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)

L.A.: Once Upon A Multicultural Arts Haven

Los Angeles in the 1980's and 90's was a time of multi cultural, multi district, multi sexual orientation creation and collaboration. Art, music, dance, fashion, performance art, theater, graffiti art, murals, indy filmmaking, print media all leaving their mark on the map of this vast LA-LA landscape. These were the pre FundMe days when if you had a project in mind you either applied for an arts grant, found a benefactor or you held fundraisers. A lot of time and effort was donated by artists themselves. There were plenty of arts supporters who gave their time and money as well. Why? Because local arts kept our city authentic and alive with a true sense of how our cultural and ethnic differences were alike in so many ways. That's not to say there weren't outlying areas that didn't wish to participate in the grand scheme of a melting pot theory. They were there in the comfort zones hiding behind curtains and valleys which was just fine for us without a monocultural...

Eddie Ayala - PRESENTE!

The Chicano community mourns the loss of its champions for our cause through life celebrations, tributes, memorials and Dia de los Muertos altars. Many notables and non public figures have passed on throughout the fifty plus years since the birth of the ELA Chicano movement and many more will soon follow. Activists, academics, professionals, artists, business owners and community members - young and old - have contributed to the vastness of our cultural collective. Each and every one deserving of recognition and appreciation for their involvement, passion and pride in their Chicano/a/x identity. This time we are gathering to celebrate the life and legacy of Eddie Ayala who passed away at the age of 63 the day after Dia de los Muertos, 2023. I met Eddie Ayala at the tail end of the 1970's East LA backyard party scene where local Chicano music icons rocked cover songs and our socks off for a mere $1 entrance fee. Although entertaining and audience drawing there was a need for...

Site Scene in L.A.

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