Laura Díaz Tovar | 6th Street Studio | Artist Residency

Project / Work Statement

It is my vision to continue the work I have been working on for the past two years that explores the strength, empowerment, and love of community. The pandemic has impacted folks in the community very differently and has highlighted the inequities and system-wide issues that have oppressed our communities further. The isolation individuals and the collective community have felt will have long-lasting effects. Although I have been creating art and poetry for most of my life, the last two years have been some of the most painful and inspiring times to create art. My painting, writing, and embroidery helped me at an individual level in healing and community care. I shared my art with the community through workshops, classes, and healing circles as part of Colibri Collective, a collective I co-founded in 2019 and on my own. The work I did through my art created spaces for community members to be in the healing spaces when the isolation of COVID was keeping us far from each other.

For my 6th Street Studios residency, I would like to continue exploring the themes of strength, empowerment, and love of community. I work mainly with acrylics on canvas and wood and have several pieces that center design motifs of ancient Mexico, contemporary messages, and above all, love. I’d like to grow the collection of paintings to explore how communities are healing now; many stories in the community have gone unheard, and I want to be a frame through which to present those stories. Having dedicated time and quiet space to focus on my work will allow me to complete my collection and help me grow as an artist. I am committed to the principle of cultura cura, the method of healing connected to our cultural identity, cultural values, principles, customs, and traditions.

I would like to be able to teach at least one class/workshop per month. Ideas for classes:

● Amate Painting; inspired by the Amate Paintings of Puebla and Guerrero in Mexico. Traditionally the paper used for these paintings is made from processed tree bark that is boiled, dyed, and sometimes bleached. The paper was used to pass along messages and for rituals. This workshop would use household items that the community can use to replicate these paintings. Participants will learn about the history of this type of art.

● Cuna Mola Design; inspired by the Cuna women of Panama, it is an art piece created with fabric panels.

● Self-Care Touchstones; participants will create touchstones for their self-care and life balance wheel. This tool is empowering, affirming, and positive and will look at six dimensions of wellness: physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, personal, and professional. Each dimension represents a part of our lives that requires our daily attention.

● Alebrijes; inspired by the Alebrijes of Oaxaca. Participants will create their unique magical alebrije. Alebrijes are animals that have been said to “escape the nightmares of an arctic and appear as a variety of different species.” 1

1 https://silencio.com/our-movement/alebrije-spirit-guides