Historically, it is said, that a Santos was placed in the center of a household to stand in as priest, as a representation of one’s intention to remain under the care and guidance of an actual priest or minister, who was far away from one’s European home. This traditional Santos held a straightforward posture, and denoted a simple expression of reverence.

The contemporary Santos that I am creating in this body of work boost my spirit in a way that urges me and prompts me forward when I gaze on them. They are like bright spiritual reminders that I am the light of God, as I move about my day.

And each one has the potential to be an incredibly personal shrine or talisman for its owner. A Santos, as a talisman, has the capacity to hold not only our hopes, dreams and visions, but also reflects its owner back to itself like a living mirror, calling us to continuous growth and transformation, prodding us to be all we can be. 

I propose that today’s Santos stands as a personal altar of truth, reminding us that we are more than what we believe ourselves to be. The Santos, as a mirror, urges us to rise up to meet and act from within our higher selves. We are, each one of us, God’s Priests and Priestesses- vessels of hopes, dreams, prayers and yearnings to manifest our best selves for ourselves, for our families, and for God’s own pleasure and delight. Our Santos reflects this back to us individually, but shows us that by lifting ourselves, we lift us all.