Meet Sandra Carmona

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sandra Carmona. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sandra below.

Sandra, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

As a kid, I migrated with my family between Southern California and Jalisco following agricultural and work seasons in order to survive. We lived in the desolate mountains of the Sierra Madre. In what is known as Ruta Wixárika, Indigenous lands.
The trip to our village was long. A days worth from the city. A public bus passed off a highway that cut through the mountain range. It passed once in morning heading to the city of Guadalajara and once in the evening through the small villages on its return. Only a few folks had cars. There was no doctor and no emergency services in our village. The village was built on terraces, so our neighbors’ home was approximately 20 feet above us. Built on a carved out mountain side.
One morning, my grandmother was sweeping and a huge rock from the neighbors’ lot came loose and fell down to our lot, striking my grandmother in the face. The rock slit half her face off her head. She sat in our patio holding her face until someone with a car to drive her several hours to the city for emergency treatment was found. She did not complain, she stayed conscious and held her face until she got the help she needed. She had a long scar on the side of her head for the rest of her life. This impacting story of strength and resilience is one of many involving members of my maternal lineage.
Resilience is something I carry in my DNA and culture.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am of Wixárika descent, Chicana, the daughter of farmworkers, and a muralist for more than 20 years. I come out of the struggle– brought up in poverty and around gangs–I was blessed to be part of a tightly knit, strong, and colorful barrio that influences my art. My art is the sounds, colors, and smells all found in my community.
My art is intended to amplify the voices of my people and to showcase our culture, contributions, struggles, and vibrancy. I use art as medicine to heal.
I am a proud member of XoQUE art in motion. XoQUE is a border art collective of diverse identities that revolve around women who are Xicana/x, Mexicanas and Native commited to social and racial justice.
Our most recent project is the restoration and completion of Berenice Badillo’s pillar in Chicano Park entitled, “Tu Puedes Mija.” This pillar is the tallest pillar in the park, painted by only women for only women.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I believe that you have to trust the journey. There are lessons that we only learn from difficulties and aging. If you want something, you must work for it. Do not be discouraged when doors are closed. The right ones will open if you continue on your path. Stay true to yourself and never water yourself down for anybody. Lastly, do not settle. Continue to learn. Set your goals higher every time and do not be afraid to make mistakes.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Blessed is the day I met my mentor Berenice Badillo. Berenice recognized my potential. She has been instrumental in my growth as an artist and as a person. In addition, my XoQUE sisters, Selena Calvo and Jennifer Clay, have played a roll in my success. These ladies, who are incredible and talented artist, continue to care and support me, while at the same time push and challenge me. I believe I would not be where I am today without this sisterhood.

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