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?
This would be my third year doing The Dragon Boat Art Show in May. The pandemic took over our lives. I did this piece to shield me from the truth. I used everything in my studio/bedroom like: buttons, feathers, bottle cap, pearls, earrings, medallion, shells, and salvaged encapsulated in mesh all items were found in the Willamette River, even the plastic unicorn.
