"Incantations" by Tino Rodriguez

Using classical techniques, the artist depicts a magical world in which humans are born out of flowers and water with the ability to communicate with birds, butterflies, and the living world that surrounds them.

Rodriquez expertly weaves together elements from Catholic idolatry, European fairy tales, Celtic fables, Mexican myths, and Native American legends as he explores the complexity of spirituality, sexuality, and transformation. The duality found in Western religions - good and evil, heaven and hell, spirit and body - intermingle in a vision that makes such distinctions irrelevant.

In his new body of work, Rodriguez explores the rich, ethereal texture of pastels and the fluid translucence of watercolors along with his traditional medium of oil. The result is an exuberant, childlike energy that flows beautifully throughout the work.