As a young child, I often spent time with my dad. On late nights, after he arrived home from work, we would sit outside on the apartment’s balcony steps. He would cry at times and I did not understand why. Staring at him with confusion and concern he told me, “Échale ganas, tienes que ser mejor que yo…” Give it everything you’ve got; you have to be better than me…
Growing up, I did not understand why things were the way they were. Why did we have to constantly move? Why were my mother and father working so late till early morning? Why did my father work several jobs? Why couldn’t my brother further pursue his education? Why were others treating them so differently? Why? Innocent, oblivious questions I would ask myself frequently. Not till I was 11 – did I begin to grasp my family’s difficult position as undocumented immigrants in the United States and the challenges they endured.
Telling stories forges connections amongst people – they have the power to influence, teach, and inspire. Hearing my family’s stories and metaphors about life left me with utter sadness, yet with an immense drive as well. As many stories and characters do, my work consists of layers that add depth and enhance the narrative. There are conceptual meanings behind each foundation which determine the structure of the story. With a closer read, the viewer can find themselves delving within deeper layers of inner struggle and motivation. While my family’s experiences are filled with fear, frustration, suffering, and grief they also evoke ingenuity, vigor, care, and love.
We are all immigrants. Numerous individuals have immigrated to the United States in hopes of a prosperous future for not only themselves, but for their families. Reflecting upon my family’s hardships, I begin to ponder about the many people who undergo struggles the same or far worse. Utilizing a range of drawing and printmaking techniques, I share my family’s immigrant experience, giving voice to the underrepresented in this desperate time for humanity.
Growing up, I did not understand why things were the way they were. Why did we have to constantly move? Why were my mother and father working so late till early morning? Why did my father work several jobs? Why couldn’t my brother further pursue his education? Why were others treating them so differently? Why? Innocent, oblivious questions I would ask myself frequently. Not till I was 11 – did I begin to grasp my family’s difficult position as undocumented immigrants in the United States and the challenges they endured.
Telling stories forges connections amongst people – they have the power to influence, teach, and inspire. Hearing my family’s stories and metaphors about life left me with utter sadness, yet with an immense drive as well. As many stories and characters do, my work consists of layers that add depth and enhance the narrative. There are conceptual meanings behind each foundation which determine the structure of the story. With a closer read, the viewer can find themselves delving within deeper layers of inner struggle and motivation. While my family’s experiences are filled with fear, frustration, suffering, and grief they also evoke ingenuity, vigor, care, and love.
We are all immigrants. Numerous individuals have immigrated to the United States in hopes of a prosperous future for not only themselves, but for their families. Reflecting upon my family’s hardships, I begin to ponder about the many people who undergo struggles the same or far worse. Utilizing a range of drawing and printmaking techniques, I share my family’s immigrant experience, giving voice to the underrepresented in this desperate time for humanity.