Artwork Selected for Cup of Excellence Honduras 20th Anniversary
My connection to coffee is very personal and It’s rooted in my family’s deep passion and dedication for coffee. For that reason, my source of inspiration for all of these artworks is definitely the coffee plantation of Finca La Cruz, located in Ojojona, Honduras.
In these pieces, the coffee bean takes center stage. I depict it on a large scale, celebrating its natural diversity and beauty through vibrant colors and organic shapes. My artistic exploration delves into the aesthetic transformation of the bean, from the lively palette of coffee cherries to the raw bean’s form and the deep nuances of roasted coffee. Complementary details from the surrounding nature capture the unique essence of the plantation. To enhance authenticity, I even replicate the texture and hues of coffee sacks using canvas colors, further immersing the viewer in the coffee experience.
Therefore, it was a great honor that my artwork became the official theme for the 20th anniversary of the Cup of Excellence in Honduras. My painting was prominently featured on the judges’ aprons, worn throughout the International Jury Week, and on commemorative ceramic gift cups. This significant event culminated in the award ceremony on May 30, 2024.
These paintings celebrate the beauty of coffee beans, and in this post, I’ll share a glimpse into the process:
As this was an original painting not initially meant for reproduction, my artwork had to undergo quite a journey of adaptation and transformation to suit the apron and cup designs. However, I’m always eager to push the limits of my artistic work.
The original painting is acrylic on canvas (Size 40 x 50 cm).
Here, you can see the original painting followed by the initial steps: flipping and expanding the artwork. The entire process was carried out using Photoshop.
This image shows the painting’s transformation into a pattern, a necessary step to better suit the apron and enhance its appreciation of the coffee beans.
The analog-to-digital conversion, especially with the natural canvas’s inherent color variations, presented a complex design challenge. Unifying all elements—expanding, cutting, and adding—was the most difficult part, requiring numerous precise adjustments. This challenging process ultimately deepened my appreciation for pushing artistic boundaries and realizing new creative possibilities.
Bringing this vision to life was a team effort. From the print production, the designers, to the dedicated staff at IHCAFE, their time and commitment were invaluable in making this project a memorable part of the Cup of Excellence’s 20th Anniversary.
I’m very grateful that my artwork was chosen as the official theme for the 20th anniversary of the Cup of Excellence. It was an incredible experience to see it featured on the commemorative aprons and gift cups. A huge thank you to the Cup of Excellence team for this unforgettable opportunity!
Following this event, I received an invitation to paint my coffee art live at the Honduras booth at World of Coffee Copenhagen, held at Bella Center Copenhagen from June 27th to 29th, 2024.
It was a fascinating experience, my first time painting live at a coffee fair. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m so glad I seized the opportunity and saw the genuine interest from people.
I’m passionate about the evolution within my series and projects, constantly exploring and experimenting.
Here’s a look at the continuing development of these paintings.
