After the Storm
acrylic on canvas
"After the storm," once the skies clear, comes a rainbow. October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month. This painting is dedicated to the families who have experienced this.
Serenity
acrylic on canvas
The inspiration for Serenity was the juxtaposition between harsh and delicate color gradients. The gradients mixed with the textures is meant to evoke memories associated with the feeling of peace.
Manic Fusion
acrylic on canvas
The theme of Manic Fusion involves the beauty of chaos and the invitation of a little craziness becoming fused into our lives. Out of this craziness, there comes peace and calm after it is released.
Silken Pink
acrylic and yarn on canvas
This piece helps portray how hair, to me, expresses individuality. Part of what makes you unique is your hair--the type, length, color, or how you style it. Our hair is a distinct characteristic that helps us make expressions and statements as we change it. This piece is made to allow observers to change the personality of the figure and express themselves through her hair.
New Bloom
stain and paint on carved wood
This piece is inspired by America's efforts to help the world blossom together, valuing future, faith, and family.
I Would Know Him Blind
melted crayon and hot glue on wood panel
This piece is a tribute to the LGBTQIA+ experience.
Dia de Muertos Tapestry
yarn, beads, buttons, and plastic needles mounted on canvas
This is a simple tactile tapestry, representing the beloved holiday and tradition of Dia de Muertos. This tapestry has some of the staples of the holiday, such as the pan de muertos, sugar skulls, the candles, and marigolds.
Beyond the Reflection
acrylic on canvas
This piece visually represents identity as who we are on the inside. It is the true colors beyond just what we reflect on to other people in order to fit in and be liked by those around us. If we peel back the layers of a person, we will see the unique, vibrant, and beautiful colors within.
389 Years of Farming
graphite pencil on hot-pressed watercolor paper
This piece explores the deep connection between identity and the land, tracing nearly four centuries of my family's farming history. By depicting my daughter’s hands holding cotton seeds, the work reflects the legacy of labor, continuity, and generational ties that have shaped my family's identity. Farming is more than an occupation; it is a defining thread passed down through generations, beginning with my ancestor's settlement in the Massachusetts colony and continuing to our family's farm in Buttonwillow. The seeds symbolize both the literal and metaphorical inheritance of tradition, resilience, and the enduring relationship between family and the land we cultivate.
Build
oil on canvas
Identity is who a person is. People can identify themselves as part of a culture or heritage, but who they become is an ongoing evolution. This artwork signifies that process of me going through the changes and gains and losses and yet keeping my identity. This painting was incomplete for ten years, by adding layers to change what the painting was and what it became, it did not lose its message. I am an Afghan Woman Artist, layered with experiences, growth, emotional connections, and losses, not knowing what future will bring.
Symphony of Self-Identity
acrylic, watercolor, and glue on canvas
In this piece, I explore the complexities of identity through the silhouette of a woman, adorned with manuscript paper, flowers, and music notes. Music has been an intrinsic part of my life, shaping who I am and how I express myself. The fan, crafted from manuscript paper, symbolizes the way music can fan the flames of our passions and emotions, while the flowers represent growth and the multifaceted nature of identity. Each note and petal intertwines, reflecting the harmony and discord that coexist within us. This work invites viewers to consider their own identities, shaped by personal experiences and the art that moves them. Through this visual symphony, I hope to evoke a sense of connection, reminding us that our identities are composed of the melodies we choose to embrace.
Many in One
acrylic on canvas
Many different events and people can alter one’s identity, but a cool thing about identity is you can decide who you are and who you want to be.
Seeing Slowly
acrylic and pen on paper
Art opens the mind. SEEING SLOWLY allows the mind to make connections between elements in the painting. Take time to explore the use of shapes, colors and texture. Notice the palette and the paint brush. How does the artist see things? How do you see things? The triangle directly above the paint brush symbolizes my source of artistic inspiration. What do various geometric shapes symbolize for you? Notice the question mark. SEEING SLOWLY, ask yourself questions. Engage your imagination and go deeper. How do your mind and body respond? What memories or emotions emerge? Careful observation allows the viewer (like the artist) to gain perspective, better understand themselves, and appreciate all art forms.
Just a Mirror
oil on canvas
I created this painting because I would catch myself repeatedly looking in the mirror, obsessing over my flaws. I often thought about what I could do to change my appearance or personality. Sometimes I still feel the pressure of my religious beliefs and culture over how I should present myself or act. It is a bit complicated because they are parts of my identity.
Passions Reflection
acrylic on canvas, guitar strings, yarn
My piece explores how I and many others have discovered our identities through our passions and hobbies. Creative outlets like art, writing, and music allow individuals to express themselves and reflect on their identities. These interests not only shape who we are but also connect us with like-minded communities, creating a sense of belonging. In these creative spaces, we can further enrich our understanding of ourselves. Through our hobbies, we celebrate our individuality, and in turn, our interests become an integral part of our identity.
End of June
drawing tablet and Corel software, vinyl print on mirror
This digital portrait reflects the powerful experience of self-exposure and the fulfillment it brings. Bold colors and abstract design, inspired by pop art, capture the balance between discomfort and eventual happiness. Using a drawing tablet and Corel software, I aimed to capture the pain behind fulfillment, represented by the exposed brain—a symbol of vulnerability and thought. The playful use of bright hues, particularly in the face, reflects inner warmth and joy while the purple hair adds a sense of fluidity and freedom. By transforming this work into a sticker, I merge elements of street art I grew up with and digital art, emphasizing accessibility and interaction with the public. The piece invites viewers to connect not only with the subject’s external beauty but also the emotional depth within.
