Now that I work as a full-time journalist, I want to continue writing in my style when I can. Arts and cultural is something not always followed up on or written about widely by news organizations. The news continues to be heavy on politics because thats what we are dealing with today but politics is not the only thing in culture and sometimes not every voice makes it into the published story. This series blog series will show more than what was originally published.
I got the opportunity to write about an art form my dad always spoke to me about. I never understood how deep meaningful Alebrijes were in my culture but now hearing the stories of each person has made me grateful to know them. Here are some other mini stories of people I spoke to during the process of writing this story.
Alca Usan: Turning an alebrije into a lesson
For Alca Usan, the alebrije workshop became more than an opportunity to make a sculpture. The San Jose educator and artist brought the experience back into her work with students, where she has been using papier-mâché with kids after school and for a library altar.
Her own creature started with a gecko-inspired body before she added elements inspired by animals and things she loves — including a cat and dragonfly wings.
The workshop also brought her back to memories of her grandmother, who was creative and hands-on. Usan said the experience showed her how one community art project can reach far beyond the people sitting around the workshop table.
“It’s cool how it’s one community event, but it impacts so many more parts of the community, “Usan said.
Alejandro Acosta: A creature that carries a universe
Alejandro Acosta signed up for Teatro Visión’s alebrije workshop because he had wanted to make one for years.
Once he began working through the workshop’s prompts, his idea grew into something much more elaborate. His creature combines a crocodile, turtle and shark, with frog legs and a jaguar tail. He imagined it swimming through a galaxy and representing Earth through his interpretation of Aztec mythology.
For Acosta, the workshop was also a chance to meet other artists and become part of a creative community in San Jose. He didn’t initially know the finished alebrijes would become part of Teatro Visión’s production, which made the project even more meaningful once he found out.
“I came to network and meet artists and be part of the community.”
Jessica Torres: Giving an alebrije life
Jessica Torres has been part of the Teatro Visión community for decades, first as a patron and later as a staff member and board member. Her connection to alebrijes began years ago during a program in Oaxaca, where she learned more about the tradition and the artists who make the brightly painted wooden creatures.
At the workshop, Torres found herself learning something new again. She had painted pre-made alebrijes before, but this was her first time building one from scratch.
As her sculpture took shape, she began thinking about the generations of artists who have carried the tradition forward — and about the process of turning an idea into something tangible.
“It’s a great feeling to come together and think about, you know, those traditions, and the artists, and all of the beauty that they represent.”
*Originally story published in San José Spotlight: https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-residents-make-art-for-upcoming-theater-show/
Look for part 2 in October once I go see the play Alebrijes: A Día de los Muetros Tale
Leave a comment