Attached to this traditional weaving is an applique showing La Catrina, the elegant symbolic woman from the Día de Muertos tradition. The weaving portrays the tumultuous and polluted oceans and rivers that surround us. Her hair is braided from strands of the woven water. Her skirt is also dissolving into the river and ocean as she becomes part of the surrounding
Some Pacific Northwest Native American women identify three primary stages in life: birth, finding a guardian spirit, and death. The tradition of finding one’s spirit is a rite that forms a common bond within the community, while simultaneously defining an individual’s personal identity. This woman with the Sun spirit only works during the day. When the Sun goes down, she goes to sleep. The Sun is out and she is weaving a traditional tapestry. It contains a blue river that runs off the weaving. Another weaver can start with this river that connects the community through time with a continuous unbroken thread.
Some Pacific Northwest Native American women identify three primary stages in life: birth, finding a guardian spirit, and death. The tradition of finding one’s spirit is a rite that forms a common bond within the community, while simultaneously defining an individual’s personal identity. This woman with a turtle guardian spirit carries a little home with her wherever she goes. Understanding the primal need for shelter is important as we grapple with an expanding houseless crisis in our cities.
Sold at Portland Open Studios on October 12, 2025
This piece was selected for the Portable Works Public Art Collection. It was a true honor to win the Support Beam Grant Award, 2020. Support Beam is designed to support emerging artists’ long-term creative practice and livelihood during an unprecedented time.
beads, canvas, fabric, found-objects, salvaged, upholstery, trim
2020
59
× 50 inches
This work depicts the tree of life, symbolizing our connectedness, and the beauty of togetherness. The large tapestry depicts the artist's Grandparents as two Día de Muertos Calaveras holding hands forming the roots of a Tree of Life. The trunk and branches of the tree include indigenous Salvadoran, and personal imagery. The piece is machine and hand sewn, appliquéd, and embroidered using hand-dyed materials salvaged from around Portland.
Currently on display in the newly renovated Multnomah County Central Library in Portland, Oregon.
I go to sleep and dream of a better world — with flowers growing out of my head. See the seedlings sprout with joyful optimism? It’s time to reciprocate, what have you done for Mother Earth?
