Celebrating these adorable wooly creatures for their playful and gentle spirits, this painting pays homage to their Andean roots where their fibers have been dyed in bright, symbolic colors for thousands of years by the indigenous Andean people.

Despite not being endangered, alpacas are increasingly used in the fashion industry due to their production of fine, soft fleece that surpasses sheep's wool in warmth and is hypoallergenic.

Shorn once a year, the shearing process, when conducted gently, is beneficial for their well-being; however, some places resort to abusive practices.

As an artist, my focus is on shedding light on alpaca treatment and advocating for ethical practices. When purchasing alpaca products, it's essential to seek labels indicating sustainable and compassionate approaches to obtaining alpaca fiber.

The patchwork of shapes within their bodies echoes the way developers carve up land for urban expansion—a view I often reflect on when flying above landscapes, seeing the gridded marks of human encroachment. These fractured forms symbolize their eroding habitats and the intrusion of civilization into once-inaccessible territory.

As with much of my work, the final process involves carefully placing symbols that intersect cultures, objects, and moments in time. These clusters are my way of searching for balance—within the piece and within myself—amidst a chaotic world. It becomes a visual prayer, distilling complexity into a hopeful narrative of harmony and connection.

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