An Earthen Gift

I think it’s important, as artists, to always leave room for priceless items that are gifted from and to ourselves as a reminder that we can still enjoy our own art and be intentional about what we choose to keep.

Made with Terra Red clay, this coiled vase features four different native plants to Mexico that have great meaning to my culture and my love of nature.

Cempasúchil (Mexican Marigold)

Walking through plazas and neighbors’ homes, paying a visit to their thoughtfully crafted ofrendas, the distinct scent of cempasúchil fills the room the minute you set foot through the corridors. Representing the cyclical nature of both life and death, the Mexican Marigold, a medicinal flower with twenty ruffled petals, is associated with Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a tradition in Mexico that represents remembrance, honor, and ritual.

Nopal (Prickly Pear Cactus)

Eating tacos de nopal from the street vendors or feeling peckish while shopping through the mercados or markets, the nopal is deeply rooted in Mexico; so much so it is represented on the national flag with the eagle and serpent. The cactus has a delicious slimy taste similar to okra, and the tuna fruit, situated on top like a crown, is subtle and sweet.

Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower)

I grew these red sunflowers a few summers ago that attracted a mariposa monarca to my garden. I’d like to think this butterfly was a messenger for me, telling me to follow her on her journey south after a quick fuel brake from the tithonias. So, that’s what I did. I made my way to Michoacán, home to the protected biosphere reserve for Monarch butterflies. It was a treck with high elevation, but well worth it getting to witness millions of fluttering wings dance across the sky and around the milkweed all because I planted one sunflower seed.

Amaranto (Amaranth)

Summer 2026 will be the first summer growing amaranth in my garden, though I am already quite fond of the seeds. Popped amaranth seeds blended with piloncillo, a raw cane sugar, or even honey, mixed with other nuts and seeds are known as Alegrías. They are highly nutritious high protein bars that were a staple in my “sweets diet” growing up. The seeds were cultivated by indigenous communities for years across Mexico and continues to be a secretly powerful seed that I’m looking forward to exporing more of.