{"id":2946,"date":"2020-10-02T04:54:45","date_gmt":"2020-10-02T04:54:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/womankraft.org\/?page_id=2946"},"modified":"2026-04-23T08:45:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T15:45:44","slug":"artist-spotlight","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/womankraft.org\/?page_id=2946","title":{"rendered":"Artist Spotlight"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Artist Interview: Ana Maria Yanez<\/strong><\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Interview conducted by Ana\u2019s grandson, Robert [Robbie] Villa. [Brackets are his]<\/p>

Ana Mar\u00eda is my maternal grandmother. She was born in Cananea, Sonora, M\u00e9xico on December 21st, 1928. The hope that Solstice brings. Her father worked as head of waterworks in the district of La Chivatera (The Goatery), for this company mining town which is considered the birthplace of the Mexican Revolution. Mexican miners struck on grounds of discriminatory wages, as the mine was owned by one American, Cornell William Greene. At the age of ten, she and her family moved from the hill of La Chivatera to downtown, where she eventually worked for the mine. As you can guess, this was fortunate because it came with some benefits such as English lessons and reduced cost of living. After marrying one Carlos Y\u00e1\u00f1ez, they settled in the Westmoreland neighborhood of Tucson in 1957. As a constant nurturer and supporter of my interests and aspirations, Ana (Nana Ana to me) has been one of the greatest, and most constant sources of inspiration and hope in my life. Thank you for being her friend. I hope you enjoy the interview.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

1. You\u2019ve been part of the WomanKraft community for many years. [How long have you been at WK?]\u00a0 What has being here meant to you, both as an artist and as a person?<\/p>

I joined WK after meeting Gayle Swanbeck during a tour. You were about 14 years old [ca. 1999]. That was about 27 years ago. [Before the turn of the century!] I was delighted. I was as thrilled to be a student as much as an instructor. Gayle was and continues to be a great teacher. I really found a meaningful use of my time, and it means a lot to me to be able to sell my art.<\/p>

2. Are there parts of your family traditions, cultural roots, or early life experiences that show up in your art?\u00a0<\/p>

My mom was very artistic and resourceful, as well as my grandmother who was able to make practical pottery for the household and ranch. As a child, I visited my grandmother and aunts on their ranches, but I grew up and worked in the mining town of Cananea (near Bisbee). I was a telephone operator for the mine.<\/p>

3. How do those influences shape the colors, symbols, or themes you\u2019re drawn to?<\/p>

My mom taught us about the natural landscape, such as the names of the plants and animals. She was a prolific reader, teaching herself about many things, including home remedies for people and animals. As you can see, my art is focused on the natural world, especially cacti, rocks, earth tones, etc. As a little girl, I used to make pots from the clay in my neighborhood.\u00a0<\/p>

3. Your collages and mini altars are so colorful and delicate. What inspires the themes, colors, and materials you choose?
My collages are freeform, and my altars follow the tradition of small town devotional architecture where there are typically small altars by the road or someplace of reflection. My mind is always filled with images of vibrant flowers, colors, and shapes. I like small animals, and baby animals.\u00a0<\/p>

4. You continue creating beautiful work year after year. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep making art?
I have always had the thrill and desire to make art all the time. I remain inspired by almost everything, from an image in a magazine, to pictures that Robbie shows me on his phone or computer. And from there, I\u2019m inspired to make more art. The itch is always there.<\/p>

5. Looking back on your creative journey, what advice would you give to younger artists \u2014 especially those who may be unsure about sharing their work?<\/p>

Art may not materialize exactly as you imagined it. And while one strives to make work that one likes, it\u2019s not always possible. However, if you don\u2019t exactly like something that you made, someone else will. Don\u2019t be afraid!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Traci Kelly<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Most people who live in Tucson have awakened to an inspiring sunlit morning. Few, I would imagine, have been asked to conduct an interview with an artist, who for decades, has sought to: \u201cwork on something bigger than myself,\u201d and \u201cfor it to exist beyond my lifetime.\u201d It is a challenge, of course, to capture that range in a small quintet of questions. More challenging, however, is the fact that our featured artist, Traci Kelly, happens to be someone I\u2019ve known for 28 years. I\u2019m quite lucky to be a first hand witness, and sometimes, participant, in her extensive catalog of \u201cdoing\u201d art throughout the decades. Classes and events, teaching and creating, students and teachers, young and old. My own professional life has grown richer in experience as a result of her busy hands piecing together her own style of art. On another level, I admit my personal sentiments written here may be skewed by the fact that Traci is my wife; but I can undoubtedly assure you that the paintings and mosaics, acrylics or oils, textiles or metals, found objects or clay, are created out of an authentic desire to \u201cmake\u201d art. This is unmistakable! She is not herself when she\u2019s not making art. She is set on discovering purpose in life by creating: an act we should all aspire to do each day. So, it is my delightful honor to present to you, my wife, Traci Kelly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

