Crystals of Añakiwi
In this chapter, I returned to Peru to continue my study of natural pigments. Below is the Cordillera Escalara — a natural reserve in the Peruvian jungle. On the other side of this view are farmlands where coffee beans, cacao and vegetables are grown. It is the lush jungle surrounding the art center where I worked.
Cordillera Escalara, Peru
One of my favorite places to forage for pigments in the area is the Añakiwi river. It’s located on the border of this reserve.
Collecting pigments along the river’s edge
Foraged rocks from the Añakiwi river
I’m always amazed to see the rainbow of materials I find in a foraging trip!
To process the rocks into pigment, I crush and grind the stones into a powder.
The powder is ground with gum arabic to make watercolor paint.
A week later my Anakiwi palette is complete! These colors are so soft and gentle, radiating warmth.
Añakiwi Color Wheel v∙ 6” x 6”
Añakiwi Color Wheel vi∙ 6” x 6”
Añakiwi Color Wheel i∙ 6” x 6”
Añakiwi Color Wheel ii∙ 6” x 6”
Añakiwi Color Wheel iii∙ 6” x 6”
Añakiwi Color Wheel iv∙ 6” x 6”
I began to study the unique qualities of each pigment’s personality through the crystalline structure of my paintings.
Quadrant ii ∙ 6” x 6”
Quadrant i ∙ 6” x 6”
Quadrant iii ∙ 6” x 6”
Quadrant iv ∙ 6” x 6”
Añakiwi Box ∙ 11” x 11”
Añakiwi Chunk i ∙ 6” x 6”
Añakiwi Chunk ii ∙ 6” x 6”
As I created these, I felt each revealed the light and warmth of the earth.
Añakiwi Claw ∙ 5.5” x 5.5”
Añakiwi Star ∙ 6” x 6”
Añakiwi Globe ii ∙ 11” x 11”
Añakiwi Globe i ∙ 11” x 11”
Añakiwi Globe iii ∙ 11” x 11”
Añakiwi Letter i ∙ 8.5” x 11”
Añakiwi Letter ii ∙ 8.5” x 11”
Towards the end of my stay, we arranged a two day canoe trip into the raw jungle to observe wildlife and plants.
The Pacaya Samiria Reserve is known to house pink dolphins, crocodiles, toucans, snakes and a rich diversity of plant life.
Inside the Reserve
Sketches from the canoe
The wild, untamed growth of foliage and branches started to infuse my paintings.
Añakiwi Ramas i ∙ 5.5” x 5.5”
Añakiwi Ramas ii ∙ 5.5” x 5.5”
Añakiwi Ramas iii ∙ 5.5” x 5.5”
Añakiwi Ramas iv ∙ 5.5” x 5.5”
Peru has such a special place in my heart. Being surrounded by the living, breathing jungle is indescribable!
