These paintings symbolize the start of a transformative journey, breaking emotional barriers to forge a path toward family success. They reflect the separation of two family members, each dealing with their own emotions while enduring for the greater good. The work captures the sacrifices made for love and unity, highlighting how one individual’s journey can inspire many. It speaks to the present, where triumph often demands resilience and selflessness for the sake of all.
The Car, 2024
32 x 24 x 4 in
Balsa Wood Foam, Wood Paste, Modeling Clay, Thread, Lights, Acrylic on Panel
What and who has inspired and enabled you to become an artist?
Juan Tocay, my uncle, is the inspiration behind who I am today. Raised in Guatemala I witnessed his commitment to art in school and his use of unconventional materials and mix media techniques. Despite shifting to work as a sewing machine operator to support the family, he continued to nurture his creativity in garment design and printing. His ability to adapt while maintaining his artistic passion motivates me to persist in my own artistic journey and embrace the experimentation.
Riding Through The Walls, 2024
32 x 12 in
Balsa Wood, Foam, Wood Paste, Golden Coarse Paste, Acrylic Sheet Plaskolite, Acrylic on Panel
Describe your art practice and how your journey in the art world has evolved over time?
My art explores the absence and yearning caused by my father's immigration from Guatemala to the U.S. Using old letters, personal memories, and photos, I reinterpret the father-daughter relationship I never had. Distorted objects in my work highlight fragmented memories of a young age. I aim to connect with the universal experience of longing for a distant parent and understanding others' shared struggles. My journey has evolved in the usage of materials and the artists I have met during shows.
The Doors, 2024
30 x 24 x 5in
Balsa Wood, Foam, Wood Paste, Modeling Clay, Thread, Acrylic on Panel
How do you connect to Southern California and what do you love about living in the Los Angeles region?
I connect to Southern California through my father, who has lived here for over 20 years, showing me both the old places in East LA where I used to live and the new. I connect through the diverse cultures and communities formed despite being far from my home in Guatemala. I love how I can go to art galleries, big and small, that offer the diverse art and culture I lacked in Guatemala. Every weekend, I explore places to reconnect to my past but learn what my new home can offer me.
Between Dreams, 2024
16 x 25 in
Wood, Foam, Balsa Wood, Acrylic on Panel
How would being recognized by the Lakers In the Paint program help your art career in a distinct way?
Being recognized will give me visibility to inspire many, especially my Guatemalan community and upcoming artists, just as I've been inspired by others. It will open doors to achieve my goals and keep creating art with 3D elements. This opportunity will help me connect with other artists and professionals, share my story, and raise awareness of the immigrant experience of yearning for family left behind.