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| About Michael W. Valadez A complicated person of many interests. An accomplished martial artist -- Styles: White Tiger, Caporiea and Kenpo to name a few. Speciality -- weapons/knives Traveler, nature hikes, photography, writer and most important an artist. This page is filled with Michael's interests, experiences and a display of his art. View YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmAZsYcMIks |
Michael grew up under the study of martial arts. As an adult he became an instructor of various styles of martial arts. He enjoyed learning the techniques as well as the history and philosophy. An artist since childhood, Michael pursued his art career by studying art in the USA and abroad in the Netherlands. Now a graphic illustrator, he also enjoys doing portraits and photography. |
| Destiny's Warriors Logo designed by Michael consist of Celtic runes spelling D.W. and a serpent. Here is a bit of information as to the thought put into the design. Saint Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, this is often seen as a metaphor for him having converted the Pagans to Christianity. There are currently no snakes in Ireland, but it is believed that snakes once lived there long before people did but they could not survive the ice age. Remember also that the celts were not confined to Ireland. Once upon a time they ruled over much of Europe including Gaul which is now called France. Remember they even invaded Rome once. Ouroboros is the name for the symbol of the snake eating it's tail and it is one of the most ancient mystic symbols. It's origins can be traced back to Egypt and it can be seen in Greek, Norse, Celtic, Hindu, Christian and even Aztec cultures. Ouroboros represents cycles, balance, self reliance, and infinity. It is similar to the Yin and Yang of Asia. It was seen more in Norse mythology than in Celtic. In Norse mythology it is Jormungandr one of the offspring of Loki. Jormungandr was a serpent that grew large enough to encircle the world. Ouroboros is not always a snake. It is often referred to as a serpent. Sometimes it is a dragon, in Aztec lore it is Quetzalcoatl the flying serpent god. If you look closely the snake in the DW symbol is not actually a snake at all. It's a mythical serpent, it's more of a dragon than a snake. The serpent in the logo represents many things including the infinite amount of wealth DW will make, this is one of the reasons it is green. It also represents the enduring folklore of the Pagans despite Christianity's dominance. Saint Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, this is often seen as a metaphor for him having converted the Pagans to Christianity. There are currently no snakes in Ireland, but it is believed that snakes once lived there long before people did but they could not survive the ice age. Remember also that the celts were not confined to Ireland. Once upon a time they ruled over much of Europe including Gaul which is now called France. Remember they even invaded Rome once. Ouroboros is the name for the symbol of the snake eating it's tail and it is one of the most ancient mystic symbols. It's origins can be traced back to Egypt and it can be seen in Greek, Norse, Celtic, Hindu, Christian and even Aztec cultures. Ouroboros represents cycles, balance, self reliance, and infinity. It is similar to the Yin and Yang of Asia. It was seen more in Norse mythology than in Celtic. In Norse mythology it is Jormungandr one of the offspring of Loki. Jormungandr was a serpent that grew large enough to encircle the world. Ouroboros is not always a snake. It is often referred to as a serpent. Sometimes it is a dragon, in Aztec lore it is Quetzalcoatl the flying serpent god. If you look closely the snake in the DW symbol is not actually a snake at all. It's a mythical serpent, it's more of a dragon than a snake. The serpent in the logo represents many things including the infinite amount of wealth DW will make, this is one of the reasons it is green. It also represents the enduring folklore of the Pagans despite Christianity's dominance. |
| Teaching my niece the importance of music in the Brazilian martial art style - Caporiea Beside drums the instrument used is called a Berimbau, pictured. |
| Imps |
| To view Michael W. Valadez art work or to purchase a print visit his Deviant Art site at: http://mwv.deviantart.com Michael is always happy to answers any questions you might have about graphics. |
| The Evil Elf Queen |
| If you have any questions or comments you can write me at: mikewv@destinyswarriors.com I am happy to exchange dialog with you about art, martial arts, fantasy, mythology, weapons, travel and adventure. |
| Nicole the love of my life. |
| More information and pictures will be added soon. Please come back for a visit. You can write Michael directly at: mikewv@destinyswarriors.com |
| Happily Married August 11, 2010 |
| Coming in time for Christmas Toonasaurs By Michael W. Valadez A picture book for children 4 to 8 years old. Fully illustrated and signed by the author. Also, Posters will be featured in package book special. Will also be available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and most online books stores. |
| Written and Illustrated by Michael W. Valadez |