Wish Card illustrations to celebrate an old friend who passed away, whom I keep very close to my heart because of her vibrancy and ability to create a safe space for others.
When asked to create wish cards, I wanted to honor Sofia. My message conveyed how much I miss her and recognized the positive impact she had on my life despite her own struggles. Each card reflects a moment where she made me and others feel valued. This was my way of saying goodbye, thanking her, and hoping to reunite one day for more adventures.
The first wish card’s story unfolds in "Tierra de Dioses" in Teuchitlán, Jalisco, where Sofia, her girlfriend, friends, and I danced all night. This became a cherished memory, especially when I filmed her dancing, in this place that looked like a Smash Bros game scenario—floating and joyful. Sofia radiated warmth, mouthing 'I love you' to her girlfriend and smiling at me. We embraced our freedom to be ourselves in those moments. I see Sofia as a dancing wind—inviting and playful.
I felt a deep understanding with Sofia beyond words; we saw the world differently and communicated effortlessly. This wish card reflects our shared quirky vision, inspired by a trip to Nuevo Vallarta with her girlfriend and a friend from Montreal. We were the perfect team, making it one of the best beach trips of my life, surrounded by people who allowed us to be our authentic selves.
This wish card captures a moment when Sofia made me feel truly seen and valued, even during times I felt overlooked. To the right, an ashtray symbolizes the burdens she carried—afflictions deeper than words could convey, yet, she had a remarkable ability to lift my spirits. The scene in the illustration reflects the real context of that moment we shared together.
This wish card captures my farewell dinner before heading to Canada, where the phrase “Vivimos por el cotorreo” — “We live to share” — filled the air. It was a night of warmth and laughter, yet bittersweet, as it marked my last time with Sofia. She struggled with Borderline Personality Disorder, increasing her addiction risk by 30% to 70%. My illustrations reflect her battles through vivid, psychedelic colors representing weed, mushrooms, tobacco, and alcohol, weaving a story of joy and pain.
"The illustrations reflect her battles through vivid, psychedelic colors, weaving a story of joy and pain."