1. Your life blends so many roles \u2014 artist, teacher, board member, mother, volunteer coordinator, and digital systems-builder for the gallery. When you look at everything you do, what part of your work feels most connected to your purpose as an artist?\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0I\u2019m incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities WomanKraft Art Center has opened up to me. Connecting with other artists has been invaluable.\u00a0 Artists often survive on their own and it can be an introspective life. \u00a0 I realize how important it is to make connections and spread our expressions throughout the community. It’s important to continue to be a voice of kindness, beauty and light in a time when the world can sometimes feel so dark.Tucson is an amazing community filled with vibrant, talented people. I hope that when others see my efforts it inspires them to engage with those around them and help others see the importance of celebrating the arts.\u00a0<\/p>

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2. You\u2019ve helped modernize the class booking system at WomanKraft. What motivated you to take on such transformative work, and how has it changed the way the community connects with the arts?\u00a0<\/p>

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\u00a0Streamlining our online booking system through Scadler was something that needed to be done. Many people saw the need but were reluctant because we all have busy lives or the technology was intimidating. When I officially became a boardmember, I thought, I\u2019m going to really do some things that matter!\u00a0 Thankfully, with some help from Rene Stone, I was able to hit the ground running. She made some suggestions that really helped me get started. Getting our classes up on Scadlr was a big step and it streamlines our system while giving teachers agency to manage their rosters. I encourage you to scan the QR code on the front page of the Castle Voice and check it out for yourself.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

3.\u00a0 As a feminist, educator, and creative person, how do those identities shape the environment you try to create for students and fellow artists at the gallery?<\/p>

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I want to reiterate that WomanKraft is for everybody! We love every gender, every ethnicity and every economic status. Art is for everyone and WomanKraft is an equitable organization. A classroom and gallery should be welcoming to all. I want people to feel safe in my classroom.\u00a0 Safe to express themselves, safe to relax and safe to enjoy the processes.\u00a0 I look at teaching as a reawakening of the memories within our soul. I\u2019m only there to help people realize things they already knew. Those are the biggest moments of joy for me as a teacher.<\/p>

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4. Despite your packed schedule, how do you still carve out a couple of hours a month to make your own art?<\/p>

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Honestly, creativity comes in waves. All creative people get a block from time to time. I remember during the covid years, there was a period of at least 6-7 months that I lost the ability to make even a drawing.The collective conscience was hurting so badly.\u00a0 At this time in my life I feel a waterfall of inspiration washing over me wherever I look. I literally have a list of about 20 mosaic pieces lined up- and the materials to do them! I just lack the time. I also need to have all my ducks in a row to get to creating. I can\u2019t have a to-do list lingering in the back of my head and create. With my busy life, I can barely find a moment to make my work outside of summer break. But I\u2019m constantly plotting and planning. \u00a0 I\u2019m extremely grateful to have a loving partner who supports me every step of the way.\u00a0 Without his backing I would never be able to make all of the commitments I make.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

5. You\u2019ve said that being a mother is your greatest joy. How does motherhood influence your artistic voice, your leadership, and the way you show up for the nonprofit community?<\/p>

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

As an artist my grandest creation is my daughter, Penelope and my son, Hunter.\u00a0 They are the most amazing people I\u2019ve ever known.\u00a0 Parenting is not easy when you\u2019re trying to teach your children to be productive, happy and kind people.\u00a0 Thankfully, they\u2019re perfect on their own.\u00a0 I know I spend too much time on my responsibilities at WomanKraft and teaching at Desert View High School but I hope that they can see that I\u2019m working on something bigger than myself for the betterment of the community.\u00a0 I want the legacy of WomanKraft to live on and for it to exist beyond my lifetime and that’s the kind of world I want to leave to my children!\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Artist Interview:\u00a0 Gerrie Young- Artist, Mother, Teacher\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>

