The Open Mind Series is a selection of interviews with artists, designers and other ‘creators’ from around the world giving us an insight into how they see the world now and tomorrow. No qualifications required. No taboo. No right or wrong. Just openness. And artworks.
How do you imagine the world in 20 years?
I have no idea how the world will be in a week, even less in 20 years…
How do you imagine the world in 1000 years?
Everything depends on whether humanity finally makes the great shift of consciousness that is necessary to stop destroying and restore the natural balance that we need to survive on this planet. It seems that the seeds for this are being planted and spreading now…
What is the plant, animal or object that most inspires you and how?
The white heron has always been like a protector and an inspiration. Birds in general I connect with very much, and are present in all my art.
What is the emotion that drives you in your work?
My work is guided by my spirituality and reflects the connection to Mother Earth, the elements, the sacred plants, the spirit realm. I would not call this exactly an emotion, as the intention is to be a portal or channel for something universal rather than something personal.
What does community mean to you personally?
Community for me means a network or group of people who are joined by a same purpose, and who are stronger for being together, supporting each other in the quest for achieving that goal.
How do you connect with the Earth today?
I connect to the Earth in so many ways, living on her and depending on her… the biggest connection comes in moments of ceremony and prayer. I have always lived in natural places far from cities, so daily I connect to the earth by walking in the forest, taking a river bath, listening to the birds during the day and the crickets at night. I connect to her by eating her food, and drinking her water…and also by doing offerings to her, singing and painting her beauty and inspiration. I would of course like to change the damage that is being done to the Earth, to have the forests grow back, the waters purified and flowing in the rivers again, for all beings to live in balance and harmony with nature.
What is your dream for the arts world?
I can’t honestly say I have a dream for the arts world but for sure I would prefer to see a less superficial and competitive arts world, embracing collaboration in a more genuine way…
What’s the best thing on earth?
The best thing on Earth is the Earth herself, that majestic being and spaceship we are traveling on.
Born in Argentina, Delfina Muñoz de Toro began to develop herself from childhood in the arts, and later by studying at the National University of Arts in Buenos Aires. She has dedicated her life to the promotion and visibilization of indigenous culture, as well as to living and working with communities that carry the teachings of ancestral Amazonian traditions. Currently she has her workshop in a secluded river area in the forest; where she continues her studies, realizes visionary paintings and is now recording her first musical album.