Isabel is an artist, mother and traveler that also has a love for doing hand poked tattoos. Her ayahuasca inspired paintings take you on a Shamanic journey straight to the heart and magic that resides within all of us.
After traveling throughout Latin America since she was 17, Isabel now resides in Kilauea, Hawaii with her daughter, where her inspired life is filled with nature adventures, art art and art, and lots of yerba mate.
Here, she shares about her work, play, and passions.
Name: Isabel Bryna Mariposa Galactica
Age: Ancient and newly born – I’m adopting the belief that I don’t believe in age.
Your sign: Cancer with Sagittarius moon and Cancer rising.
Where are you from? Born in Santa Cruz California.
Where are you going? I’m shedding the past, totally healed. I’m opening doors and bringing in big abundance in all levels. But most of all I am here to be of service.
Can you tell us about your work?
My work is play and also deeply dedicated. I paint and draw almost every day unless I’m busy tattooing. It’s hard for me to describe my work because it is such an intuitive organic process. I am working on bringing in more divine masculine strength into all aspects of my life including my art. But it has been a very feminine experience up to now. It just unfolds and it heals me and now I am hearing that others are finding it healing as well. Art is medicine. Music is medicine. All art is medicine. It’s so potent because it hits us on a spiritual level. Art connects spirit with physical. And that is magic.
How did you get into doing hand poked tattoos?
I just started on my own. My friend Talia Magio gave me some tips (she is an amazing hand poker). And I had a line of friends here in Hawaii who wanted me to use them as my canvas. It was pretty funny because I was really honest about my lack of knowing what I was doing. Even still, I am a total novice just starting to learn. But I do put ALL my love and energy into every tattoo I do. Totally committed to each person I tattoo as far as giving them my promise of doing my absolute best.
Do you have any other passions that you pursue or would like to?
I love to dance. I danced Brazilian and Haitian dance for many years and now am learning Tahitian, and dancing in an African dance group. I also surf. Most people who don’t know me well, don’t know I surf and that I grew up surfing and even competing. I don’t dress like a surfer or talk about surfing, but I try to get into the water at least once a week. I grew up surfing one to three times a day 360 days a year! It was my life. Besides that, I love hanging out with cool moms and hot single dads, marveling at our growing, creating , and learning.
What has been your favorite thing about being a mother?
The love. My daughter has gifted me the opportunity to know a love so broad, so deep, so expansive. It’s nothing less than magic. And the challenges too have been my greatest mirrors and learning opportunities.
What advice do you have on raising children consciously?
Be honest and loving. Be willing to admit when you make mistakes. Be humble. Don’t pretend you know everything. Nobody does. Give love like it’s your last day with your child.
What makes you feel the happiest?
Being with and connecting with loved ones, creating and sharing my art, dance, music, ocean, rivers, hiking.
What do you do to stay feeling grounded and connected?
I get into nature.
What are your superpowers?
I have been reborn many times and I’m committed to being my magic self.
What’s on your music playlist?
Paloma Del Cierro, Bebe, Trevor Hall, Rising Appalachia, Passiflora, Ayla Nero, Alicia Keys.
What makes you feel the healthiest in your body?
Being relaxed and in nature, and being part of a loving community
What do you do to treat yourself?
Red wine, good coffee, Coconut Bliss. River swimming, sun bathing and kombucha with kale chips
What is your best advice for loving yourself?
You are beautiful. You are perfect. You are Goddess.
Who inspires you and why?
Alicia Keys because she is the embodiment of perfect harmony between masculine and feminine and she is a freaking amazing artist.
Has learning to accept yourself been a journey for you or has it come naturally?
It’s been a journey. It still is when my ego creeps in with its shadowy thoughts. But I never tried to be anything. I’ve always been real. Thank goddess.
