Chakana was a piece inspired by the Andean (Incan) cross and its role in ancient cosmology. South American civilizations like the Maya and Aztec have always been a source of inspiration for me—going all the way back to my childhood. When I was a kid, I created a comic book series, and some of the storylines took place inside ancient Mayan temples or Aztec ruins. So honestly, it was only a matter of time before I began exploring the deeper cosmology of this region of the world through my art.
For those unfamiliar, the Chakana is a sacred symbol in Andean culture—a stepped cross representing a cosmological map. It embodies the three realms of existence: the upper world (Hanan Pacha), the middle world (Kay Pacha), and the lower world (Ukhu Pacha). It also reflects the four cardinal directions, the cyclical nature of time, and the sacred center point that connects all levels of existence. It’s not just a symbol—it’s a spiritual framework for how life, nature, and the cosmos interconnect.
I wanted to take this ancient symbol and create it so it appears as a multidimensional map. Chakana reminds us that existence isn't linear—it’s layered, interconnected, and alive. Every step, every direction, every axis in the cross speaks to transformation, balance, and movement between realms. It invites us to remember that we’re part of something much larger—a cosmic order that flows through both the physical and the spiritual, the seen and the unseen.
Visually, the overall form of this piece is also meant to echo the cross-sectional geometry of the sacred vine Banisteriopsis caapi—a powerful plant spirit used ceremonially in Amazonian traditions. Its natural form mirrors the same cosmic structure embodied by the Chakana, reinforcing the idea that sacred patterns repeat across culture, plant life, and spirit.
