Some days, I'm so furious with certain people and situations in government that I don't know what to say. So instead I'll focus on those who are doing beautiful art despite the challenges. Starting with 3 of the artists in the show I co-curated: Xicano Community Narratives.
Alexis "Dedicated," "Tell Me Your Story," ball point pen on paper
I first met Alexis "Dedicated" at a previous show I curated, and I fell in love with his ink work and tattooing. I traded oil painting lessons for a magnificent tattoo on my left arm--and we became friends. I recently commissioned him to do a companion tattoo on my right arm. That's how much I trust his artistry. I've also taught several workshops at his studio. In fact, you could say Alexis is the reason I began teaching.
Alexis says that art saved his life. He learned to tattoo in juvenile hall, which gave him a way to earn a living and do something he loves. Aside from that, he does his own ink drawings and airbrush paintings. Much of his work focuses on the choices we make, and how they create our stories. Every year in December, he holds a toy drive at his studio in Sonoma to gather toys and raise money for a local children's home. I think of him every time I look at my forearms!
Brian Arriaga ("B'Loved"), "Ultima Mirada," oil on canvas
B'Loved is a brilliant portraitist, tattoo artist, and letter painter. I met him through Alexis, one of his best friends. B'Loved embodies his nickname--he's kind, loving, and generous. This painting is a portrait of his father before he died. His father was a gardener and an alcoholic who got abusive and violent when intoxicated. B'Loved processed his complex emotions around that relationship through painting. He went the opposite direction from his father--and found love in his art.
Mayolo Gomez, "Madre Mia, Madre De," oil on canvas.
Mayolo Gomez lives in Stockton, CA, and it just getting started in his painting career. He painted this portrait in honor of his own mother who died. Rather than imitate the popular Virgin de Guadalupe image, Mayolo wanted to create something unique to his own artistic vision. I find his work to be unique and filled with emotion.
On 11/11 I'm giving a short (one hour) online workshop called "The Story of Light." It's for artists who want to understand value and color in a new way--and for non-creatives who want to learn how artists see. More info and registration HERE.
With Love and Light,
Maggie
PS Whenever you’re ready to start working with me, here are three ways:
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