Poetry
No More Rain
Just a Californian desert of pain.
Only the sun.
Only slow and heavy heat waves.
No more rain.
Just long yellow fields
smeared like yolk along the 5.
Dead crops with signs that say
Save Water,
Save Jobs,
but the farmers
already stuffed their lives
into bags and ran from the rays.
Too many sunsets without tears.
Goodbye Yosemite.
Bear skulls puncture the earth.
No more squirrels to bury acorns.
Yellow weeds sting like knives.
Clear dry skies laugh from up high.
Grapes dry like lizard skin.
No more wine and dine.
No more slip and slide.
No more super soakers,
water balloons,
or buckets of ice
to the dome.
Just thirsty ducks
crawling on stones.
Just frail alley cats
fading on asphalt floors.
Just brittle cows
melting along highway roads.
No more rain.
Just 12 dollar avocados,
6 dollar apples,
10 dollar cheeseburgers
from McDonald’s.
No more rain.
Just a gun pointed at a head
for Aquafina water bottles.
Just baseball bats cracking glass
to steal vegetables.
Just knees on the floor,
praying for stormy skies.
Just vehicles buried in dirt.
Just water fountains covered in cobwebs.
No more rain.
Just fists to the face.
Neighbor against neighbor.
A firestorm of desperation and rage.
No more rain.
Just a code of ethics
that dried out a long time ago
when the redwoods
were stripped
of their clothes.
Just empty nests
because the birds
all knew to fly away.
No more rain.
No more rain.
Just regret
for the changes we failed to make.
Statement: "No More Rain" is a dystopian poem bringing to light the very dark truths that will come to our society if we do not take active steps today to protect our environment. Too often, we ignore the natural world around us - as individuals, as community - and our actions will only negate the beautiful opportunities nature has to thrive around us. If we allow big corporations to keep abusing our mother earth, the environmental impacts will be hazardous for all of us, turning neighbor against neighbor in a feeble attempt to survive.
About the Artist: Eric Eztli is a poet, community organizer, educator, and the founder and host of Alivio Open Mic, a garage salon in Bell, California. A native of Southeast Los Angeles, and proud descendant of Mexican immigrants, he believes it’s his calling to speak the emotional truths of his people and use his words to challenge social injustices around the world. Eric calls himself a "voice-builder," a person creating spaces and energy in order for people to speak themselves into existence.
Hometown: Bell, CA
Connect: instagram: @ericeztli
Watercolor on paper, 9x12 in.
Statement: The LA River is a living being. We at times forget that. We relegated it to a system ever since it was converted into a flood-control channel, desensitizing its properties of material and spiritual sustenance. What was once a rapacious waterway is now mostly a drainage system for wastewater that worsens as it runs down south. The consequences of this running system disproportionately affect PoC communities. The River would not want this, it never did.
We must preserve the river’s integrity while finding ways to work with it. I believe that PoC communities and the houseless deserve to enjoy and share a synergic spiritual-cultural place with the river: a resting area where one can commune with nature, learn about the ecosystem through sustainable beautification and food garden efforts, indulge in culture through music and the performance arts, and - for whomever is houseless along the river- to be able to dwell in safety while nurturing one’s holistic health within an adjacent Rose-shaped wellness center.
The river must be seen as what it is, essential life support that allows living beings to grow, develop, and adapt. It wants to flow, and nurture. It wants to coexist with us in ritual, sharing, and renewal. Like veins, it carries life essence through the Earth's body, all the way down to its tips that open onto the Sea. Just like our blood it flows with so many stories; stories of hope, and loss.
It is time we listen to it with respect and face humanity’s systemic faults. As we commit to move the river and culture forward in unison, may we realize that we behold the resilience to manifest our wildest eco-dreams.
About the Artist: Alba Castro is a slow-blooming artist from Monterey Park. She is a roamer of LA’s varied scapes, appreciator of design in color, and a smile lover. Zine-making, graphic design, poetry, watercolor and photography have allowed her to journey freely into self-discovery. She is currently focusing on generating new print design for Dopeminas (a small business ran by her friend Laurie and herself), working on a few photo zines of imagery created in collaboration with her partner Jonathan (collectively known as Miel y Fuego), setting up online meetups for Artists, and exploring design at the intersections of architecture and feminism.
Hometown: Monterey Park
Connect: instagram: @rulfodekievan
Digital illustration, 6288 x 7560 Pixels
Statement: For about the last two years (and most of my life), I have simply been going with the flow. Going through personal changes and nurturing myself to become who I want to be. At the same time, I have been aware of the changes that have been taking place around the world, socially and environmentally. While we have all been swept up by these generational currents, I feel as if I have let it wash over me. Not to dismiss it, but to not drown in it and ask myself, "What can I do?" What can I do to make a difference? How can I be more engaged? By listening, reflecting, and consciously acting without simply reacting. That is where I can set the sails across the tide. Hoping to shift the waves unto the shores of a more positive light.
