PEREZ, DINO - 2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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If other please state below:: Artist Statement: Growing up my parents would always encourage my love for art and would sit and draw and color with me even though they were not artists themselves. By age four they realized I was engaged with the colors and designs. They would take the time to help me develop my artistic skills. These are my fondest childhood memories. In 2007 while attending the Art Institute of CA — OC, I took my first painting class and have since been creating paintings and displaying them throughout Downtown Santa Ana. My art is made through a graphic designers point of view. Everything is intentional and outlined in details, taking into consideration the elements of design and my own culture. I create color palettes for each painting and in each hue, drawing inspiration from surrealist artists from the 1920s and 1930s. I create with the intention that others will enjoy my art and find happiness in the paintings. I would like other children to be able to color and create with their parents. In 2015, 1 created "Coloring with the Community" with the mission to unite families, neighbors, and friends through the magic of coloring. I joined Community Engagement in 2016, a non profit that brings are to underserved communities and have been working directly with the residents at Triada which is in the Lacy Neighborhood. In 2017 1 was named as one of OC WEEKLY'S People of 2017. My art is not only being commissioned by Downtown businesses and residents, it's inspiring Santa Ana, bringing families together and bridging the divide amongst the new developers and cultural traditions. Narrative for proposed use of funds:: My father left Mexico to travel through tunnels to sneak into the United States with his brother, leaving my sister and mother behind. And myself in my mother's womb. This is where life begins for me. My mother and sister would later cross the border using fake identification to meet my father in Santa Ana where I would soon be born. Coming of age in Santa Ana, I would always wonder what my life would have been like had my parents not left Mexico for Santa Ana. I grew up first generation along with most of my neighbors, friends, and relatives. The struggle with identity and not knowing where you truly belong was something I had to face daily. Art would allow me to express my thoughts and feelings as a child and I continued to do so as I grew up. Through chicano art I would feel comfort and acceptance while trying to navigate through two worlds. My project would be to explore my family's migration to Santa Ana from Mexico, my coming of age in Santa Ana, and the struggle of identity being the child of immigrants and finding my identity through art. All of this would be painted with acrylic paint on wood. I will create 8 paintings and the sizes will range in height from 3' to 6' and taller. The series of paintings will be displayed at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA). The show will be open and free to the public. The paintings will be done in my surreal style, using iconography from my art that is representative of my story. With these paintings I hope to inspire others who may currently be struggling with the