Artist Statement

“ART HELPS ME TO KEEP THE JOY ALIVE”

Art is therapy; it allows me to connect with my inner self. I use art to remind myself of the naivety and innocence I used to have as a child; it lets me bring back the joy I had at a younger age and feel that transforming my ideas into something tangible is like magic.

Folk art influences my artistic expression; the colors and the mix of materials attract me so much, I am amazed at the ability artisans have to tell magnificent stories creating beauty from fundamental elements and materials. My artwork is playful and colorful; I use multimedia to share surreal abstractions of feelings, impressions, and experiences I had; using all types of materials together brings out the sparkle that makes me happy. With my pieces, I hope to create interest, not just in my art representation, but in where the stories of those pieces come from and the cultures I have experienced.

My grandmothers introduced me to crafts, embroidery, knitting, and crocheting. I believe that being exposed to those early activities shaped my interest in the arts in general. When I was in High school I was introduced to some literary pieces, poems, and narratives talking about the life of pre-Columbian cultures and those books opened to me a fascinating world. When I travel, discovering folk art in the places I go is a must; folk art expresses so much about society, and uncovering that brings me so much joy.

PATRICIA CAVAZOS