LXS JOVENES LEADERSHIP LAB SPRING 2024
In this amazing Spring session, Lxs Jovenes students went to dive into the power of self reflection, tools of creative action and looking deep within to see how the power of art, music, and being advocates for each other can be tools to use to navigate their own unique imprints on the world. We had a total of 9 students consistently participating in ongoing activities.
Our main project was creating clay masks, investigating how we wear different masks in our everyday life, also exploring cultural relevance through mask making and weaving our own unique linages, ancestors, emotions and life into the clay. It was nice to see students react to clay and the earth . We finished these masks with mixed media using paint, pens, yarn, wire and beads to bring their pieces to life .
We also had four guests to share their magic and create meaningful workshops with us in this session: Michelle Tijerna from Wellpower Voz y Corazon, Guest artist Dahlia Lopez, Guest artist Cindy Loya and musical doula, Melissa Ivey.
MASKS
Cultrue by Aliyah Morales
“The title of my artwork is Cultrue. I used paint, yarn and clay to make my art. The concept behind my art is my multiple cultures and my crazy personality. I was inspired by myself. To make this piece, first, I molded it. Next, I waited for it to dry then I painted. And then, added yarn and details. I was hoping to make it colorful. I feel happy about how my artwork came out.”
Botched Britt by Hazel Vanegas
“I used a lot of things to make my art. The concept behind my art is that natural beauty is better than everything, I focused on her face because it was a funny shape. I was inspired by fake people. To make this piece, first, I thought about it. Next, I started shaping her face and then, I put her makeup on. I was hoping to show true beauty.”
Purple (left) by Lilia Francisco
“I used paint, clay, yarn, diamond and glue to make my artwork. I focused on color because it helps bring life. I was inspired by Lil Uzi Vert and aliens. To make this piece, first, I sculpted. Next, I painted and then I glued lil Uzi’s diamond on her forehead. I put her hair on. I was hoping to make it pop. I feel proud about how my artwork came out.”
Sunny (right) by Rebecca Ramos
“The title of my artwork is Sunny. I used paint and clay to make my art piece. I couldn’t make the other eye so I did a mini sun. I focused on color because I like it. I was inspired by me and color. To make this artwork, first, I sculpted, Next I painted and then, I added hair. I was hoping to make it look good.”
G59 by Lowden Hansen
“I used paint and clay to make my art. The concept behind my art is music and drug addiction. I focused on being colorful because you can turn your addiction around. I was inspired by the song G59 from Hip hop duo $uicideboy$. To make this piece, first, I made it look depressed / hurt. Next, I started to make the depressing / addicted side “heal” by covering it with colors and then, I wrapped the horns that showed anger to make it colorful.
The art of nowhere by Isabel Montenegro
“The title of my artwork is The art of nowhere. I used paint and clay to make my art piece. I was inspired by a box. To make this piece, first, I sculpted. Next, I painted it white and drew on it. I feel okay about how my artwork came out.”
My Superpower by Caleena Edwards
“I used clay and paint to make my art. The concept behind my art is helping others deal with my autism and gender identity. I typically change my personality to better for those I’m interacting with. This can be hiding my true personality and thoughts to appear better to others. I focused on shiny paint because I tend to make myself shiny. I was inspired by the concept of masking. To make this piece, first, I made a mini mask from clay. Next, I shaped the large clay piece and molded all the features of my mask such as the clown eyes and frowning screaming face. Then, I painted the mini and main masks with metallic silver to represent how I dress myself up, both my personality and my physical appearance. I was hoping to demonstrate how much work masking takes.”
Goat spider by Ethan Edwards Edwards
“The title of my artwork is Goat spider. I used clay and paint to make my art. The concept behind my art is my interests. I’m interested in goats because they’re cool and because I’m a capricorn. I have an interest in spiders because I think of how they make their webs. My interest in snakes is due to the fact they’re a cold-blooded reptile. I focused on my interests because it’s a big part of my identity. I was inspired by spiders, goats and snakes. To make this piece, first, I made a clay mask. Next, I added detail with more clay and clay tools and then, I painted it. I was hoping to make it interesting. I feel happy about how my artwork came out.
Viva la Vida by Jade Chaidez
“I used paint and clay to make my art. The concept behind my art is that I love the Day of the Dead and I’m Mexican. This makes me happy because it reminds me of my loved ones who passed away. I focused on painting because it was fun. To make this piece, first, I sculpted it. Next, I painted it and wrote- this and then, he touched it and hang it up. I was hoping to make people happy.”
Deamon CAT by Citlalli
“The title of my artwork is Deamon CAT. I used clay, paint, yarn, and beads to make my art. The concept behind my art is cats, my dislikes, my likes and weirdness. I focused on cats because I love cats. To make this piece, first, I shaped the clay, Next, I sculpted the details and then, I painted and glued on yarn and charms. I was hoping to make something weird. I feel good about how my artwork came out.”