Lucy Moreno: Her Art Celebrates Mexican Heritage
Tara A. Spears
Unique and distinct, Mexican art is a wonderful representation of Mexico’s rich heritage and colorful pride. The many forms of artistic
expression transcend language barriers and international boundaries. A conversation with local businesswoman and artist, Lucy Moreno Castellòn, provides context for appreciating hand painted textile art.
Textiles have always had a significant role in Mexican culture, both socially and economically. Textiles can be a powerful medium for artistic presentation. “I don’t consider myself a serious artist,” said Lucy. “I have a need to paint, to create something beautiful but I do it for me. My goal is self-expression.”
This savvy businesswoman is most proud of her four children “because they all are good
people, good parents” rather than her retail enterprises. In addition to their good character, all of Lucy’s children graduated university and have professions. “I enjoy being with my grandchildren. It keeps me young to see the world through their eyes.”
Lucy first came to La Penita 46 years ago as a young bride. Although Lucy grew up in Juarez, Chihuahua state, her grandfather lived in Lo de Marcos. “I would spend two months each summer staying with him on the farm. It was such natural beauty with all the wild animals and flowers in the jungle. I just knew I would come here (to coastal Nayarit) to live.”
Lucy attributes the start of her creative journey with her school experience. “My mom only went to 2nd grade herself but she worked two jobs to send me to a private school. I loved the art classes: one week sewing; another week embroidery; another time painting or piano. It encouraged my natural creativity and love of beauty.” Having learned to sew at age eight, she was making her siblings’ clothes by age ten. Sewing women’s’ clothing was a perfect choice for Lucy’s first business. Lucy created her own patterns and designs; her garments soon found a following. Next, Lucy expanded to produce her own line of clothing.
Many visitors to Jaltemba Bay will remember the ten years that Lucy provided designs for the area fundraiser, Mujeres a Mujeres Fashion Show. Besides running a home with a family of six and a thriving business, Lucy found time to volunteer. Lucy has a lot of satisfaction from her 30 plus years of volunteer service through the local government social agency that helps women and children. “My grandfather taught me (by example) to care about others and my country. I know that things need to change in La Penita, especially in this pandemic. But I am willing to be part of that change.”
Besides living in a place that has spectacular flora and fauna, fantastic bright sunlight most of the year and a wealth of traditions, Lucy developed her artistic skills by taking art instruction and practice over the years. The biggest style influences in her life are the paintings of Diego Rivera and the artist Marielena Lozano (a very talented professional artist who is a part time resident) and various instructors over the years.
When asked about her artistic growth, Lucy replied that she always was drawing as a child. But it was at age 12 that she created her first painting-a birthday gift for her mother. When you look at an array of Lucy’s art you can notice the recurring theme: flowers, cultural symbolism, and Mexican scenery. Being a person that enjoys working with her hands, it is natural that Lucy gravitates towards what some term as folk art or craft type items.
However, don’t be quick to devalue folk art. The arts and crafts industry is a place where innovation and creativity is constantly used; where an individual can fuse available elements, Mexican traditions, and celebrate local beliefs into each piece. The process of making handicrafts gives a passion and sometimes identity to people. “It’s very fulfilling to paint what I love… and when people like it, too, I’m very happy.” Over the years, Lucy has painted with oil, acrylics and even water colors. She usually has decorated her businesses with her original canvases. “At this time, every painting I have finished someone as said, ‘I love this, can I buy it?’ My canvases are all over Canada and the USA…a piece of Mexico in the north.”
Most recently Lucy is developing a following for her hand painted brim hats. “I made one for me to protect from the sun and people have said, paint one for me!” To cope with the demand, Lucy has been using the self-isolate/stay at home period of 2020 to create amazing painted hats. “It’s the happiest thing ever because when others like my work, it gives a lot of confidence to me as an artist.”
When studying Lucy’s wondrous variety of designs, the symbolism is intriguing. Keep in mind that quality handicrafts typically reflect the tradition and lifestyle of the artist. The choice of subject matter, even color choice, reflects the passion and identity of a particular group of people. This is very evident in the Lucy’s paintings as they are heavily influenced by her Mayan/ Huichol/Nayarit heritage.There are two elements of Mexican mythology that Lucy uses frequently in her art: Kauyumaki – sacred deer person- and peyote blossoms. Recognizing these images and other details enrich Lucy’s compositions by adding complexity to seemingly simple vignettes.
The top center figure on the white hat is Kauyumaki, the sacred blue deer person, who is the trickster god. The blue deer is sometimes clever and sometimes stupid, yet holds magical powers. Kauyumaki is credited with teaching the Huichol many things besides ruling over the natural world.
The yellow sun is an important archetype that also appears in Lucy’s brand, Taya’ Hu (translated as Mr. Sun.) Throughout this composition are variations of peyote flowers that needed to be explained to me.
The primary event in Huichol religious practice is the peyote hunt, an annual pilgrimage that acts out a desire to return to the source of all life and to heal one’s self.
According to Cultural Survival (1992), during the journey, which is usually done on foot, the pilgrims assume the characteristics of gods. When the pilgrims arrive at Wirikuta, they hunt for the deer god, harvest peyote, and the pilgrims eat a piece from the first plant that is found. The Huichol collect enough peyote for a year’s supply to have enough to induce visions. The shaman talks to the gods to ensure the regeneration of the pilgrims’ souls. Peyote is central because it allows the shaman to contact the gods.Lucy explained that Peyote is a cactus which contains a psychedelic chemical. It is recorded that Native North American first nations have been using peyote for religious purposes for around 5,000 years. Peyote is native to southwestern Mexico. Peyote art, art that is influenced by the visions from the peyote experience, is abundant in the Huichol religion of western central Mexico. Even without the background of the symbolism, the art radiates vitality and tradition. The middle photo is an actual peyote plant in bloom.
I like to think that handicraft items are simply functional art. Whether you proudly wear your unique painted hat or display it on a wall, Lucy’s painting talent is what elevates each canvas or hat to the next level. Her positive attitude sums up her creative endeavors “If life gives lemons… Let’s drink tequila!”
To contact Lucy for a commission or private viewing, checkout her Facebook page or private message Lucy Moreno Castellòn; email sirenamoreno@hotmail.com; cell 322 294 4078