on the road again in AR

A business trip to DeWitt Arkansas where we saw lots of different shades of green.

Roadsides of beautiful corn, rice, and fields newly planted.

Swampy land filled with flowers and interesting birds.

And as we headed toward home the rain clouds starting moving across the horizon

 and more rain means more green.

I will be back in the stuido soon to post about the two new art quilts for the Racism exhibit.

Racism Exhibit sneak peek

I've been working on an artquilt to be included in another exhibit by my Beloved art quilt group, the "Obama Quilters". This time we chose to address racism. The exhibit is in the early stages as we each complete our work. We are looking for venues to add. As the touring develops, I will post the details for the show entitled, Racism: A Dialogue in Art Quilts

My work, Racism is a Weapon was a joy and a healing to create. As I worked, I literally and emotionally worked on the message. My working title was "things folks have said to me" and that's what I chose to address. So many times we think of racism as the "out and loud in your face" kind of thing. But for me, I find the most painful is the subtle, sometimes intentional and often times clueless comments directed toward me. Bottom line is racism is racism no matter how it's served up. I chose to re-purpose a vintage tablecloth I found in the thrift store. It's sweet flowers and simple design reminded me that this kind of racism is served at the table with a smile and most times you don't see it coming. And maybe that's why it hurts so much.

One of many studies on racism and mental health states that "racism-related stress has the potential to affect the well-being of an individual: racism-related life events, vicarious racism experiences, daily racism micro stressors, chronic-contextual stress, collective experiences, and transgenerational transmission (Harrell, 2000, p.45-47). The first type of racism-related stress is the result of specific, time-limited experiences of racism in which one feels discriminated against, harassed, or judged (Harrell, 2000, p. 45). One may also experience stress as a result of hearing about or seeing another person’s experience with racism. This constitutes a vicarious experience of racism (Harrell, 2000, p. 45). Racism-related stress however, is not always overt, and this is exampled in the subtle daily reminders that one is different. These racism micro-stressors may be as simple as being watched in a store or overlooked and discounted in an office setting; however their effects are no less deleterious (Harrell, 2000, p. 45-46). To this point, racism-related stress has been discussed in the context of specific events that either compound one’s stress level directly or vicariously."  

This stuff hurts and after awhile its starts to wear you down. I have learned over the past 6 years of working in a community that is not like me, that if I don't get my injection of familia/ community, well, it just wears my Spirit down. I long for the safe space to just be, blend, and not feel like the spot in the room. A place where I don't have to be the "dial a token" and "speak for my people" or be on yet another Board, task force or committee. I put up my shield of ancestors to protect my heart as depicted in the center portion of the work. But in reality each wound hurts; whether its the scars of childhood experiences or the comments said this week.
 
Now I am honored to "represent" in my day job and help folks build some kind of bridge to understanding and set aside their ethnocentrism long enough to understand we are all different and that's OK. Or at the very least acknowledge there is more than one way to approach life. But its the subtle comments like little wounds that can leave me bleeding to death. And if I don't recognize it and get some kind of validation and support, it can lead to some health issues as another report stated. " Women of color often suffer more from health and mental heath issues when subjected to subtle racism in the workplace."
 
So the center of the work is dedicated to the protection and the Warrior Spirit it takes to keep moving through the generational racism that continues today. Outside of that section are the obvious weapons I chose to embroider as a soft version of a hard weapon. Then in between the images are quotes of things real people have said to me over the years and it's sad to say some of them are oldies that keep on repeating.

It was healing to get this out in public . Sometimes when these things are said I take a deep breath, try to control the look of shock on my face (oh no she didn't just really say THAT) and then assess the situation and ripples. Who might get it next if I dont speak up now or is this one hit I will let slide just because I am tired. When I can muster up the wherewithal  I take the teachable moment and have a dialogue with the commentor. Once again assuming the role of educator with my unassuming perpetrator. Other times I take the hit and just look for a place to nurse my wounds with some kind of dignity.

The border is a patchwork of bright "happy" vintage reproduction prints, symbolizing the patched possibilities. I do this kind of work because there were those that came before me that walked the fire. Now its my turn, and one day I pray that my grandson won't have to hear these words spoken to him. So on the patchwork border are facts about racism. It has a history, its taught and learned, and racism kills the human Spirit. Also on the border are my warrior cries to dismantle systemic and institutional injustice, promote dignity and respect and embrace human differences. More photos of the overall quilt coming soon, stay tuned. Gracias.

