Carolina Sandoval: Alebrije Hummingbird Woodcarving California bear

Carolina Sandoval: Alebrije Hummingbird Woodcarving California bearCarolina Sandoval and Kengi Santos, a married couple in their twenties, worked together to create this stunning carving of a hummingbird with beautifully detailed wings. In pre Columbian Mexico, the hummingbird was significant beyond its small size, symbolizing renewal and serving as a messenger between the living and the dead. This small bird, carrying such deep meaning, is perfectly represented in this intricate carving. What stands out most is the

the hooked ivory beak

building a working altar in miniature that could stand on any home shrine

fierce blue-rimmed eyes

The ears are two small

The painting is bold and confident

Saint Thérèse is the patron saint of missionaries

each strand laid in tight concentric rings that echo the facial ruff a real owl uses to funnel sound toward its ears

The back carries a deep burgundy field where a subtle pattern emerges beneath the surface

Her pink tail curls behind her

surrounded by spots that look like a jaguar’s fur

On the body

5''Tall 6''Long 2