FUNKY CAMELIDS

 

My name is Dushka Semsch and I am a peruvian artist. In Peru we have a vast spectrum of natrual resources. Pima cotton and baby Alpaca to mention a few. A few years ago, I started wondering about art. I enjoy everything related to natural, handmade items and materials. Being lucky enough to travel the cities of Peru, I visited Cuzco. This city in located near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range. There, I met the most amazing animals.

Camelid is the name that refers to Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas and Guanacos. These noble and extraordinary animals live typically in the Andes. Llamas and Alpacas are domestic unlike Vicuñas and Guanacos which live in the wild. 

I had the idea to make artwork that could combine different materials and craftmanship of my country. After exploring with many materials, I started painting these marvelous animals in watercolor technique over Peruvian, handmade fiber cotton paper and by doing so, making it environmentally friendly. Later to incorporate real baby Alpaca fibers in its natural state, by sowing them and creating their unique hair style. Each hairdo is carefully cut and styled giving each one an authentic personality. Each art piece is a one-of-a-kind work.

Finally, each artwork is framed onto a clear acrylic box which I consider is the best way to preserve and enjoy the view of these beautiful animals from all angles.