The Feathered Serpent, Quetzalcoatl is a recurring figure in Mesoamerica going back to the Olmecs. Essentially this deity is a hybrid of the rattlesnake and the lavishly beautiful quetzal bird. Depictions of Quetzalcoatl are found pre-Aztec at Teothihuacan as a snake covered in feathers; as he is depicted with images of rain (which in of itself is interesting as rain is frequently depicted as many little micro-phalluses, referencing fertility) it is believed to be regarded as a rain spirit.
The following is my first stab at depicting Quetzalcoatl , I will most likely return to him from time to time as I have multiple ideas as to how best imagine him.
I added articulated flames, far more Western an approach, but I couldn’t resist. The project is from a Western perspective after all.
Once again the image of the heart is prominent , I had planned on an outer cover, which I created, but upon construction I preferred the feathered-serpent exposed.
With the cover,
What I found so surprising with this figure and some of the imagery was the very apparent cholo influence. My last studio being downtown LA, right down the street from a very cool low rider garage, I saw plenty of very interesting graphics. I hadn’t realized how much I have become influenced by that genre. Most notable with the flames.
I must confess I am quite exhausted, annoying Daylight Savings Time always causes me to be a bit loopy for a few days, even the pugs are loopy.
Until next time,
take care,
Boondocks Babylon
Boondocks Babylon 
Leonard, you are ROCKING!
Well you are an incredible catalyst, thank you my friend.
Oh these are terrific, not like anything I’ve seen.
There’s so much to see and think about here, and at your other blog, I’m slightly overwhelmed and feel like I’ve got a lot I want to say; at the same time you also make me want to get up and get doing!
I’ll blogroll you and come back often, what a find…
Yes, please keep popping in, to either.Babylon is a scap book of what I love and think about, this new one is well, new, so I am using it primarily as a journal. Thanks to dear Clive.
Another wonderful maquette already! I love the wings with the articulated feathers and fingers. I agree that he is nice open, so that his burning, fiery centre is immediately obvious. Beautiful work!
I agree with Jodi, your last few maquettes have been beautiful.
Thanks, I’m certainly having fun, which is a rediscovery, the fun of creation.
Wow. That is wild!
Thanks , I feared it looked like a tattoo best suited for a biker’s bicep…
I know it sounds rather strang but ever since i started to study to bevome a CT I have come to appriciate the beauty of the heart. I am do glad that u chose to keep the heart exposed. It truly is a beautiful depiction of it.
thank you sweetie