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I am excited to announce our decision to revisit WomanKraft artist interviews in the Castle Voice.\u00a0 Looking for a little inspiration to help me generate some interesting questions I prompted Chat-GPT and it did not disappoint. Fingers crossed, here goes.<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s my distinct honor to have the chance to sit down and talk with Gerrie Young the day after National Women\u2019s day.\u00a0 This esteemed board member has been involved with WomanKraft since 1993 when she and her children came to help renovate the Castle before WomanKraft could even move into the building!\u00a0 Nikki, also a board member, and Jason were just 16 and 13 when Gerrie felt the pull to get them involved in the community.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0You might know Gerrie as a ceramic artist but she is so much more.\u00a0 Her immeasurable involvement in our community reaches well beyond her role at WomanKraft.\u00a0 Gerrie currently has work in two shows at other galleries, teaches at Parks and Rec., serves on the board of WomanKraft and works with the Drawing Studio where she serves on that board and practices the art of printmaking. Go Gerrie! Gerrie\u2019s perspective about how and why she creates art is refreshing:\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cOriginally, I started making my large pots because I wanted blind people to feel them\u2026 I wanted them to feel that there were faces\/people in the clay\u2026 I want them to see that the faces weren\u2019t exactly angular, that there was little bit of me in those faces and all the people I know from home which is Philadelphia, and people that I\u2019ve met [in my life] and also my art school background was also in those pots\u2026 that [they were] mostly sculptural pots instead of a utility pot.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0While many people spend a lifetime trying to find their purpose in life, Gerrie knew from the age of 9 that she wanted to be an artist. \u00a0 Though art classes weren\u2019t always available to her in her teens, Gerrie explains, \u201call I could think about was when I go to college I will be an artist because this is where my head was.\u201d \u00a0 From her very first college art class in her first week she felt that she had finally realized her dream, found her place, \u201cand I remain in that field until present day\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0After graduating from Little Flower Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Gerri attended Temple University and earned a degree in Art Education.\u00a0 Later in life she added a masters in Art Education degree from Prescott College because she wanted to be a \u201cwell rounded\u201d teacher. \u201cI\u2019m not limited to ceramics even though I am a potter.\u00a0 I do all areas because I teach all areas. I teach drawing and watercolor but I do most of my drawing through printmaking.\u201d<\/p>

Another AI prompted question told me to ask: Ceramics have a long history across many cultures.\u00a0 How do your own cultural roots influence the way that you work?\u00a0 Gerrie: \u201cI feel like I come from lots of cultures and so I\u2019m not really stuck in my own culture and I\u2019m not stuck in the cultures where I have been\u2026 because my husband was in the Air Force and I would live all over the place.\u00a0 So it seems like every place I go I kind of mold myself to the activities of the culture that\u2019s there and it has accumulated\u2026 there \u2018s certain things I like about each culture that I\u2019m in and I just kind of gravitate towards those things\u2026 when I go to different countries or cities I think you pick up things,\u201d she continues, \u201c things that I buy, clothes that we buy it all comes from the cultures that we were in at the present and\u2026 when I go home to Philadelphia with my family, I go back to the culture that I was in\u2026 I start wearing big earrings, and speak the language [of that area] and wear the clothing that we wore,\u201d she warmly reflected.<\/p>

I wanted to dig deeper into her methods so I asked:\u00a0 Have you ever intentionally broken or altered one of your pieces to transform its meaning? \u00a0 Gerrie: \u201c I actually did that recently.\u00a0 I made a piece and it was supposedly a portrait and I thought it was one portrait but then when it was hanging in the show\u2026 I noticed that the picture had two people in it.\u00a0 One was a profile {and one was] a straightforward portrait and it just floored me because all these years I had not even thought of that.\u00a0 I hadn’t known that it was two people and now it\u2019s like, I got to change the name of this piece now\u00a0 \u2026 and I was trying to think back because it was made a while ago. What was I thinking then? Why did it split now? That\u2019s the magic of the arts.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0As a mom of two and wife of an Air Force officer, Gerrie remained true to her inner artist while balancing the duties of family life:\u00a0 \u201cI think my experience is of being more worldly, more cultural. It kind of came from my husband being in the Air Force because I had to fend for myself, even though we were married (and we\u2019ll be married for 50 years) and having two children [in tow]. But, I had to pick up the fort and I had to hold up while he was traveling all over the place.\u201d \u00a0 When it comes down to it, Gerrie stays true to her life\u2019s purpose even in the face of adversity and the pressures which surround married women and mothers.\u00a0 She tells me, \u00a0\u201cI also had to be myself and I always felt like I had to fight for the little piece that belongs to me, myself which was the artistic part of me and\u2026 I was not going to give up that part of me that I know I was born with.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

Finally, I asked her: If your ceramic work could speak, what would it say about the world today and the place of women of color within it? \u00a0 \u201cWell, it probably would say that Gerrie Young was here\u2026 I have put my stamp on the world.\u00a0 This is me and either accept me or not!\u201d<\/p>

Make sure to check out Gerri\u2019s three workshops at WomanKraft this trimester: Drawing Trees, Drawing with Black and White and Parts R Parts!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Artist Interview: Ana Maria Yanez Interview conducted by Ana\u2019s grandson, Robert [Robbie] Villa. [Brackets are his] Ana Mar\u00eda is my maternal grandmother. She was born in Cananea, Sonora, M\u00e9xico on Continue Reading →<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/womankraft.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2946"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/womankraft.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/womankraft.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womankraft.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womankraft.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2946"}],"version-history":[{"count":163,"href":"https:\/\/womankraft.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2946\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4522,"href":"https:\/\/womankraft.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2946\/revisions\/4522"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/womankraft.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2946"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}