RENACE GALLERY
Painted Vests
La Dolorosa
Black denim classic Levi vest with acrylic paint and appliques of vintage Guatemalan and Bolivian weavings on front yoke. Sad-faced Virgen de Guadalupe on back has birds (in place of stars) on her shawl, which is trimmed in gold ribbon. " Los rayos" the sunset aura of La Virgen extends to front of vest. The shawl is trimmed in gold ribbon. Vest features a blessing hand on the back yoke, and a "breast angel" milagro over each front pocket.
Eucalyptus Heart
Classic Levi denim vest features large sacred heart on green background with truncated eucalyptus tree, painted in acrylic. Blue glass leaves hang from upper limbs, and blue glass tears spout from a cut bough. Vest also features "blue-eyed leaves" painted on back yoke.
La Virgen de Chimayo
My first denim painting was inspired by Guadalupe murals in Chimayo and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Classic Levi vest features La Virgen in a dress of roses and turquoise shawl. Each star on the shawl has a shiny bead sewn to its center. Bare feet rest on an oversized indigo moon. She offers the blessing of new moons, new beginnings.
The picture at left was taken at San Miguel Church in Santa Fe, 2006.
I have worn the Chimayo vest on many journeys; to mountain and desert; to fiesta and protest march; to perform music and spoken word; and just to kick around town. Wherever we go together, we make friends.
Painted in 1997, she's an old lady now, so I save her for special occasions. --EO
