‘‘Mi Guerrero Interno’’
After coming back from an amazing trip to Mexico in September of 2021. I felt rejuvenated and inspired. While in CDMX I got my first ever limpia (cleansing) from an Aztec curandero named Miguel. After the cleansing, we talked for about two hours. Miguel shared his journey with us and his story really stuck with me. I bought a few stones and a clay bowl to burn copal. (Aztec ceremonial incense) Before we left, Miguel invited us back whenever we wanted and offered to take us on a spiritual journey into the deserts of San Miguel to hunt for peyote. He said the spirit of the blue deer would guide us there. We exchanged fb info and I said I would contact him when I was ready.
A few days later I was getting back into the swing of things, cleaning up my studio and decided to burn some copal. I suddenly got this urge to paint. I wasn’t sure what I was gonna paint at that time but I started pulling colors and reference images. This is the result of that.
My friend Jasmine Brooks said it best “I feel like the first time you unlock that creative burst you’re like wtf but it’s always been there!!!! Confidence and practice.” That’s exactly what it’s been, a lot of practice and learning to harness that confidence that lies deep within me. The piece took me about 8 hours from start to finish and I have to say I’m in awe of myself. If you would have asked me a few days before painting this if I could paint that, I would have laughed and probably said something along the lines of “I wish!”
Painting this piece was surreal even emotional at times. But I felt compelled to finish so I kept going. I had been posting progress shots through out the night and towards the end of it I got a message from Miguel. It read: “Saludos solo el que habla es tu corazón felicidades es hermoso es tu guerrero interno gracias por compartirlo el venado azul te espera” (Greetings, the only one who speaks is your heart, congratulations, it is beautiful, it is your inner warrior, thank you for sharing, the blue deer is waiting for you.)
At that moment I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. If there were ever a sign validating it. That was it.
“Heart of East Austin”
Ruben Esquivel - “Heart of East Austin” 14’’ x 12’’acrylic on brick made of Austin earth. - 2021
Brick for Hope Outdoor Gallery highlighting East Austin’s rich latino culture. This piece features a Holly and Robert Martinez Jr. cross street sign which lie in the heart of Austin’s east side as well as native Texas wild flowers, a traditional Sarape, agave, and La Perla Bar one of East Austin’s longest standing latin owned establishments.
“Flora Y Fauna”
An Exploration of Tejano wildlife through color.
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
StoryBuilt, an urban residential and commercial community developer, announced the completion of a new mural celebrating Texas wildlife at its newest community, Willa, located at 1600 South First. The mural was created by local artist Ruben Esquivel with assistance from Zuzu Perkal and artist duo Laced and Found. It features several vignettes in the community’s public areas, including the courtyard, where all Austinites can appreciate the art. Each mural depicts a vibrantly-colored, otomi-style image of a Texas animal, such as birds, red foxes and armadillos.
“I chose to use a vibrant color palette so that the viewers eye would immediately be drawn to the walls. The bright colors create a friendly atmosphere and set a positive mood as visitors enter the space.” said Artist Ruben Esquivel, who also said the composition of the piece is inspired by the traditional otomi print used in traditional Mexican embroidery. “The piece is an homage to my heritage, but also the rich Hispanic culture throughout Texas and Austin, including this South First neighborhood where the murals are located. I wanted to honor the city’s Latin roots and connections through my art.”
Additionally, StoryBuilt will be partnering with Austin Wildlife Rescue to create awareness and help fundraise for the organization through the art. The long-term plan is to have a plaque next to each area with a QR code so Austinites can learn about each Texas animal as well as be linked to the non-profit group, Austin Wildlife Rescue, to help preserve these indigenous species.
The Wildlife series is the second mural at Willa created by Esquivel with the original “Seeds of Change” mural painted last year. That mural depicted a colorful hand with flowers and branches and was part of the “Black Legacy Project Mural Campaign.”
‘‘Seeds of change’’
Ruben Esquivel - “Seeds of Change” - Latex on wood. 16’ x 6’ - Austin, TX -2021