= Shi Shi =

My name is Yazmin “Shi Shi” Madriz. I was raised in Bazuklas (Berkeley) California. I've had a humble beginning, growing up didn't have material riches. However, I had two wonderful parents that worked like machines every day of their lives to provide my brother and I with basic living necessities. Not having much allowed me to see the beauty and gold we, the struggling people, hold in our hearts and communities. Yes, we may struggle with incarceration, unhealthy livelihoods, and family dynamics within our communities, Yet, I aim to create art that voices our pain, love, and the faith that enables us move forward. From a young age I have unconsciously created art from perspective of the Mayan philosophy known as "Menyah: creer, crear, y hacer con dolor y Amor (believe, conceive, and to create with love and pain.) recently thanks to Lulu, a dear friend & mentor, I’ve become conscious of this philosophy. With respect, my intention is to educate and depict pride and dignity through art illustrating the revolutionary stories and culture of my community.