About: I am an artist born in L.A. and raised in South Gate CA. (June 5th 1988) My work ranges from drawing, music, photography, and anywhere else my curiosity takes me. My work can be deeply personal while also very reflective. I am currently collaborating with my girlfriend Alba Castro under the name Miel y Fuego and focusing on a new body of work.
Hometown: South Gate, CA
Connect: instagram: @nadidah23
Acrylic on wood, 58x54.5 in.
Statement: My work stems from my exposure to the lowriding world as a female lowrider owner. I am able to bring other women’s stories to a wider audience that would otherwise be unaware about women who cruise. Using bold colors, portraiture and the urban landscape I create compositions that emphasize femininity in a male-dominated world. The color palettes, architectural references and signage are all from the environments that these lowrider cars cruise through. I adorn my compositions with imagery that are directly linked to the communities these women come from because of the importance of finding beauty in everyday things. By highlighting these women’s environment’s I strive to show that even areas that are overlooked are in fact important and beautiful. In full my work is a love letter of sorts that reinforces the importance of these women and their neighborhoods. The artwork demands that the audience not overlook the real-life experiences of these women, their candied cars and a concrete jungle.
About the Artist: Jacqueline Valenzuela is an East L.A born artist currently living in Whittier. She obtained her Drawing and Painting BFA from Cal State Long Beach. Jacqueline is a first-gen Mexican-American. Jacqueline had always been influenced by the subcultures that were common within her community. This ranged from the underground punk scene in East L.A. to the candied lowriders she saw cruising Whittier Blvd. on Sunday mornings. Eventually as an adult she would come to own her own lowrider, a 1975 Cadillac El Dorado. Upon becoming a lowrider owner, she became more aware of the lack of representation for women lowriders. Usually within this world women were seen merely as sexual objects to be placed near these beautiful cars. This is when her work flourished as it began to magnify the important role women lowriders play. By focusing on women lowriders like herself she is able to bring their stories to a wider audience that would otherwise be unaware about women who cruise. Using bold colors, portraiture and the urban landscape she creates eye catching compositions that emphasize femininity in a male-dominated world. She has shown her work in various non-profits, artist-run spaces and galleries within the L.A. county. Most recently she has had her first solo show in Baldwin Park.
Hometown: Whittier
Connect: https://jacquelinevalenzuela.com , instagram: @pieldemazapan
Acrylic on wood, 58x54.5 in.
Statement: My work stems from my exposure to the lowriding world as a female lowrider owner. I am able to bring other women’s stories to a wider audience that would otherwise be unaware about women who cruise. Using bold colors, portraiture and the urban landscape I create compositions that emphasize femininity in a male-dominated world. The color palettes, architectural references and signage are all from the environments that these lowrider cars cruise through. I adorn my compositions with imagery that is directly linked to the communities these women come from because of the importance of finding beauty in everyday things. By highlighting these women’s environments I strive to show that even areas that are overlooked are in fact important and beautiful. In full my work is a love letter of sorts that reinforces the importance of these women and their neighborhoods. The artwork demands that the audience not overlook the real-life experiences of these women, their candied cars and a concrete jungle.
About the Artist: Jacqueline Valenzuela is an East L.A born artist currently living in Whittier. She obtained her Drawing and Painting BFA from Cal State Long Beach. Jacqueline is a first-gen Mexican-American. Jacqueline had always been influenced by the subcultures that were common within her community. This ranged from the underground punk scene in East L.A. to the candied lowriders she saw cruising Whittier Blvd. on Sunday mornings. Eventually, as an adult she would come to own her own lowrider, a 1975 Cadillac El Dorado. Upon becoming a lowrider owner, she became more aware of the lack of representation for women lowriders. Usually within this world women were seen merely as sexual objects to be placed near these beautiful cars. This is when her work flourished as it began to magnify the important role women lowriders play. By focusing on women lowriders like herself she is able to bring their stories to a wider audience that would otherwise be unaware about women who cruise. Using bold colors, portraiture and the urban landscape she creates eye-catching compositions that emphasize femininity in a male-dominated world. She has shown her work in various non-profits, artist-run spaces and galleries within the L.A. county. Most recently she has had her first solo show in Baldwin Park.
Hometown: Whittier
Connect: https://jacquelinevalenzuela.com , instagram: @pieldemazapan
Acrylic on canvas, 18x24 in.
Statement: The LOVE of LA city reflecting in harmony with my cultural back ground.
