Giving thanks

 think about it

Instead of honoring the traditional disrespectful distorted thanksgiving story we continue to tell in schools, I choose to focus today on just saying gracias. Thanks, Tlazocamati. 

I give thanks to Creator, the Mystery, the Source, the Light

I give thanks for my Spirit guides, ancestors, and angels.

I give thanks for my teachers, mentors, and path finders on this Good Red Road.

I give thanks for my Beloved, my treasured gift, the one who shares my daily life with love, commitment, and passion. Not always an easy task.

I give thanks for mi familia in Tejas, Dios de bendiga

I give thanks for my special way of seeing and experiencing the world  with Aspergers

I give thanks for all my Beloveds I call sisters and brothers who have crossed my path on this journey, blessings. 

I give thanks for the four legged and winged ones in my life.

I give thanks for my home, work, and many blessings of my daily life. 

I give thanks for social justice workers who keep the stories alive and keep fighting the hard fight for dignity and justice. 

I give thanks for the true change makers who walk daily challenging bigotry at every turn. 

I give thanks for our govt. leaders who truly are representatives for the people.

I give thanks for the Latino community for staying together, using our vote, its been a tough road.

I give thanks for the artists, creative brothers and sisters who tell the stories that need to be told in cloth, on walls or canvas, in spoken word or song, in gardens, kitchens, and classrooms. 

 I give thanks for health, joy, laughter, true love, honesty, courage, faith, commitment, passion, and dreams that do come true!

May the places you visit in Spirit and body today be welcoming to you and yours. 

Crow medicine, omen of change

While driving toward home in Tejas a crow crossed directly in front of the windshield and startled me. It was enough of a jump to remind me that I needed to be prepared for my visit. I began to remember that crow medicine is about healing and change in consciousness. It can bring about a new reality it can rid us of "dis-ease" or illness and is ever present in the circle. Little did I know I was on my way to one of the greatest healings of my life, a gift I prayed for but could have never imagined.

Crows are the guardians of ceremonial magick and healing. They dwell in the place of no space or time, are territorial, and wont give up the fight. If crow has crossed your path, you need to be willing to walk your talk and speak your truth. If crow keeps crossing your path then its really time for you to use your voice to "caw" if you will; especially at things you may feel are unjust or where others have no voice. The call of the crow is powerful.

The drive was beautiful and I prepared for my visit with intention. I had a wonderful visit with the familia and stepped into my new reality with love and peace. Healing where I thought there could be none. Laughter and sharing a meal can be the best medicine. Gracias and blessings to all my Beloveds and how we grew closer to one another and discovered a new way of being with one another. 

If crow crosses your path be willing to shape shift that old self for a new reality. Embrace the change, use your voice, and walk confidently on your path.

thank you, gracias, tlazocamati

Feliz Dia de los Muertos! Remembering the Ancestors

Day of the Dead Doll House, Sabrina Zarco(c) 2010

This is my Day of the Dead Doll House for 2010. I usually make an art quilt but I have been on the road doing workshops. I am now getting ready to do a presentation for one of the high schools in the area so I am doing a re post of the dia de los muertos information  link below.

My beloved nephew and family are looking to create their own celebration this year! Hope this helps mijo and I hope to be in Htown next week. If you can get over to the Heights check out one of my teachers who always has community exhibits. Casa Ramirez on 19th Street for all things Mexican especially dia de los muertos. abrazos, paz y amor

Detail Day of the Dead Doll House, Sabrina Zarco(c) 2010

Link to Dia de los Muertos information on this blog:

http://sabrinazart.blogspot.com/search/label/Dia%20de%20los%20Muertos

subtle racism hurts

Racism is a Weapon

So many times we think of racism as the "out loud and in your face" kind of thing. For me, I find the most painful form of racism is the subtle, sometimes intentional or clueless comments directed toward me. The bottom line is that racism is racism, no matter how it is served up.

I chose to re-purpose a vintage tablecloth I found in the thrift store. Its sweet flowers and simple design reminded me that the subtle kind of racism is served at the table with a smile and most times you don't see it coming. And maybe that is why it hurts so much.

 

It’s the subtle comments, like a thousand little wounds, that can leave me bleeding to death. If I don't recognize it for what it is and get some kind of validation and support, I fear it could lead to health issues. That is what I read in a report; it stated, “Women of color often suffer more from health and mental heath issues when subjected to subtle racism in the workplace."

