Why do all blank spaces depict children? The children in each painting are my own. I have three kids = three paintings. Not only is this a deeply personal image, there is also an almost universal association of discovery and innocence with children. Although, they may not have the same sensation of a missing connection as I’ve experienced, their presence in the paintings serves as a reminder of the vulnerability that often accompanies separation from ancestral lands. Children also symbolize hope and the future, highlighting the longing for bonds to endure across generations despite physical distance. I hope they serve as a reminder of the longing for ancestral ties, evoking nostalgia and a yearning for connection.

How has being Mexican affected your perspective on the world? Every experience has the potential to shape our perspective on the world. It’s hard to say which part of my views are specific to my heritage. Being Mexican is an important part of who I am, but it’s not the only factor. Being Mexican is intertwined with societal experiences and expectations that have been generated over time. These include cultural norms, historical events, and interactions with diverse communities. Growing up with Mexican traditions and values has instilled in me a deep appreciation for family, community, and resilience. It has also fostered a sense of solidarity with marginalized groups. Overall, being Mexican has enriched my perspective by providing a unique lens through which to view the world, while also reminding me of the interconnectedness of humanity.

Do you have any memories of Mexico, and do you go back? No, I have no actual memories of my own. I migrated with my parents at the age of one. They were contracted agricultural workers.

How is the culture in the South different from the culture in Mexico? What do you wish to convey with the blank spaces in your pieces? I feel a sense of nostalgia to a place I’ve never known. I have both beautiful images formed with descriptions from family and empty gaps that I can never fill. Some of those places have changed over time and will never be the same. I thought a lot about how I could depict this sensation of emptiness or missing pieces in an image, my paintings are the result of that process.

What is the hardest part of being away from your family? My painting of the cemetery with the little girl peering from behind a door is an expression of this very sensation. Because I haven’t had the opportunity to go and meet family, I don’t have the emotions typically associated with missing family members. I hear about people passing over the years, grandparents, aunts, uncles and I know something is lost, however not to the degree of feeling the void firsthand. The hardest part of being away from family is not just missing out on the physical presence or shared experiences, but also the emotional connection and support they provide. It’s the absence of familiar faces, comforting hugs, and the ability to share joys and sorrows in person. My painting captures the eerie solitude and longing for connection, symbolized by the image of the little girl peering from behind a door, perhaps longing for the warmth and familiarity of family.