FInal Artist Statement and Bio

Artist Statement

       Vivianna Sepulveda's "Eramos Semilla" series depicts the constant presence of struggle and resistance that have shaped the Chicano Identity. From colonization by the Spanish to Dreamers fighting deportation, Chicano/as have continuously faced some sort of battle. While this struggle meant the death of millions of indigenous peoples, loss of lands, and discrimination. It also has the power to drive a community together and continue fighting.

       The artist draws inspiration from the style of the Chicano Art Movement and its popular use of murals. She drew inspiration from Emigdio Vasques in particular. He is known as the Godfather of Chicano art and has created many murals in his lifetime.These murals were painted in neighborhoods and often displayed some sort of message to aid political movements. The Movement emphasized on identity and politics, both of which are present in this series.
       This struggle is represented in three different drawings or "murals". The first one is in regard to the origins of this identity. The artist uses iconic images of the Aztec calendar stone and a traditional Aztec figure. This was inspired by the mural Quatzelcoatl which also stacked multiple icons on top of each other. Also in the drawing is a Spanish mission. The Spanish used Catholicism as a tool to colonize and justify the atrocities that happened to indigenous people. In the second drawing contains a side portrait of Cesar Chavez against a backdrop of an agricultural field. Known for his activism, Chavez was a leader for those who were being taken advantage. He was able to lead a resistance and fight for fair conditions. He is a major Chicano icon. The last panel deals with the current administration and Dreamers. The Trump administration has called for the end of DACA, which would see to the deportation of 800,000 people who call the United States home. I came across a painting by Judy Baca who incorporated corn in her painting and decided to do the same. The use of the corn in the all my drawings is a reference to the Mayan creation myth. The Gods planted corn and from them grew people. The Spanish words translated to, "They tried to bury us, they didn't know we were seeds". This harkens back to the constant struggle again. This Mexican proverb became popular after an unfortunate tragedy in Mexico happened where 43 students went missing.

       The artists used multiple layers of soft pastels in order to attain vibrant colors. These drawings were lightly influenced by Roy Lichtenstein. There is a combination of traditional Chicano murals and Roy's use of outlining figures and they're surroundings. Each panel has a dynamic relationship on it, for example to Aztecs and the Spanish.

Artist Bio 

Vivianna Sepulveda was born in Irvine, California. She is a third-year student attending Chapman University pursuing a Political Science degree with a minor in Studio Art. She works in multiple mediums: ceramics, stained glass, watercolor, ink, charcoal, and graphite. More often than not, her artwork will contain some aspect of her Chicana identity. 

Vivianna first developed a liking for art in high school. She connected with a high school teacher who became her mentor. Under his guidance, she explored different mediums that allowed her to express herself in ways she couldn't before. She was able to take multiple courses over three years before his unfortunate passing. Today she continues to make art with the skills she was fortunate enough to have learned from her mentor.

Influences:
The Chicano Art Movement
Emigdio Vasquez
Quatzelcoatl Mural: Multiple Artists (Guillermo Aranda, Salvador Barrajas, José Cervantes, Sammy Llamas, Bebe Llamas, Victor Ochoa, Ernest Paul, Arturo Roman, Guillermo Rosete, Mario Torero, Salvador Torres)
Judy Baca
43 Missing Students
Roy Lichtenstein