Attached to this traditional weaving is an applique showing a jovial Calavera, a decorated Día de Muertos skull. She is surrounded by an infinity of colorful flowers that demarcate the threshold between life and death. She is free to move between these worlds as easily as the birds whose feathers adorn her. The feathers are gathered from birds flying around Portland.
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
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.
