Mary. 36x56in. Acrylic on canvas
On view at Miriam Restaurant. Park Slope, NY.
This portrait honors my grandmother, Venezuela’s first female pilot and a pioneer of early aviation. She’s shown standing at the site of Caracas’ first airport, which she helped plan and build. I wanted to capture her strength and determination through a backdrop of clashing yet balanced patterns; symbols of her grit and resilience. The gold leaf details elevate her presence, giving her a near-regal quality that reflects the respect and admiration she deserves.
My grandmother is at the core of my series because she embodies the strength, courage, and self-assurance that women still need today. Through her, I celebrate not just her groundbreaking achievements of the 1930s and 40s, but the enduring power of women who carve their own paths despite the odds.