The center of the artwork is dedicated to protection and the Warrior Spirit it takes to keep moving through the generational racism that continues today. Outside of that section are weapons I chose to embroider in traditional Redwork technique. The quotes are actually statements that people have said to me over the years. I am sorry to say that some of them are oldies that keep on repeating. " Really, I dont see color, I'm color blind." "Do you speak Mexican?" "One of my best friends is Latina." "Where were your parents born?" "You Latinas are so sexy and can really dance." " Do you make tortillas?" " You speak English so well." And many others.

Sometimes when these things are said I take a deep breath, try to control the look of shock on my face, all the while thinking, “Oh, No! She did not just say that!” and then I assess the situation and the inevitable ripple effect. Who might get it next if I don’t speak up now? Will I just let this one slide because I am so tired of it all? When I can muster up the wherewithal, I take the teachable moment and have a dialogue with the commenter. 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 it’s my turn, and one day I pray that my grandson won't have to hear these words spoken to him. On the patchwork border are facts about racism. It has a history. It is taught and learned. Racism kills the human Spirit. My warrior cries are also on the border. Cries to dismantle systemic and institutional injustice, to promote dignity and respect and to embrace human differences. And my signature on this work reads, "this was created by a wise Latina". Gracias

Feliz Dia de Grito!

The Grito de Dolores/Cry of Dolores was the battle cry of the Mexican War of Independence also known as El Grito de la Independencia /Cry of Independence on September 16, 1810 by Miguel Hidalgo  y Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest from the small town of Dolores near Guanajauato.

Today 200 years later I show you my grito. This work is called Everything But the People and its a part of an exhibit on racism that will be traveling the U.S. The exhibit opens  in Chicago at the Facing Race Conference and will then travel with the Mancuso line of exhibits for the next two years.

Bigotry comes from injury and is taught. Only by shedding light on institutional and generational racism in the U. S and acknowledging the damage it creates can we begin to dismantle racism for all. Seize the opportunity to affect change.


This artwork speaks to generational injustice. Our Mexican vacation spots, food, music, fiestas and culture are used in marketing, pop culture, party themes and Halloween costumes. Yet it is our people that are rejected and treated as slaves in work camps, denied basic human rights, and considered reasonably suspicious just for “looking illegal”.

No matter your political stance every human being is a Divine Human Spirit who deserves dignity and respect. The Mestiza people are descendants of the First People of this country. Moving across man made borders before they existed like the migration of birds and butterflies.

Until comprehensive immigration reform is achieved, families living on this side of the man made border for generations and those undocumented will continue to endure the ripples of racism. Still we rise up and stand with pride and hope that universal dignity and love will overcome. Si se puede!

International Textile Biennial San Jose, Costa Rica

"Ritmo Latino"  has been juried into an exhibition curated by Dr. Carolyn L. Mazloomi. The exhibition titled "Beyond Category: Visions of Jazz in Fiber." will be featured at the International Textile Biennial (San Jose, Costa Rica) and the University of Costa Rica (Limon) from September 7 to October 12, 2010. I am honored to be a part of this exhibit.

"Ritmo Latino/Latin Rhythm"

(c) Sabrina Zarco 2010

The rhythm of individuals was a big part of inspiration for this work as well as my love for dancing and music, all kinds of music. In our company, Contigo Learning Experience Inc., we have been using percussion instruments as part of our experiential process with great results. Music has such healing qualities, invokes playfulness, and releases inhibitions. Something about a drum circle that allows each person to be a part of the big picture in their own way and its just great fun!

I was disappointed that my day job and personal business didn't allow time for me to attend this show and teach some classes. Thanks for the invitation Dr. Mazloomi, maybe next time. I am honored to be a part even if I cant be there. Now back to the studio, to put on some music and dance!

New Mexico in bloom

A recent trip to Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, and Albuquerque

Nature's inspiration says it all, color, texture, shape!

Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul. ~The Koran

 

The Amen of nature is always a flower. Oliver Wendell Holmes

 

Earth laughs in flowers. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Where flowers bloom so does hope.  Lady Bird Johnson

 

Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed. Walt Whitman