As far as I can remember, all I ever wanted to do was art.I drew art as a form of therapy
My childhood experiences of being excluded in school for looking different and the chaos that ensued in my household led me to my room, where my markers and coloring books were my havens.
As time passed, I developed my skills in drawing. I knew that if I wanted to get out of a small town, I had to enhance my portfolio to get into art school; I ended up attending the Delaware College of Art and Design. Still, I could not afford to continue with another two-year institution, so from there after I was self-taught.
I did not have a mentor during my adolescent years, so I had to pave my path the only way I knew how to.
Socializing.
If I had to get anywhere in life, I knew I had to be open in being vulnerable. Speaking to strangers made me an active listener and focused on the present, and suddenly, networking became a breeze.
I struggled to be an artist and maintain a side career during the last ten years. Like many, we tend to derail a portion of our passion for security. I made the best of what I had and was fortunate to have found small successes.
From working in non-profit to education, I enjoyed learning and creating. However, my dreams kept telling me to reach bigger.
2020 changed everything for me; it took only one year in Mexico to realize that it's a place I want to call home. Puerto Vallarta is a home base where I can grow and establish myself as a professional artist. I have a community of people who support my efforts, and I wish to continue to share resources with the locals.
This summer, I have the opportunity to volunteer my time at a grassroots gallery called the Hive Galeria in Puerto Vallarta. MX. I am donating time to support its growth by holding space for artists from across the realm and offering my creative services.
Initially, my goal was to stay in PV for only the summer. However, being back in this space reminded me that if I plan to be consistent, I have to extend my stay to maintain stability.
I am giving it another year since Mexico's economy has significantly improved since the pandemic. I came with the savings I had working as an art teacher, which I will dearly miss this following school year, but my savings are starting to dwindle.
I am asking for this amount to help me pay rent and bills for the next 12 months.
I currently work as a waitress under the table at a restaurant, but my salary is $120 a month.
If you can find it in your heart to support the first-generation Chicana, a person of color who is breaking barriers and generational trauma by changing mindsets that will allow me to make a positive impact, i would deeply appreciate it. Anything you can offer during this vital timeline in my life.
Thank you, everyone, from the bottom of my heart. I will update on social media about what I have going on in my creative space.
Thank you!!!
Con mucho cariño,
Itzel.
