The Warning Painting

As a child growing up in the Caribbean, I heard many folk tales that instilled wonder in me. This piece illustrates the strange tale of a woman, part human part donkey that appears in folk tales around the world. She goes by different names, La Diablesse in the Caribbean, Donkey Lady in San Antonio, USA and Homarat Al Guyla or Noon Donkey Lady in the UAE. Many folk tales told around the world are used to warn of danger and to teach important lessons. Mothers and fathers wanting a midday nap would tell of the Noon Donkey Lady who comes out at midday and eats children who wonder out alone- a sure way to keep them safe at home whilst tired parents take a much needed midday nap! La Diablesse however, lures and devours unfaithful men whose minds and hearts have wondered away from their rightful partners thus deterring the unfaithful into monogamy. The hoopoe bird can be seen as a symbol of the sun, light and wisdom, the bringer of good news and the one who warns of danger. Although one particular tale is illustrated, this painting also depicts the dynamic between good and evil, order and chaos and the never ending battle between Light and darkness. I hope that this piece may remind some of the stories they were told when they were young, of the wonder and awe that folk tales can elicit and of our shared, collective storytelling traditions around the world.

Painting:Watercolor on Paper

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:10 W x 14 H x 0.1 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.