When you first encounter one of Greg Creason’s Sugar Skull pieces, it's impossible not to smile. That's precisely the point. Varied and complex, they're meant to intrigue, inspire, create conversation.
Creason's Sugar Skull Series, now five pieces strong, was inspired by his time in California and New Orleans, where he absorbed the beauty of Mexican heritage and the expressive traditions surrounding Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
The Meaning Behind Dia de los Muertos
Despite its name, Day of the Dead is not about sorrow- it's about remembrance and joy.
Rooted in ancient Aztec rituals and Catholic All Souls' Day observances, it's a two-day festival (November 1 & 2) that honors loved ones who have passed. Families build altars adorned with photos, candles, marigolds, food, and- most famously- sugar skulls (calaveras de azucar) to welcome the spirits home for a brief reunion.
The skulls themselves are symbols of the cycle of life- whimsical, hand-decorated, and full of personality.
Enter La Catrina — and José Guadalupe Posada's Social Commentary
No discussion of sugar skulls would be complete without La Catrina, the elegant skeleton lady who became the face of Dia de los Muertos.
Created by Mexican artist Jose; Guadalupe Posada in the early 1900s, La Catrina was originally a piece of satire- a social commentary on class and identity.
At a time when many aspired to European fashion and status, Posada used the image of a finely dressed skeleton to remind the public of an eternal truth:
death is the great equalizer.
No matter how wealthy or powerful, we all return to dust.
It was bold, witty, and deeply human- and over time, La Catrina evolved into a beloved symbol of remembrance, pride, and authenticity.
Creason's Take: Beauty, Identity, and Celebration
For Greg Creason, La Catrina wasn't just an artistic muse- she was a metaphor.
"She represents more than death-Creason explains. She's about living authentically, shedding pretenses, and finding beauty in every layer of who we are."
His Sugar Skull Series reinterprets the Catrina spirit with glass, gold and silver leaf, resin, and found jewelry, each piece layered and luminous.
Creason's art isn't painted flatly on a surface; it's built- each face shimmering with embedded materials that seem to float within the work. You'll find vintage glass, metallic foils, and glints of embedded jewelry that catch light from every direction, giving each skull its own vibrant soul.
Behind the Studio Doors
Inside his Louisiana studio, Creason's process begins with intuition. He sketches, then starts layering translucent glass and metallic leaf, sometimes embedding fragments of jewelry or other found objects that "carry a bit of story"
"I never want it to feel manufactured," he says. "Each layer has a purpose- sometimes aesthetic, sometimes symbolic. It's about finding balance between structure and spontaneity."
As the piece evolves, he often changes course- adding bursts of teal, or cooling the palette with silver, to shift the emotion. The end result feels alive-not static, but dancing in color and spirit.
The Five in the Series (So Far)
Each addition in the Sugar Skull Series marks a new emotional chapter:
Sugar Skull #1: The debut, with bright optimism and bold contrast, introducing Creason’s fusion of glass and metal.
Sugar Skull #2: A deepened exploration of color harmony, with more intricate texture and balance.
Sugar Skull #3: A shift toward intensity and drama- expressive, almost defiant.
Sugar Skull #4: The evolution: complex, luminous, and richly layered, her expression both strong and serene.
Sugar Skull #5: Darker, more mysterious tones contrast with radiant golds and blues - creating an expressive etherereal aura.
Each is a statement on resilience- on life's fleeting, brilliant nature.
Why Collectors Love the Series
Cultural homage meets contemporary art. Creason respects tradition while infusing it with modern flair.
Every piece is unique. Even within an edition, the materials and layering ensure no two are alike.
Emotional resonance. They speak to remembrance, authenticity, and living boldly.
"Art should remind us to celebrate the life we have," Creason says. "That's what this series is about- the light that keeps burning."
A Modern Icon of Memory and Joy
Much like José Posada's La Catrina, Creason's Sugar Skulls remind us that death is not the end but a continuation — a reflection of how beautifully we’ve lived.
Whether you're drawn to their brilliant colors, glass-infused textures, or the story they carry, each one offers something beyond the visual: a joyful affirmation of spirit.
Discover All in the Sugar Skull series >>>
The Sugar Skull Series by Greg Creason
