There is a difference between making an icon, and having it become the object of worship, and making a representation that expresses a truth about God. We cannot depict the Father, the Holy Spirit, or the Trinity. .Herein lies the contradiction of faith, invisible and boundless, yet evidenced through our very real humanity. I became a santera: a saint maker; interpreting the holy moments of each day through a Child's eye.I'm fascinated by the Trinity as a metaphor for aspects of ourselves- If we reveal our spiritual nature when we release our sense of separateness from one another, then it is inevitable that in each new work, the figures grew increasing similar and androgynous.
The Yoruba believe that each person has a Guardian Spirit called an "Orisha". Orisha are aspects of the Supreme Being that are manifested as forces of nature. When Yoruba slaves were brought to the New World they brought their beliefs with them. This belief system is known as "Santeria" in Cuba and as “Candomble” in Brazil. The Orishas are considered Santos “saints” responsible for different parts of life with different attributes and myths attached.
Three freed female slaves in Bahia Salvador, Brazil began worshipping the forbidden African religion by merging Orishas with Catholic Saints until they were allowed to worship freely. Slaves in America were criminalized for practicing their religion. It is said that is why Brazil got the Samba and America got the Blues…