Mayor IncaStern by Patricia Van Eif

About "Mayor IncaStern"

by Patricia Van Eif

About the artwork

This colourful and quirky portrait shows an Inca tern - a species of bird known for its striking white moustache - in a very special role: as mayor. The bird wears a tall, classic hat and an official mayor's necklace, as if it has just flown out of a surreal council meeting. His portrait is stately against a shimmering gold foil background, giving him an almost regal appearance.

The inspiration for this work came from my fascination with animals with human traits, combined with my love for surrealist portraits. The Inca tern is a striking bird in its own right, but I wondered: What if it held an important position in a fantasy world? The idea of a bird as mayor, complete with hat and chain, arose spontaneously and immediately brought a smile to my face.

The atmosphere is slightly absurdist, but at the same time warm and charming. It is an artwork that evokes wonder, but also a sense of cheerfulness and playful dignity. The colours are inviting and the composition has something cosy - as if the mayor belongs in a cosy living room full of stories.

With this work, I want to show that humour and aesthetics can go perfectly well together. It is an ode to fantasy, and a reminder not to take life - and ourselves - too seriously once in a while.

The work is digitally illustrated (without using AI) with great attention to detail and texture. I work layer by layer, giving the illustration a painterly feel.