On June 4th Denise Kowal will travel from Italy to the town of La Orotava on the Canary Island, Tenerife, to immerse in a tradition since 1840 that has lasted generation after generation. In the Orotava Town Hall Square a masterpiece that uses 12 natural Teide volcanic sand colors is being created by artists’ hands weaving this ephemeral tapestry inspired by the divine, ‘The Gates of Heaven’. ArteArena is in charge of making this tapestry under the direction of Domingo J. Gonzalez.
In this intricate design one will witness a single tapestry that represents the sky with different colors and shades in eleven spaces separated by white lines, which is a symbol of purity. In the central space lies the essence of their faith and humanity. One hand the Trinity formed by God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit; and on the other hand, the essence of humanity understanding that we are all equal, that we are all finite and that we will be remembered for how we have been, how we have behaved and what we have done. The lower part of the center, in the darkest area, is a different flower, possibly invented, and death is also represented which reminds us that it is part of our life.
Throughout the sand tapestry, different angels are observed; little ones who enjoy the sky which innocent children enjoy or should enjoy childhood and innocence, and larger angels who care for and protect the heavenly space. The tapestry has a flower casket that represents the offering that human beings continually make to God. And the tapestry links to next year’s one with two motifs, the flat silhouette of a half-apple and the figure of an angel that is outside the frame.
This large tapestry will be completed June 5 and thereafter the community will create flower carpets throughout the city on June 6 using flowers, heather, vegetables and sand.
SAVE THE DATE: November 8 - 10, 2024, The Int’l Sarasota Chalk Festival will welcome alongside our Master Chalk Pavement Artists delegations of Master Flower Carpet Artists to perform for the first time in the United States that will include artists from La Orotava. For more information go to Chalk.LOVE