Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Carmona
Hi Sandra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was in kindergarten, I recall being completely engulfed in a coloring worksheet. I pressed so hard on my jumbo crayons to saturate the color, that I broke them. I colored outside the subject, in the blank spaces and did my own thing. Suddenly my concentration was broken when my teacher took my crayon out of my hand and scolded me. She told me I would never be an artist if I could not follow the rules and stay inside the lines. I had no concept of what an “artist” was. Years later, my third grade art teacher had us draw an eagle during class. Again, I got lost in the art project. I added details and broke the rules. I made my eagle full body with its wings spread, sun shining in the background. Then my teacher interrupted me. He took my paper and stared at it for a minute. He turned to me and asked who drew it. When I said I did, he stood there shocked. He took my art and exhibited it at one of his shows. I was not invited and as much as I requested, I never got my eagle painting back. However, it was then that I realized, I was an “Artist”. At that time, although I was a little girl, I knew I was being treated unjustly because of the color of my skin, my socioeconomic and cultural background. I knew it was not right for him to show my art as an example of his success as an art teacher, yet not include me. These experiences would later be the fuel that drives my passion.
In 4th grade I painted my first mural. In high school I created custom drawings for party flyers, Valentine’s Day notes and folder covers in exchange for money. However, I only did art as a hobby. It was not until I met my mentor Berenice Badillo, that with her help, I took my art many levels up. Berenice guided me, taught me, challenged me and opened up many opportunities for me. I also met incredible artists through her and later formed an all women’s art collective known as XoQUE Art in Motion.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To get to where I am today has been a journey in itself. There have been challenges as well as successes. One lesson that I learned early on is that being an artist takes a lot of effort. Yes, one has the talent, passion and drive. On the other hand, there are other factors such as, seeking funding, time management, collaborations, grant writing and so on, that come along with it. There have been many times where I have been up at 3AM painting. Many times, my entire home was taken over by projects or times where my family had to eat in the living room surrounded around the coffee table because I was using our dining room as my studio. In a nutshell, being an artist takes a lot of work and sacrifice.
The upside is, art has no limits. No rules. Art allows you the freedom to speak through your pieces. Art is revolutionary.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a proud member of XoQUE Art in Motion. XoQUE is a border art collective of diverse identities that revolve around women who are Xicana/x, Mexicanas and Native commited to social and racial justice.
Our most recent work is the restoration and completion of Berenice Badillo’s pillar in Chicano Park, titled, “Tu Puedes Mija.” This pillar is the biggest pillar in the park, painted only by women, for women. Painting in Chicano Park was my childhood dream and one of my biggest accomplishments.
My work specifically, is farmworker and indigenous/native centered. My passion is to raise awareness, advocate and showcase the beautiful and rich culture of my community.
I am proud to have recently had my first solo show at The Hill Street Country Club Gallery. “Hill Street Country Club is dedicated to fostering community wellness and cultural engagement through the arts” (www.thehillstreetcountryclub.org). My show, “The Backbone of Agriculture” was funded by the Far South Border North grant in collaboration with RISE San Diego and local community groups, Mujeres Poderosas with CRLA and Fallbrook Poder Popular. The focus of the show was to bring local farmworkers out of the shadows for a cultural exchange to cultivate consciousness and empathy surrounding farmworker and indigenous local populations.
Any big plans?
In the future I plan on expanding my reach and working on becoming a better artist. I would like to participate in more national and international art shows to promote social justice.
I hope to secure funding to continue to bring art to folks who have not had the opportunity to experience it due to financial and cultural reasons.
XoQUE Art in Motion also has plans to work on multiple, new and exciting projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.xoque-artinmotion.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandracarmonaart?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
