Si se puede! Dancing at the Revolution 2009Artist Statement with the work
The famous quote “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution” by Emma Goldman is a part of the inspiration for this work it explores the celebratory dimensions as change agents. This work commemorates community organizers and activists who came before us and share the vision of “Si se Puede”. Names of those who continue to work for the GLBTQI community and allies are recognized on this piece; including President Obama who began his career as a community organizer and is evident in his identity as an agent of change. "One of my fundamental beliefs from my days as a community organizer is that real change comes from the bottom up ..." President Barack Obama.
Press Release for Exhibit
President Obama: A Celebration in Art Quilts
Location: Cafritz Art Center, 150 King St., Silver Spring, MD
Dates: February 9 - March 5, 2009
Opening Reception: Friday, February 13th
This show, organized by Susan Walen, comes from an all-volunteer, grass-roots, multi-ethnic group of fiber artists from all across the United States and as far away as Australia. Our work is in tribute to our new President, in gratitude for the hope and inspiration he has brought us. We present these art quilts at an unforgettable historic moment in our country's history.
We each have and will have stories to tell about our vision, our hopes and dreams, and our experiences during this historic moment in our journey. I share a part of mine with you. If not for special people in my life this work would not have been born so let me begin with my gracias por todo. Gracias con carino R for your continued love and support of my artwork you are a true patron of the arts love you! Gracias beloved L who has made sure I was fed, slept, and kept my focus during the creation. You were understanding of the time it took for this to be born, shared great ideas, added your special touch to the work, and gave me love and support, besos to you my love. And to those of you who use your voice, take a stand, challenge, teach, grow, and remember that this journey is not about the singular but about all of us, gracias for keeping it moving and keeping it real. “There is no liberation in isolation.” - Audre Lourde
This work is dedicated to the change maker in all of us! We all have the capacity; its just that sometimes the weight of oppression or just plain fear can slow you or even keep you frozen. Si se puede has long been a cry of change and now the Nation has also embraced it. Lets pray it sticks and when it gets hard ,and we know it will get more difficult, that the echos of those who didn't give up sing in our hearts to give it one more try. One more try, and one more again, for ourselves, for those who came before and for those who walk this path after us. Si se puede! Lets dance at this revolution and lift each other up! We are now in what the Mayans call 6th day; a time of awakening and unfolding to new possibilities!
DETAILS OF THE WORK
Esperanza sin fronteras
red ribbon on the tree reads: A people united will never be defeated.
Dancers wear signs that say: Silence = Death, Civil Rights are Human Rights, and Love not Hate.
Prayer for peace and true solidarity.
Dancer sign reads "Be the Change you want to see in the world" Mahatma Gandhi
This square features the founding mothers of S.O.N.G.
Gracias for your continued leadership, love ya!
http://www.southernersonnewground.org/?page_id=5
Obamanos (orale Gente!) and the Obama Pride symbol to celebrate the GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) leaders, agents of change, and everyday heros/sheroes who dare to live life as themselves! I celebrate you!
Si se puede! Yes we can! Organize!
GLBTQ Allies Dolores Huerta and Corretta Scott King names in this section
Bless the Change Makers!
More names of activists/organizers/agents of change: ccommunity organizers, artists, comedians, poets, writers, free thinkers, politicians, musicians and our new Pres!
Leaves of possibility on the tree of lessons.
Each grows with a positive word for us to embrace as we grow!
Ex. solidarity, prosperity, acceptance, love, equality, dignity, respect
tlazokamati, gracias, thank you
