiritual beliefs, symbolising freedom and liberty. It is such a powerful emblem of their civilization that Guatemala’s national anthem even proclaims, "They would rather die than live in slavery."
Also depicted are the Pachira Aquatica flowers, delicate blossoms that open like ballerinas dancing in her hair. These flowers symbolize the spirits of Mayan ancestors, those who once walked the same sacred lands. They serve as a reminder that life is a gift, and the land we live on is sacred.
The Heliconia is another striking tropical flower tied to ancient Mayan culture. Its red and green pods may not appear to be flowers at first glance, but inside each pod, hundreds of tiny blossoms grow. Interestingly, the flower is named after Mount Helicon in southern Greece, known in Greek mythology as the home of the Muses—the inspirational goddesses of literature, science, and the arts. It amazes me that these two ancient cultures share a connection, both believing in the influence of nature gods over every aspect of life. It makes perfect sense that a flower filled with countless hidden blooms would symbolize life’s muses.
Lastly, the Monarch butterflies fluttering around our Mayan goddess are symbols of her ancestry, guiding and encouraging her to stay connected to nature and her origins. Monarchs are seen as symbols of evolution and transformation, often referred to as daughters of the sun and returning spirits. They remind her to grow and flourish in this lifetime because, when her time comes to return to the earth, she too will become part of nature’s cycle.