"Racism is a Weapon" detail c Sabrina Zarco 2010

"Racism is a Weapon" detail c Sabrina Zarco 2010

"Racism is a Weapon" detail c Sabrina Zarco 2010

"Racism is a Weapon" detail c Sabrina Zarco 2010

"Racism is a Weapon" detail c Sabrina Zarco 2010

Update to this post: I am working on a second piece addressing the not so subtle racism in Arizona. More on that to follow.

Gracias

River Market inspiration

One of our favorite things to do is visit the River Market early on Saturday mornings. Its an open market right off the truck along the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock.

 The crisp morning air is filled with the sounds of local musicans, vendor chatter and the laughter and conversations of people sharing the moment. The smells of fresh fruit, vegatables, kettle corn cooking and baked goods dance through the wind.

The feast for the eyes is the perfect inspiration for making art.

Endless colors, blends, color combinations, textures and shapes on every table and inside each crate. An explosion of Mother Nature's finest artwork.

 Its just the right medicine when I am feeling blocked or stuck in the studio.

Maize is King!

Fresh mint smells so sweet for a cool tea, Spirit medicine, healing...

just like Grandpa grew in his garden.

More herbs and they smell so great.

Good inspiration for the Chef to make art!

Mother Nature's art never fails to inspire.
Filled with colors, combinations, textures, and shapes
 if we would only take the time to see.
I'm off to audition materials for my latest creation.
And later enjoy the Chef's art on the dinner table!

Texas - A Blending of Cultures Fiber Arts Exhibit

"Tejana Chicana" c Sabrina Zarco 2010
one of two works in the show

New work in Austin, Tx.

TEXAS – A Blending of Cultures Fiber Arts Exhibit

by the Texas Museum of Fiber Arts

May 1st -30th 2010 at the Mexican American Cultural Center, Austin Tx

 

My work made the brochure for the event!

 

"Tejana Chicana" detail Sabrina Zarco

"Tejana Chicana" detail Sabrina Zarco

Journey of Hope Exhibit Opening and Book

The Journey of Hope in America Quilts: Inspired by President Barack Obama

http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Hope-Quilts-Inspired-President/dp/076033935X

I am honored to be a a part of such a beautiful book with such a variety of artists. My work, Si se Puede Dancing at the Revolution is on pages 212 and 213. Its also on the back cover. Its a 60" X 60" work celebrating community activists and organizers including the President.

Emma Goldman's saying," If I cant dance, I dont want to be part of your revolution" is one source of inspiration for this work. My art explores the celebratory dimensions as change agents, communtiy organizers, and activists listing their names on the blocks in the piece.

 Si se Puede Dancing at the Revolution, s zarco copyright

You are invited to attend a reception honoring the arists from the exhibitinon

curated by Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi

for the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center of the Ohio Historical Society.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center

Wilberforce, Ohio

Link to the museum where my work is one of the six featured, bottom left corner   http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/sw13/sw13-joh.shtml

Spring into Abundance!

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

My New Mexico themed Easter basket filled with eggs and cascarones! This was my basket when I was a nina. My Beloved and I had a great time coloring them and trying to think of NM ideas to decorate them. Now to find a time to crack the cascarones on each others heads!

Ok, for those who didnt have the childhood joy of cracking a cascarone on an elders head let me fill you in on the fun. A cascarone according to Wikipedia: Cascarones or confetti eggs are festive, hollowed-out chicken eggs, filled with confetti originating in Mexico. In Spanish, "cascarón" simply means "eggshell," and cascarones are similar to the Easter eggs popular in many other countries. They are crushed over the recipient's head showering them with confetti. This tradition is most often carried out among friends and family. Like many popular traditions in Mexico, cascarones are increasingly popular in the Southwestern United States. Having a cascarón broken over your head is said to bring good luck.

Like the pinata, it dates back to Pagan times if I remember correctly. The release of something good. Good energy. It was an honor and great treat as a child to have the ok from an elder to crack one on their head. Fun fact for you, my Beloved, in the movie West of the Pecos (1945) the eggs are used to throw at the one you love and this person must dance the next dance with you. So I will be expecting a dance if you plan on hitting me with that egg!

We are now off to work on flower baskets to welcome the abundance of spring! Love and Light to you and your Beloveds as you celebrate the newness that Sping brings.

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams

feeling feisty

Spiraling into a new year ....

Enchanted to begin my fierce, freaky, feisty, fantastic, fanciful, fearless, fabric filled fifties

 feeling loved and ready to live it full out with friends and family.

No me fregas I am flying free and fabulous!

 Gracias for the bday wishes my Beloveds.

I love you all, con todo mi corazon!

c/s