Xul - Maya Jaguar God of Thunder and Lightning
Serti Technique on Silk

Xul (sool) the Maya God of Thunder and Lightning, is hanging from a ‘Sky Band’ that represents night. Xul is a powerful God - in the body of a Jaguar.

I love how the Maya viewed the world. I’ve studied their culture and their art, and sat for days high up on ruins above the treetops, watching the wildlife and clouds passing by, trying to imagine life as it once was. Their culture, their beliefs in many ways were 180 degrees different than our own, but at other moments in time – just the same, the sun rises, the rain falls and life goes on. It is our spirit, our beliefs, our superstitions and our take on events - that shapes us. I find the artwork they’ve left behind both beautiful and a puzzle to decipher - and that to me is inspiring.

This painting is my interpretation of a Mayan hieroglyph of the Xul. He is one of my favorite and also appeared on my pen and ink mainland map of Belize. Here I sought to create the feeling of a painting on stone - on a temple wall.
When I interpret a glyph or any ancient artwork; often the pictograph or hieroglyphic meanings are completely lost to us or part of it is often missing or chipped away by time or vandals. I fill in the gaps using my imagination and full artistic license. While trying to maintain the essence and strength intended by the Maya people. In the end the image and artwork becomes a part of me, my style, a fusion of sorts spanning 3000 years.
Original Painting 20"x26" Serti Technique on Silk

*The Imagekind watermark is not on the print. To view my artwork without it - visit savannaredman.com This artwork is also available as custom murals on kiln fired ceramic tile. Visit savannaredman.com for more information on paintings on tile.