Mapache E.V. 7/7
In this collage series, I honor the Raccoon, a mammal that's native to North America. The title of the piece, Mapache, is derived from the Nahuatl mapachtli of the Aztecs, meaning "one who takes everything in its hands." Three of the raccoon's most distinctive features are its extremely dexterous front paws, its beautiful facial mask, and its ringed tail, which are themes that appear in the stories of the indigenous peoples from these lands. What's fascinating about raccoons is their intelligence, as they are able to remember the solution to tasks for at least three years. In my work as an environmentalist, I have shifted to be plant-based and have taken a bigger interest in learning more about the animals that roam the streets in my neighborhood.