A Bridge Too Close: The Creative Process and Practice of a Mexican-American Artist from the Border

The Rio Grande Valley remains a unique place for its fusion of Mexican and American culture. Coming from this large stretch of marginalized region, I feel divided by these two nations while simultaneously composed by them. This mirrors my personal engagement with traditional rendering, and my challenge with contemporary drawing and painting. Questioning and asking myself what artist I want or should be remains as a quotidian encounter in today’s art world, in the same way I demand to find harmony between two cultures. Through my artistic process and research, I seek to gain a better understanding of my ethnic background while framing and contextualizing the individual qualities of the people around me. Addressing trepidations of self-worth, identity, acculturation, and assimilation are primary aspirations, which I anticipate young artists from the border, and society can connect with. Ultimately, my artistic endeavors gravitate and rise to reflect my inner struggle, and the perilous dichotomy of my identity.