Daniel derives a lot of inspiration from nature and more specifically birds. He sees birds as free spirits, not bound by the rules of gravity. This speaks to him in a number of ways but mostly frees his mind of personal inhibitions. He lets go of what logic or reason allows and lets the reality of his imagination come to life. Like a bird disregarding the pull of gravity and soaring into the wind. Exhibition “Mariposa” June 16-22, 2023The literal translation of Mariposa is simply a butterfly, however, in many Latin cultures it is also a slang term used derogatorily toward gay men, or men who may be a little more effeminate. I’ve had this word slung at me many times in my life, more so as a young child. I remember how embarrassing and scared I was for others to know that I WAS different and that their accusations WERE correct. Many years later, as an adult, I would actually take pride in the name Mariposa and find it as a high complement. The reason for this lies in the fact that butterflies evolve through their metamorphosis process. They don’t stay, stuck in the past, grounded and barely mobile as their caterpillar selves. They simply take a little time away while they begin working on the changes that will propel them into the next chapter of their lives. When they emerge, they do so, with the most splendid of wings. Those wings are then used to soar higher than they ever were able to before and their colors are unparalleled in the natural kingdom! Learning this to be the case, if I could go back and tell my younger self that one day, those names he is being called would fuel his artistic passion and drive for better self and use them to inspire others, I would flutter my newfound wings as fast as I can.