The intent of this body of work and research is to reveal a process by which I can create work that reflects my point of view and background, or propriospect. This process of combining my Hispanic heritage and American upbringing is one I hope to model for my students in the art classroom. I created five works reflecting my personal point of view by combining techniques and styles used in my native Chile with some that I learned as I grew up in the United States. Through this study I determined a process by which my students can create work that is both personally significant and informative to the other students in the classroom.

Review of my recent work and influences.

The degreework is based on an ancient technique called Reverse appliqué which is popular among the Kuna Indians with their Mola blouse and in Hmong textile art. There are various ways of using the technique. The basic method which I have been focusing my work on is where two or more layers are put together, the motif is then stitched through the layers either by hand or machine stitched, one or more layers is then cut open around the edges of the motif in order to reveal the next coming layer. I believe this technique has not been explored enough in terms of materials with various properties, layers,and textures resulting in the same generic surface expression. This work looks for various ways to use these elements in order to find new surface expressions. The result is a collection which suggests new ways of approaching the technique with a variety of mixed surface expressions such as by exploring various stitch tension into the technique, or by using the material itself as the keystone into the technique when creating the material and not only as one of the layers. More importantly the multiple material explorations that was conducted throughout this study indicates the amount of possibilities this technique has to offer for further exploration. It is also a suggestion to use materials that might not be considered as the right proper materials for streetwear, sportswear looks which in the end surprised me will the collection surprise you?

Human experience, particularly the trials and tribulations of growing up, is the foundation on which I build. In this body of work, I represent these somewhat unsettling times. I use flattened space, strong diagonals, and vibrant color to add energy to the compositions. An underlying structure of fragmented shapes suggests the incomplete nature of adolescence.

My quilts serve as a visual journal of some of my travels and experiences. Through my quilts, I remember the rich colors and memories of my European adventures. The methodical process of stitching quilts line by line is an important process for my recollection of the many steps taken during my trip abroad. Stitching fabric is the method that communicates the opportunities and experiences of my travel that I want to share with others.

Over the years I have created many different images and explored a variety of media along my artistic journey. Similar images continue to occur in my work - images from my life as a child and as an adult in rural settings. I lived on a poultry farm and was involved in working with my parents there. When I married, my husband was a cattle farmer so I continued to live on a farm and use rural images in my work. Living in the country makes me constantly aware of the relationship between God, nature and man. I believe that we can find beauty in the most ordinary objects or places. My artwork is intended to help others find this beauty.

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