TITLE

Toltec Totem Pole

ARTIST

Cheryll Anderson

CREATED

March 2023

LOCATION

Frontage Rd and Bicentennial

ABOUT THIS PIECE

My inspiration for this pipe, "Toltec Totem Pole" came from the idea of totem poles of ancient Mesoamerican culture. Because we are on the border with Mexico, I am very influenced by local culture and arts, as well as the flora and fauna the RGV is famous for. 

We are on a major migratory route for birds, butterflies and people from everywhere who come here for winter and for Eco-Tourism from all over the world. I see the standpipes as being these mysterious "monoliths" of the valley. Still widely used for irrigation, they always draw my eye and get my mind going on what they might become as works of art.

This totem pole is covered in passionflower vines which wind around a Toltec inspired Atlantean (warrior) head at the top, over a cluster of palm fans and a kaleidoscope of roosting Monarch butterflies, which tops a Mesoamerican inspired sentinel. The color and image selection is influenced by a Pop Art style. The vibrant colors of Mexican folk arts, as well as Cubism and Post Impressionism are influential. I also draw inspiration from many local and international muralists. I love the idea of mixing modern style and ancient subject matter.  - Cheryll Anderson

ABOUT THIS ARTIST

I am Cheryll Anderson of Edinburg TX, an Arkansas transplant of 13 years to the RGV with a bachelor's degree in Visual Arts from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. I have been an artist most of my life but the "time of Covid" gave me a vision for mural painting and a new lust for life. I will paint on wood, cement, metal canvas... you name it! The most interesting work I have done recently has not been put on a wall yet. 

I love doing work that is intensely researched, methodically planned and seemingly complex. My emotional pull to the subject keeps me interested and motivated to do my best work. I love working with local flora and fauna or local history as my content. Color study and color mixing are some of my favorite aspects of artmaking. I think of myself as more of a collage artist than a painter, due to the technological aspects of the mural design process. I love doing public funded accessible art.