12 LA VALIENTE (The Brave One) by artist Eden Folwell

Acrylic and brass nails on birch floater panel, 9 x 11.5 x 0.5" frame edge

Also shown here is the original Don Clemente Gallo card for EL VALIENTE.

Riddle associated with this image: Por que le corres cobarde, trayendo tan buen puñal.

***

About the piece:  For my 2026 Lotería painting, my card is “El Valiente”, the brave man. I wanted to paint a trans man since in our country right now trans lives and rights are at risk. It takes bravery for trans people just to exist. I asked for photo submissions from strangers online and chose to paint Abelardo. I am honored to share my painting of him and show the quiet dignity of this brave man living in his truth.

***
Eden was born in SoCal and raised in Great Britain, the Middle East, and the U.S.. She was influenced by her nomadic childhood, which is reflected in her wide range of styles.

She feels a deep spiritual connection to her artisan ancestors. The powerful simplicity and richness that she strives to achieve in her work echoes the Mexican-American and Huichol cultures of her heritage. Her palette has typically Mexican colors. Her artwork typifies the bold aesthetic of popular Chicano art.

Eden lives and works in Los Angeles with her family and pets.

Browse more of Eden's work here: https://cactusgalleryla.com/collections/eden-folwell-for-cactus-gallery