Abuelita
My Abuelita is a first gen Mexicana born in the 50’s and the oldest of 10. Her first language was Spanish and our family profession was being tomato farmers. I didn’t see eye to eye with her growing up. She often didn’t talk about our heritage despite being surrounded by it with our food and family, but now I understand why. [You can ask me more later if you’re curious]
My reason for starting photography at 17, was to capture the amazing and beautiful people left out of magazines, runway, and movies. My family has done impossible, difficult things. Though they might not say it aloud, I can see they dont always see themselves as beautiful or glamorous and I wanted to change that. So at 70 I finally got around to photographing Abuelita in a magical gown. She was nervous at first but once I started ordering around my dad, grandpa, and brother she was a natural! Truly one of the most rewarding shoots I have done so far in my life.
Raices y Reflexiones
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Cover
I have been drawing, doodling, and writing in sketchbooks for as long as I can remember. I thought it would be a great way to have a artistic business card on the wall that opens up to the world in my mind.
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Self Portrait
I try to use both the challenges and benefits to being mixed Latina in America to fuel my art through self portraits. My image has been commented on, judged, over sexualized and more my entire life. So instead of hiding, I started owning my choices in my late 20's with blue hair, tattoos, not worrying about if I get too dark in the summer.
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With You
This was inspired by remembering My great grandmother Isabel and my Tio Alex. When the day was done on the farm we would sit outside after dinner and just stare at the moon and stars. Sometimes completely silent and content like that together. Its one of the things I miss most about having them here.
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Girasol
Directly translating to Sunflower, I created this "hero" based of my love of sunflowers, Mexica culture, weapons, and fantasy. I have not yet published but I often create concept art which is constantly changing her origin story. [Haha!] This is one of my deep loves and passion projects that I want to enjoy and not rush