About the Artwork

Caribbean Art

Honoring the enduring connection between ancestry and self Ayida of Many Waters features a Ayida-Weddo, the goddess of water and creation, and rooted in the history of Guyana, this artwork reflects the spiritual ties that remain unbroken across generations and across water.

Ayida-Weddo is a figure from Afrakan folklore, known as the rainbow serpent, a goddess of continuation, water, divine creation, and fertility. She carries the symbolism of movement and mothers the sacred connection between realms. The painting reflects her calm, powerful presence. Her influence reminds me of how spiritual ancestry shows up in everything, even if we don’t name it at first. 

The title also connects to the history of Guyana, often called the "Land of Many Waters". That name has always symbolized something special to me. This painting honors the spiritual and literal waters that shape Guyana. Rivers and oceans that hold memories of pain, movement, displacement. Waters that literally divide, but spiritually connect. It holds stories. It carries life. That’s why I chose to paint myself standing across from the land. I am separated by water, but not disconnected. I am of it, just as Ayida-Weddo is of the water. 

I used canvas paper to build a 3D illusion, something I hadn’t done before in this way. The plants were painted separately and then glued onto the surface. The butterfly was added using the same technique. There was something really grounding about using my hands to physically build dimension after I had fully finished painting. Building the piece in layers gave me an engaging tactile experience. It let me shape the environment around her like you would tend to a garden or decorate a shrine. 

This is one of the first paintings I had created in over a year, and one of the only recent self-portraits I’ve made. It’s a continuation of my work as an Artist but also a moment to allow myself to simply be present in where my journey has taken me so far. There is no urgency in this piece. Just a mark of existence. That in itself is healing, embracing beauty that exists outside of action with no agenda. 

I hope all families apart of the Afrakan Diaspora feel seen in this. I hope they feel proud of our heritage, our resilience, and our collective and individual growth that has sustained us only because of our Ancestors unrelenting search for justice. I want them to feel loved and cherished by all of the souls of our Ancestors throughout the displacement. This piece is a love letter. A reminder that we are still connected. Across water, across time, across life. Jah Rastafari

Fine Art Print Details 

Museum-quality fine art print produced on thick enhanced matte paper with vibrant, long-lasting color reproduction. 

• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
• Paper sourced from Japan
• Frame not included 

Invite a piece of reflection, resilience, and cultural remembrance into your home with a fine art print created to be treasured for years to come.