I made this video to show the making of the painting entitled, “Ixchel, Goddess of Healing.” Ixchel, (pronounced “E-shell,”), is a Mayan Goddess, a cultural icon from ancient Central America. I like painting her because I have roots in the area. (My father was born in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala and moved to the U.S. when he was a boy.) Ixchel had many responsibilities, love being what I was reaching for with this painting. I felt like an open wound over the toxicity from the last presidency, with all the hatred and negative energy being nurtured and grown within this country. I needed to paint something healing so I called on Ixchel for help. Even today, when hearing that name or seeing his image I feel very raw. Healing will take some time.   I think the rise of the BLM movement was the most important event that came out of those four years. And I consider Latinx, Asian Americans, and all people of color to be included in the race battle currently underway. I know the racism, the danger my father faced as a young man trying to get by in a this country. There's a lot of room for improvement when it comes to the appalling crimes against people of color, specifically with the brutality of the George Floyd murder. But then something happened for the first time; a conviction for the killer, Derek Chauvin, a man who had sworn to protect all Americans no matter our shade of skin. Finally, it felt like a turning point for race in this country. The fight for equality doesn't end with one conviction but it's a start, one I wasn't sure I'd ever see. And I find it very hopeful.   I was a little intimidated to use the great Sam Cooke's legendary song, "A Change is Gonna Come" but it felt like it was so current to this race battle being fought today, I ended up using it and I hope that's okay. It's more of a tribute, intended to show gratitude, respect, and admiration to the man.❤️