Recently, my Aunt Rosita purchased her very first home. She is selfless – she works long hours, she always makes sure everyone is taken care of before herself, and treasures each person in her family more than I think any of us will ever realize. She and I share so much in common, but the one thing I love is that we both have the same appreciation and admiration for Chicano art and culture. When I visit her in California, she knows without me even asking that I want to visit Olvera St. and other little market places with nichos, milagros, and beautifully embroidered blouses that are decorated in turquoises, fuchsias, oranges, and yellows.

I love everything about my heritage, from the mariachis, to the smooth talavera tiles, to the delicious tamales my grandma Rosa cooks for me (they take her at least a day!) upon request. The styles of Chicano art vary, but I love it all – the rough texture of a dry terra cotta piece, the burning reds of a tin-punched sacred heart, the intricate patterns on papel picado banners, and the little treasures you’ll find grouped together in nichos – all unique and special in their own way.

But one of the things that always grabs my full attention when I’m in a shop is la loteria cards. La Loteria is a Mexican card game similar to bingo. The images are ordinary items that happen to be completely inspiring to me. You can find their likeness on jewelry, t-shirts, and there’s even a Mexican restaurant nearby that has them as their table tops. Here is my interpretation of “La Luna”  – the moon card. I sent it with my sister since she was lucky enough to take a trip out to California and Hawaii this week. I love you, Rosita!

Sorry the pictures I took don’t do the color much justice. For my next painting, I’ll make sure to take a photo when the sun is not so bright! Click the photo to zoom in. :)

"La Luna" - Acrylic on Canvas