Books / Tools

Books are precious. I love to jump from book to book as my interest in a topic waxes and wanes. These gems are on my bedside table at the moment. In my artwork, I am currently exploring the serpent as a symbol in mythology, folklore, and my own dreams.

Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza by Gloria Anzaldua

Literary Witches: A Celebration of Magical Women Writers 

by Taisia Kitaiskaia and illustrated by Katy Horan

The Encyclopedia of Witches & Witchcraft by Rosemary Ellen Guiley

Design Motifs of Ancient Mexico by Jorge Enciso

The Art of Dreaming by Carlos Castaneda

Chicana Art: The Politics of Spiritual and Aesthetic Altarities 

by Laura E. Perez

Laura E. Perez discusses spirituality in Chicana art

Visiting Artist at SAY Si

Yesterday I had the privilege of presenting as a visiting artist for a group of talented young artists at SAY Si. I shared information about my background, artistic process, inspiration, and influences. I was also able to visit their amazing studio space to check out their ongoing visual arts projects. I loved discussing some of the themes in their artwork including peace, acceptance, self-love, and humanity. Thanks for having me! To learn more about the after school arts programs at SAY Si, click on the link below.

saysi.org

PROGRESS on a new self portrait

I have been working on a new self portrait that addresses healing. I was inspired by the imagery and attributes of both Santa Marta and Filomena Lubana as well as the symbolism of the serpent, which is a recurring symbol in my dreams. When complete, this piece will include vinyl, lace, sequins, fabric, pins, and dyed vintage linens. 

Mano de Nopal

My creation of these Mano de Nopal amulets is ongoing. I began making them years ago for my own home and now I am making them for others. They are meant to hang near a doorway in the home to ward off negative energies.

Morning Glory

Morning Glory

2017

leather and fabric

40 x 30 "

I was honored to be invited to show this mixed textiles self-portrait at Blue Star Contemporary's 27th annual Red Dot Art Sale.  BSC Red Dot Art Sale Catalog

Angel Baby at Lady Base Gallery

In 2017 Lisette Chavez and I collaborated to create a short film and installation entitled Angel Baby at AP Art Lab via Lady Base Gallery.

photo by Alma Hernandez

In the well know South Texas folktale, "El Camaroncito," a young woman goes out dancing at a local dance hall despite the disapproval of her parents. She is invited to dance by a handsome man. While enjoying dancing with this man, she suddenly looks down and sees that in place of human feet, has has a chicken foot and a cloven hoof. Knowing this to be the sign of the devil, the horrified young woman screams and falls helplessly to the floor. Frightened onlookers scatter and the devil disappears into the night leaving behind his victim on the ground and the scent of sulfur lingering in the air.

Angel Baby is an installation based on a feminist adaptation of this know folktale. By retelling the story with a  female protagonist, we challenge our viewers to consider the manner in which folklore reinforces societal expectations of women and gender related powers.

Check out our teasers put together by the amazing Craig Haddad.

Adda Montalvo of La Prensa did a great write up about Angel Baby. Click on the link below to read more.

Angel Baby Presenta Una Diabla Empedrada

We also had a great time discussing Angel Baby with Elda Silva of the San Antonio Express News. Click on the link below to read more.

Artist Give 'Devil at the Dance' Feminist Spin

Lisette and I also did a Q&A Session with Lady Base Gallery reina, Sarah Castillo. Click the link below to read more.

Q & A Sessions

"A Woman's Place Is..." at Centro de Artes

photo by Alma Hernandez

I created six pieces that came together for this installation at Centro de Artes in 2017. The multi-generational, all Latina exhibition entitled, "A Woman's Place Is..." was curated by Kathy Vargas. It was an honor to exhibit in this space with these women. Elda Silva of San Antonio Express News did a wonderful write up on the show. Please click on the link below to read more about it.

Latina Artists Claim Space

Mother, Artist, Wife, Teacher, Bruja, Quiet and Still
2017
mixed media installation

This body of work explores the different roles I play as a woman and how I protect, nurture, and honor my true self while tending to those duties. I find it crucial to find a sacred place within myself in which I can rest and regenerate. I am Mother, Artist, Wife, Teacher, and Bruja. I take this responsibilities seriously and fulfill them with great devotion; however, this often leaves me depleted. I need time and space to be quiet and still. I require it. And I deserve it.