The sculptures I’m presenting are a heartfelt tribute to my mother’s tireless dedication. She fearlessly raised our family in the United States while facing the challenges of living as an undocumented immigrant. She worked diligently as a house cleaner and maid for two families, displaying incredible courage and perseverance.

In my artistic endeavor, I set out to emulate my mother’s unwavering commitment by replicating her daily domestic tasks, such as ironing and cleaning. I used the same tools she used, including a vintage iron and a dustpan with a brush. After meticulously ironing many clothes and sweeping the streets and my gallery with the dustpan and brush, I skillfully encapsulated the essence of her labor using air-dry clay. This process allowed me to capture and symbolize the resilience and enduring spirit inherent in her work.

Furthermore, I integrated glyphs into the sculptures to pay homage to her labor and convey the energy that permeates the clay. With help from a Mayan glyph expert and lots of research, these glyphs represent the hidden stories and emotions embedded within her work. Through my art, I aspire to shine a light on the often-overlooked struggles and sacrifices individuals face in similar circumstances to my mother’s. I aim to foster a deeper appreciation for their monumental contributions to society.