What is the importance of this show to you? 

Can you tell me some about your own history?

BR: As the child of immigrants, I totally identify with my Mexican/Cuban roots, even more Méxican because we still go back every year with my mom. Even though we’re born in different places, we are all similar. 

ALM: My family and I immigrated from a small town in México to the Cypress Park neighborhood of Northeast Los Angeles, California in 1970. I attended several community colleges before transferring over to Cal State University Los Angeles where I received a BFA. I have an art studio in Covina where I work as an artist and art teacher.

LVR: I grew up in the predominantly Mexican community of Pico Rivera. I was raised to believe that all people are equal. We are all valuable and we are responsible for one another. 

What is your inspiration?

BR: As an adult I started realizing that oh, my goodness, the beauty in my culture is incredible. La cultura is beautiful, let’s do something to really show your culture. I love all that.

The environmentalist Berta Cáceres and the stuff that she was fighting for. She was assassinated, but what people don’t realize is that the seeds that were planted will never die, they are blossoming in children and other people that took up the cause. I want to learn everything about this woman and her work and her love for humanity.

You realize that it’s not about you, you put your ego down and record our culture, everything will start falling in place. It’s not about you, it’s bigger than all of us.

Barbara Rivera: Comandanta Ramona, Nunca Mas

LVR: Love. To love others and to help others see their value. We are all part of one body.

I have one painting called “Seeds of Love” and it was inspired by the three women's environmental activism, and it is about how we are planting the seeds of love not only in our own children but in our children’s children and our friend’s children and our neighbors and in our community. These seeds of love will grow for generations and we just need to plant them.

Who or what have been influences in your art?

BR: I got to travel to Morocco in June of 2023, and we came together for the Safi International Arts and Music Festival. Art transcends all the languages. It didn’t matter what our religion was, it was the most eye-opening trip of my life. It gave me so much hope for all of us. They would say USA, USA, and I said yes it is America, but deep down inside of me I represent Latin America.

ALM: Family, culture, and of course everything about the feminine mind and body are my biggest influences. In my work, I always want to touch on the perspective of being a woman.I think that definitely shows through very strongly in my work.

My mother has always been a great influence too. Her support and encouragement of my career as well as her brave spirit even in the face of adversity will always drive me to pursue my goals. Women just rock!

LVM: My faith, my culture, and my family have influenced my art. I have learned the importance of gathering and sharing stories. I have learned the importance of gratitude and giving back. The idea that we are not well unless we are all well, and the importance of learning history and recognizing the struggles and sacrifices that others have made in the name of freedom and justice, have all played a role in my art. The women who are featured in this show are an inspiration to me and their stories influence my work. To be able to express their passion, their struggles, and their voices is so important. We need to amplify their voices any way we can. My art is my voice and with it I amplify the voices I admire.

Laura Vazquez Rodriguez: Voices of Courage