About the Artist: Growing up I watched my mother work as a sample maker for a clothing company, I knew then, I wanted to be a fashion designer. After working in the appeal industry myself I wanted to built my talent in the arts. I became very inspired and grew a love for painting after my trip to Europe and experiencing all of its antiquities. I went back to school to learn to paint. My great passion in life is to built my own business in conjunction to helping my community and the world. In some way, the power of love has been my force in all that I do. “El amor” and my Culture has been a big part of my passion for art. Sharing love and culture has brought a great sense of satisfaction that I cannot describe in words. I believe I can help make a difference with my art and the purpose behind it.
Hometown: Boyle Heights, CA
Connect: instagram: @Elamorx2
Oil on masonite board, 17x23 in.
Statement: My work for Geofictions LA refers to the impacts that the built, industrial environment has on the experiences of our communities living in South East Los Angeles. The built environment creates the scenery people experience and negatively impacts the health of our communities, which is a deep-rooted issue we have to contend with as we move forward to revitalize the LA River.
“Looking Out My Window” reflects on the juxtaposition of the natural and industrial areas of our neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The LA palm tree is ubiquitous but also historically charged; studying the history of the palm tree sheds light on the drastic changes LA has experienced over the years. I have a good view of one of those trees from the window of my living room.
About the Artist: David Martinez is an artist, print maker and educator centralized in Los Angeles. He is a first generation American born and raised in South East Los Angeles from Durango, Mexico descendants. David holds a BA in Public Health and Art Practice from the University of California, Berkeley.
David's explores the complex effects of the built environment and collective narratives of life in Los Angeles. I make narrative scenes that refer to history, geography, biology and my own experiences in order to encapsulate and reclaim a complex urban experience in Los Angeles. I am drawn to the history of the American southwest and want to explore how the built environment, migration and internalized narratives shape new narratives we create and our trajectory into the future.
Hometown: Bell, CA
Connect: instagram: @david.arenas.martinez
Acrylic on birch panel, 48x36x1.5 in.
Statement: My work for Geofictions LA refers to the impacts that the built, industrial environment has on the experiences of our communities living in South East Los Angeles. The built environment creates the scenery people experience and negatively impacts the health of our communities, which is a deep-rooted issue we have to contend with as we move forward to revitalize the LA River.
In “Steel Grinding: Since 1950”, the factory facade in the painting is characteristic of the many factories along the industrialized areas of the LA River which have shaped how I have interacted with and experienced the Los Angeles River. My portrait is juxtaposed with the industrial facade as a reflection on the industrial history of the area but also as a look forward into potential futures. The infrastructure of the river was not designed to maximize the health of our communities but in many ways has been repurposed out of a necessity to have natural, open spaces. As time moves forward, the space is being continually reimagined as a more inclusive space.
About the Artist: David Martinez is an artist, print maker and educator centralized in Los Angeles. He is a first generation American born and raised in South East Los Angeles from Durango, Mexico descendants. David holds a BA in Public Health and Art Practice from the University of California, Berkeley.
David's explores the complex effects of the built environment and collective narratives of life in Los Angeles. I make narrative scenes that refer to history, geography, biology and my own experiences in order to encapsulate and reclaim a complex urban experience in Los Angeles. I am drawn to the history of the American southwest and want to explore how the built environment, migration and internalized narratives shape new narratives we create and our trajectory into the future.
Hometown: Bell, CA
Connect: instagram: @david.arenas.martinez
Mixed Media, 20x24in.
Statement: My art is about surreal landscapes and memories. In this one I decided to depict part of the LA River (Hollydale Entrance) and the train tracks that are by the Azalea Shopping Center on Atlantic Avenue to serve as background for a woman riding her bike. The woman represents all the folks who often leave SELA in search for their identity. The glitter on the ground and on the woman signify that the search for self often brings us straight back home, or where we came from.
About the Artist: Joan Zamora is a mixed media artist who came to the United States illegally at the age of eight from Mexico. Her addresses have included: Bell Gardens, Panorama City, Sun Valley, London, San Francisco and East LA. She earned a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University with an emphasis in painting and photography. She currently lives in South Los Angeles and works with special education students in Koreatown.
Hometown: South Los Angeles, CA
Contact: https://www.nisantas.org/joan , Instagram: @joan_zeta
Digital photography, unspecified dimensions
Statement: As a madre of a bi- racial daughter, it is my responsibility to remind her who she is and the GUERRERA she will become. Growing up in BELL GARDENS all my life and now raising my bi - racial daughter in my hometown where there is so much inspiration to learn from is what connects me to the river and the multi-talented people that live around Bell Gardens. Just recently i took my daughter to HERITAGE PARK in Santa Fe Springs so i can show her the NATIVE AMERICAN grounds that we are blessed to have and out of that trip I was inspired to do another head piece.