The Dancer
acrylic and pen on paper
I once was a dancer studying the elements of dance: Body, Energy, Space, and Time; later I moved from Performing Arts to Visual Arts. I discovered the building blocks of dance are similar to those in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms. Dancers are moving sculptures–they can be curved, straight, angular, twisted, wide, narrow, symmetrical, or asymmetrical. These shapes can be circles, diagonals, or conceptual shapes, such as courage or sadness. My foundation is the same to communicate ideas, create beauty, explore the nature of perception for pleasure or to express emotions. Dancers often refer to the stage as their canvas, where they paint emotions and stories through movement. I enjoy the freedom of creative expression with my pencil, pen, or paint brush.
A Crown of Corn
acrylic on canvas
The Virgen of Guadalupe is not only a religious figure in Catholicism, but also a culturally significant one. The painting depicts Guadalupe's silhouette, holding bouquets of wild roses, which symbolizes love, life, and harmony with nature. On her head she carries a basket of hand-picked corn, a literary device to represent her “hijos del maíz,” a common term centered in Mexican identity and the grain's rich history in Mexican culture.
The True Me
acrylic, texture paper, prints, and found objects on canvas
Everyone has their own interpretation of identity. Mine is beyond what socially and physically defines us. Identity is what you think of yourself apart from other labels. What do you see in yourself? Who are you? What makes you unique? Well, I am an artist.
Saved by Grace
acrylic paint, leaves, sticks, and wood glue on canvas
Life is beautiful and complex. Especially for a young Hispanic girl who grew up in a challenging low-income household. These challenges continue throughout her young adult life and even through her divorce. It was through Jesus Christ’s mercy and grace that she found her Identity. With this new identity she knows who to run to when she feels lost and confused. She now sees the beauty in the challenges of her life. I am her.
Daily Identity
acrylic paint, paper, and colored pencil on canvas
My piece represents the idea of one's daily identity, the identity that we take on each day to define and express ourselves. The things we do to hold to the identity we have given to ourselves.
Sunset Silhouette
acrylic on canvas
This work is an inspiration of the sunsets of the beach and the silhouettes of the palm trees. It inspired me because I love the mixed colors of orange, red, and yellow along with the sun. It represents my identity because it expresses my calm and relaxed feelings when I look up at the sunsets and also it reflects the beauty and majesty of the world.
We Are Beautiful
acrylic and beans on canvas
My piece represents identity through culture and how that represents us and truly becomes us. I am a Mexican who grew up in a household of Spanish-speaking only, eating traditional foods from our home, and living with vibrant colors and music of our language. I am always proud to have my culture as my identity. I always stick up for our community when it is being thrown as bad or terrible because of how certain people think we are. I find my culture and community beautiful, and I enjoy the stories my parents tell me about growing up in Mexico with traditions and celebrations they miss, and they always sounded fantastic and fun to do. I hope this piece connects with others who feel the same way.
Offer Up
acrylic on canvas
The intention for this piece is to personify God’s glory and the virtues of humility and charity. To offer up sustenance and services means to demonstrate great reverence and goodwill in the service of others. The figure, though demonstrated in human form, is identifiable to us and is meant to be reminiscent of clay figurines and wooden reference models used in art and animation. The figure is submissively positioned to kneel, almost prostrate, but elevated enough to raise a platter of fish. The figure’s arms and hands are positioned to offer up a gift of spiritual and physical intention. The spiritual aspect is symbolic of the Gospel of Matthew (15:34-39), which references a fundamental teaching of Catholic Christian faith - Offer up what little amount one has for it to be shared as the greatest fulfillment for others. This is the miracle that shows God’s provision and mercy. The physical act of offering fish is to show humility, respect, and importance of others’ nourishment above one’s own self and needs. The position and action are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning of the offering and the end of the offering which are God’s image and the servitude of the “offer up.”
Reset
acrylic and pen on paper
Purpose: Make life meaningful by focusing on what is important to you. Be kind to others and yourself. Set achievable goals. Choose your friends wisely. When we need a change to improve our lives, I identify with this painting by hitting my RESET button for a fresh start. Can you find the RESET button in this painting? 5 Tips to RESET, REFRESH, or REVITALIZE your brain: Develop healthy sleep habits, eat healthy, get outside, meditate and practice deep breathing, and exercise.
Sum Quod Cogito
acrylic on canvas
The artwork represents identity by featuring the words of "Sum Quod Cogito" which directly translates from Latin to "I am what I think." This line is inspired by other sayings like Descartes's "I think, therefore I am," but it is about how we feel instead of existence in general. This simple line is a reminder that we are what we believe. If we think we identify in a certain way, then it is simply true. Nothing else can change that fact as we simply believe in our own identity. No matter if outside forces try to shake us up, we can still be untouched with our beliefs in ourselves. That is how we come to terms with our identities. If you can believe in what you truly are, then everyone can believe in you too. If you say or think you identify as something, then you are. By remembering these words, we can be more settled with our identities and be the best selves we believe we are.
