Meet the artist: Luz Maria
I met Luz-Maria when she worked as my host at a small independently owned restaurant in the West Loop of Chicago. This shy, quirky, yet vibrant girl won me over from our very first interaction. She always came to work with tired and teary eyes but never without a smile on her face, and always seemed to cheer the staff up the minute she entered the room.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, her kind soul and infectious spirit and perseverance has inspired me to paint again. Once a week we would either have art nights together in my tiny office space, or I would help her study for her phlebotomy exams. Regardless of what it was, it was an escape from coming home some nights for Luz and I treasured our friendship and being a mentor figure for her.
Together we are creating this project to combine our passions, cultural upbringing, and adversities to create a mosaic of art that inspires and captivates the hearts and minds of others. Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging, identity, and pride, while bridging the cultural gaps between different communities and to invite outsiders to explore, appreciate, and learn from different cultures to promote social change.
Born into a world of adversity Luz has had to deal with more than most young girls have had to. Yet her journey is one that defies the odds and inspires all who encounter her vibrant artwork.
Refusing to let her circumstances define her future, she embraced her passion for art as a means of escape and self-discovery. Finding solace in the vibrant colors of her surroundings. She transformed the pain and struggle of her upbringing into breathtaking works of art that spoke volumes about her resilience and indomitable spirit.
By combining our love for travel and learning from different cultures, while embracing our own at the same time, our mission is to continue to create a vast colorful tapestry of people, traditions, languages, and perspectives through art. Depicting the richness of human interactions, in shared laughter, meals, and stories that bridge gaps and dissolve boundaries.
By sharing our own stories and traditions while embracing different cultures at the same time, we gain not only a broader perspective but also a deeper connection to our own roots. We hope to share this passion with you.
