The Greatness Within You

What pieces or projects have you been working on lately?
The project is called Mictlán: Mexica Underworld, the place of the dead and eternal rest reached after an arduous journey. The Mexica conception of death and Mictlán is the basis of the Day of the Dead tradition, which honors the deceased by paying tribute to their journey to the afterlife.

The piece is titled Portal (a low-temperature clay piece, approximately 80×30). I decided to represent the xoloitzcuintle, guide of the souls of the dead. Its role is to accompany and guide its master through the long and dangerous journey across the underworld, helping them cross the final obstacle: the river Apanohuacalhuia. I wanted to honor this peculiar Mexican animal.

What did you learn (or unlearn) while working on them?
I learned that each person has their own story and projects it onto what they see. Also that thinking about such a noble animal can help us on the path of death, and I believe that’s magical.

What words, ideas or emotions were going through your head?
Art as will. Every time I take a tool to shape an idea, it’s a moment that makes me feel alive and aware of myself in the present. Also, dreaming of creating opens space for a world without limits, where perfection is precisely that because it is imperfect.

Were there any conversations, movies, music, or books that made their way into that work?
I firmly believe that an artist doesn’t always have to be alone to create: spending time with creative minds, listening to fellow artists, sharing spaces for reflection and knowledge, and talking with people who love art is deeply enriching and inspiring.

What's been the most difficult thing you've faced recently in your creative process?
Definitely time. Balancing motherhood, physical exercise, time with my husband, and working on these projects is a challenge. Creating makes me happy, but time with my family gives me the drive to keep doing what I love.

What is your favorite restaurant and what do you recommend we order?
My favorite dish is duck chilaquiles at a restaurant called Paulettein Guadalajara. Delicious.

If your life were a movie this month, what would it be called and who would write the soundtrack?
The Greatness Within You, and the soundtrack would be composed by my husband, who is a spectacular composer and musician.

Recommend one or more artists you follow who inspire you, and tell us what you like most about their work or their way of working.
Darío Serrano. Sculptor and exceptional teacher, with work marked by strong social critique and highly detailed figurative pieces. He has a passion for what he does and an uncommon composure.

Carlos García Márquez. A splendid artist with a great story to tell in every piece; an example of strength and resilience.