Carla Torres
Quito, Ecuador
My flag is to remind us that we are creatures of the *PachaMama, that we are nature itself, interrelated, interconnected and interdependent to one another and to the planet. That it is up to each and every one of us to preserve ourselves and the planet.
*The Pachamama is the highest divinity of the Andean people. The name Pachamama is translated into English as Mother Earth since Pacha is a word in both Quechua and Aymara that means earth, cosmos, universe, time, space, and Mama means "Mother."
Interview with Carla
Postfossil: Hello! What is your name and where are you from?
My Name is Carla Torres and I am from Quito-Ecuador (now living in New York, USA).
Postfossil: How do you work?
I usually start by laying down ideas into tiny sketches, exploring as much posibilities as posible, then I pick one of the ideas and turn it into a full illustration. Depending of the aesthetic needs of the image I choose either a digital or a traditional medium, or both.
Postfossil: What inspires you?
Can be anything…from a stain in the ground to a song, to a person passing by, etc. I never know what is going to trigger inspiration and ideas, but what I do certainly know is that it comes from my daily experiencing and observation.
Postfossil: What are you up to right now?
I am illustrating learning games apps for children for Amplify, a company based in New York. I am also working on product design for Kikemar, a company based in Ecuador and also working in my personal art projects, and also enjoying summer. Very busy!
Postfossil: How did you start the design process of the flag?
I started by reading the brief several times until I feel I fully get it, then doing lots of thinking, reflection and research until I arrived to a concept I resonated with. Then translating the concept into compiling images that best represent my ideas.
Postfossil: What do you want to express with your design of the flag?
My flag has several concepts behind…
The central part depicts the planet and hummanity united to remind us that we are all creatures of the *PachaMama, that we are nature itself, interrelated, interconnected and interdependent to one another and to the planet. The little dots represent the seeds we plant in our daily life and interactions, as well as the protection of Earth seeds and crops from evil corporations.
The four corners represent the 4 elements of nature: earth, water, air, and fire from which all matter is created on Earth.
The upper part represents the conservation of air and oxygen in our atmosphere.
The lower part represents the conservation of the oceans and its sustainable exploitation.
The left side represents the conservation and sustainability of the forests.
The right side, depicted by a two headed serpent, a symbol that have been associated with some of the oldest rituals known to humankind to represent dual expression and human potential for good or evil.
Finally the four inner corners, representing the playing cards suits, is to remind us that we are gambling with our luck and that we can loose the game.
*The Pachamama is the highest divinity of the Andean people. The name Pachamama is translated into English as Mother Earth since Pacha is a word in both Quechua and Aymara that means earth, cosmos, universe, time, space, and Mama means "Mother."
Postfossil: What is your wish for the future of the planet?
My wish is that hummanity returns to harmony, that we understand each other as just one kind “Human Kind” embracing diversity as our greatest treasure, and from there build peaceful societies that respect each other and the planet. I wish for better not corrupt governments that really work for the benefit of the whole not just for the 1% and corporations. I wish corruption and greed is eradicated. I wish corporations are eliminated and wealth redistributed fairly.
I am aware that my wishes in today’s world seem impossible, however I still believe that if we start by transforming and cultivating ourselves we can make a big impact and be part of a positive change. I do not think I will see my wishes come true in this lifetime but who knows hundreds of years from now, if the planet does not get tired of our abuse and decide to eliminate us all, which in my opinion would be more than fair.
