For many years I have been interested in contacting Favianna Rodriguez, Xicana Artist and Activist. I am not sure why I never got around to send her an email or comment on her web page. I have been a silent admirer of her art work.
Just recently another great Artist, Dylan Miner, a good friend of mine who teaches at Michigan State University brought her to East Lansing, for two weeks through his department.
I was lucky to be invited to come hang out with her while she worked. I got to see her in action. She is so dedicated to her art. She was so concentrated in what she was doing, that she puts off other things like eating, sleeping, or taking breaks in order to keep working. I was able to watch her collaboratively work with Dylan on a several pieces that turned out great.
My daughter and I quietly worked on the other side of the room. I drew a sugar skull decorated with a hummingbird (Huitzil) and poinsettias (cuetlaxochitl). My daughter drew a sugar skull that I thought was great, but she changed to another paper to drew an owl (tecolotl).
Sitting in that room, quietly drawing and watching Favianna and Dylan work, was a great experience. It reminded me that it is important to teach our children the importance of art, but also to expose them to great artist. As Favianna explained in a recent presentation art is another way of story telling and documenting our history.
I can't thank Favianna and Dylan enough for that moment.
Thanks for bringing art to ProU. I love discovering new artists that have ties to social justice issues. I just checked out Favianna's site and I like her stuff. I especially like La Celula Que Explota. I haven't heard of the band whose lyrics go with it either. Thanks so much for sharing this.
www.progressiveu.org/blog/americangirlinchina