Cactus Gallery LA
L is for La Lechuza (The Owl Witch) by artist Pamela Enríquez-Courts
Metallic acrylic paint on 11 x 14" canvas board, plus frame
About the piece:
The legend of La Lechuza is known throughout the southern borderlands and northern México. The story has many variations, but it is agreed that she is a woman who can shapeshift into a large and terrifying owl. It is said that she was wronged by her people and that she flaps her wings at night in search of vengeance. If you hear her song or the flapping of large wings, chances are you are going to be her next meal, but if you’re lucky and are strong enough to ignore her, she may choose to spare your life space.
Be. Monstrous.
I grew up learning an etiquette that no longer works. I was taught to be polite and to always "be a lady." But I also thought I was safe. I thought I would be safe to leave my home and go shopping. I thought I would be safe to enjoy a walk through the park. I thought I would be safe to take a drive on a warm summer night, but it is not safe for any of these things.
Sometimes we are not safe even in our own own homes. And, sometimes we must be monstrous to survive. We must bare our claws and raise our voices to scream. We live in a world of monsters, and the only way to fight a monster is to become MONSTROUS.
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Pamela creates original artwork that is inspired by the strong women in her family and all over the world. Her work is influenced strongly by her Mexican American heritage and is strongly influenced by the humanitarian crisis and plight of immigrants, especially those from Mexico and Central America.
Browse more of her work here: https://cactusgalleryla.com/collections/pamela-enriquez-courts