BETWEEN THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY
BETWEEN THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY
By Arely Cardenas
I was sitting at a Park Station Hashery picnic table on a warm summer Tuesday, Flipside Lovers were playing their firme vinyl tunes and belching laughs were filling the air all around me. My friend Ivette leans in and says, "hey I got some chisme." Haley's eyes lit up, I respond in a whispering tone "I love chisme." We both leaned in from all corners of that picnic table to hear the latest word on the street. But that's besides the point! We three proceeded to laugh ever so loudly and, throughout the remainder of the night, we spoke about experiences as chingona advocates, our small businesses and future creative endeavors. One thing we all shared in common, we saw our dreams through.
Aqui entre nos, there are some unstoppable forces out here in the streets of San Jose. They could be taking your cake order, opening the gates to the Mexican Heritage Plaza for San Jose Day or capturing your portrait while you exist in this beloved city. I am dedicating this work to the risk takers, dream seekers and all creatives who have contributed their gifts to the city of San Jose one way or another.
“...we spoke about experiences as chingona advocates, our small businesses and future creative endeavors. One thing we all shared in common, we saw our dreams through.”
That Summer 2023 night I shared with my ladies really inspired the entirety of this piece. The woman depicted whispering is Ivette Alcala, owner of "Bake That Ass Up," and the colors she exudes represents her aura, filled with life. Notice how she shares the same color palette with the hummingbird. In this case, both subjects represent the phrase "a little birdy told me..." Haley Cardamon, founder of San Jose Day, is taking in what is being shared with her, filling her soul with happiness, changing her light in real time from pale blue to electrifying purple. In my eyes, Haley is a bridge to connecting community members and always open to innovative ideas. The birds in the background represent you, you all who fill your city with life and progression.
As an artist, my experiences influence what I create in my artwork. Miguel Ozuna is an amazing photographer and thinking partner. I dedicate the hummingbird to him, it's a symbol of hope, to follow the road less traveled and never give up on self. So this is a reminder to you, lean on your peers, rely on your community members to put life source into you AND make sure you return the favor.
“...it’s a symbol of hope, to follow the road less traveled and never give up on self. ”