Aztec Gods Glyph Series by Linda Gamboa

As September 2016 rolled around I found myself breaking free from many longtime friendships and family ties all because of my involvement with the political revolution. Going against the norm has always been a way of life for me so to find those I thought knew me were disappointed I wasn't falling in line with the status quo was surprising, though not shocking. The experience forced me to see how my energy had been focused on making change for the masses while neglecting my own personal growth. It had occurred to me how cultural assimilation in America has taken a toll on many in my community and social circle casting them further off course from OG Chicanismo. Instead of wallowing in anger and self-pity I began taking a deeper look into my own detachment from ancestral roots by being born into this cultural indoctrination nation. It dawned on me how throughout my years of public education (K-12) I never once learned of Aztec or Mayan gods yet was taught of Greek and Roman mythology. Something needed to be done so I turned to creating a series of Aztec glyphs made of felt, vintage and contemporary buttons, beads and notions. I had originally planned on making a set of 20 but life took a series of unnexpected twists and chingaderas in March of 2017 so I had to put the project on hold. I was only able to complete one additional piece during the recent pandemic bringing me closer to completing the series.

Miquiztli (death)

Ozomahtli (monkey)

Cipactli (caiman or aquatic monster)

Itzcuintli (dog)

Ocelotl (ocelot or jaguar)

Ehecatl (wind)

Cuauhtli (eagle)

Tochtli (rabbit)

Coatl (snake)

Cozcacuauhtli (vulture)

Cuetzpalin (lizard)

Mazatl (deer)

Rustic Chicana: A take on the rustic chic culture. Always having to make use of whatever was available has given me the ability to make something out of nothing.

Rustic Chicana was born of the 2020 Covid pandemic. A time when days became months. A time when finances and resources were limited like never before. A time when boxes and grocery delivery packaging materials were plentiful. Much of my Rustic Chicana work was created by utilizing scrap cardboard and paper bags.

Muchachas Bailen En Vikinis and Stray Gato are part of a limited series of cardboard panels dedicated to OG storefront signage of 1960's/70's Boyle Heights and East LA.

Rustic Chicana Dia de los Muertos headdresses.

Catrina Dia de los Muertos hats.

Walltares (Wall Altares)

Steampunk Calaca Masks

I didn't let the pandemic put a damper on my participation in Dia de los Muertos festivities in 2021. I painted my calaca face and loaded down my vendadora cart with my handcrafted goods then headed over to Self Help Graphics. It was part protest over the outrageous costs for vendor spots and part homage to the many street vendors who succumbed to Covid.

It was great to see familiar faces out and about during a time when we were encouraged to avoid human contact. East LA artist Rosanna Esparza Ahrens and her mother, Chicana altarista and 2018 NEA National Heritage Fellowship honor, Ofelia Esparza pose while wearing Rustic Chicana headdress and Catrina hat. Always a pleasure running into my amigas.

Artist Archives 1990's-2009

In going through my files and archives I realized not many of the announcements for art exhibitions and sales I participated in over the years survived. The first group exhibition was for Dia de los Muertos at Galeria Olvera in 1990. The last was Ofrendas 2009: Calavera Fashion Show and Walking Altars at Tropico de Nopal.