About the Artist: “As a Latinx growing up in a diverse city with a rich culture my heritage goes in deep into the river. “My passion has being black and white photography. My headpieces which are all color have been inspired by going into quarantine. I don’t have any formal art education but I have been invited and done shows I was in SELA 2019 FESTIVAL look into my Instagram account for videos. All my photography comes from my passion my soul within.”
Hometown: Bell Gardens, CA
Connect: instagram: @pixturexhronixles
Digital photography, unspecified dimensions
Statement: As a madre of a bi- racial daughter, it is my responsibility to remind her who she is and the GUERRERA she will become. Growing up in BELL GARDENS all my life and now raising my bi - racial daughter in my hometown where there is so much inspiration to learn from is what connects me to the river and the multi-talented people that live around Bell Gardens. Just recently i took my daughter to HERITAGE PARK in Santa Fe Springs so i can show her the NATIVE AMERICAN grounds that we are blessed to have and out of that trip I was inspired to do another head piece.
About the Artist: “As a Latinx growing up in a diverse city with a rich culture my heritage goes in deep into the river. “My passion has being black and white photography. My headpieces which are all color have been inspired by going into quarantine. I don’t have any formal art education but I have been invited and done shows I was in SELA 2019 FESTIVAL look into my Instagram account for videos. All my photography comes from my passion my soul within.”
Hometown: Bell Gardens, CA
Connect: instagram: @pixturexhronixles
Digital photography, unspecified dimensions
Statement: As a madre of a bi- racial daughter, it is my responsibility to remind her who she is and the GUERRERA she will become. Growing up in BELL GARDENS all my life and now raising my bi - racial daughter in my hometown where there is so much inspiration to learn from is what connects me to the river and the multi-talented people that live around Bell Gardens. Just recently i took my daughter to HERITAGE PARK in Santa Fe Springs so i can show her the NATIVE AMERICAN grounds that we are blessed to have and out of that trip I was inspired to do another head piece.
About the Artist: “As a Latinx growing up in a diverse city with a rich culture my heritage goes in deep into the river. “My passion has being black and white photography. My headpieces which are all color have been inspired by going into quarantine. I don’t have any formal art education but I have been invited and done shows I was in SELA 2019 FESTIVAL look into my Instagram account for videos. All my photography comes from my passion my soul within.”
Hometown: Bell Gardens, CA
Connect: instagram: @pixturexhronixles
Digital Photography, 12x24 in.
Statement: As a landscape photographer one of my goals is to show other photographers that you do not need to travel to far out destinations to capture amazing landscapes. I see the LA River as a natural space to bring back the beauty of nature to our plains of asphalt and power lines trees.
In my photograph, I wanted to capture the power and beauty of the sun. It has this otherworldly feel to it but it is disturbed by billboards, asphalt, and power lines.
My hope is that this photograph shows that beautiful landscapes could be captured in our neighborhoods and that the LA River provides a haven for landscapes to flourish and encourage others to preserve our communities.
About the Artist: A self-taught photographer born and raised in South Gate, CA. I have been photographing for over 10+ years. My main passion is landscape photography but I always just enjoy being outside and with my camera even if it is for a cup of coffee or a walk at the park. I also run the SELA Photography Club on Instagram (SELAPhotography.Club).
Hometown: South Gate, CA
Connect: instagram: @Billy.MJ
Color pencil on paper, 11x14 in.
Statement: The river was here before us, and will continue to prevail long after our society has changed. Its structure has changed because of human interaction, but in many ways, its essence is still intact. We have seen our communities prosper because of this natural formation, much like most other societies that have successfully established themselves near bodies of water. Here in SouthEast LA, we are currently experiencing a “rebirth” in social, cultural and environmental consciousness. With the ongoing threats of gentrification, homelessness, and socioeconomic shifts that may result from viewing our SELA as “Progress”, it is important that all the members in our communities take ownership of, and celebrate the places that have nurtured all of us this far, while taking civic responsibility. “SELA Renaissance” is an homage to the ever swinging pendulum of social and environmental reconstruction of our natural landscapes.
About the Artist: Edlin G Lopez is an artist, community organizer, and educator who grew up in South Gate, CA. She is a first generation American whose work deeply centers Mexican culture and tradition. Described by the artist as symbolic narratives, her art aims to examine feminist identity politics, multi-nationality struggles, and issues of mental health and socioeconomic status. She is one of two founding members of Open Walls, a project-based artist studio dedicated to providing artist spaces to the SouthEast Los Angeles region.
Hometown: South Gate, CA
Connect: www.open-walls.org, instagram: @lina_lupita