Wooden Spirit

Digital Illustration - 2021

This was the first illustration I made in 2021, largely to memorialize and process the passing of my grandfather, the first major death in my family since before I was born. He was an amazing man, father, and grandfather, born and raised in Itagüí, Colombia. His love for his heritage and culture was such an inspiration in my life, especially as a first generation American citizen. Before his passing, when I had graduated from SCAD, he sent me a voice message on Facebook saying how proud he was that I was the first Alvarez to graduate from college, saying it gave him the peace to pass to the other side. I was not able to handle this grief by any other way than by drawing. This illustration showcases the lush greenery and flora of Colombia and an indigenous little girl experiencing first hand the rich biodiversity of the nation.