Janet Sanchez

My paintings are based on my Hispanic culture and catholic religion. I use modeling paste to create dimension within the paintings. I create this dimension within the Quinceañera by bringing the cake forth and using the paint to also manipulate the dimension of the piece. In El Dia de Los Muertos I add dimension to the skull, flowers, bread, basket, and candles. In Las posadas, I gave it a dimension to the bat and the Pinata. Through my pieces, I try to express how I see my Hispanic culture through these events.

Artist Statement

Las Celebraciones

My paintings reflect my Mexican heritage and how I commemorate my roots. My art focuses on Hispanic cultural holidays and traditions as well as how they are observed in America. I want my art to target viewers who are uninformed of Hispanic traditions so I can inform them of the culture. I concentrate on El Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), La Quinceañera (fifteen-year-old), and Las Posadas (Shelter/Inn). In each painting, I used molding paste to add depth. I used acrylic paint, so I can express dim and warm lighting and vibrant colors. I enjoyed experimenting with different styles and materials so that my paintings draw the viewer in with the use of color, composition, and texture.

Through my work, I show that the Hispanic community is deeply rooted in the catholic religion. Each event represents important principles of remembrance, maturity, and celebration. Día de Los Muertos is celebrated to remember loved ones and is celebrated on All Souls Day/All Saints Day. A half-drawn skull represents the brief transition between life and death. La Quinceañera is the passage to womanhood for a fifteen-year-old girl and her commitment to her catholic faith. In La Quinceañera the girl holds the rosary, a foundation of her faith and a symbol of piety. The third piece is based on Las Posadas, a tradition of the Catholic Church when we commemorate the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. The piñata in Las Posadas is symbolic. The seven corners represent the Seven Deadly Sins and striking it represents the effort Christians make in overcoming personal sin.

Through my work, I have been able to learn more about why I celebrate these events and how the culture is connected to religion. My artwork reflects my Hispanic heritage and each piece is tied together through the Catholic Church. I’m hoping to express what I have learned and what I already know in my paintings. My goal is for my work to inform and make people more open-minded to the various cultures.

Project Description

My paintings are based on my Hispanic culture and catholic religion. I use modeling paste to create dimension within the paintings. I create this dimension within the Quinceañera by bringing the cake forth and using the paint to also manipulate the dimension of the piece. In El Día de Los Muertos I add dimension to the skull, flowers, bread, basket, and candles. In Las posadas, I gave it a dimension to the bat and the Pinata. Through my pieces, I try to express how I see my Hispanic culture through these events.