Carina Lomeli

As a Political, Impressionist, Activist and a Xicana Artist, my life requires the direct engagement in community. I observe the world with concern for the future and express my anxiety in my paintings. Turning the lens on myself, I continually strive to do less harm in the world by changing my behavior and try to expose others to reality which they avoid through television and repetitive lifestyle. To continually renew my view of the world is very important for me. For example, I ride my bicycle a lot. This changes your perspective: you are not in the closed, protected, walled off confine of a car, nor the safe pedestrian zones. To be a bicyclist in the city is both dangerous and exhilarating, a self-awareness of yourself and the concrete jungle like nothing else. It’s the best way to observe and participate in everyday life in San Francisco. The bicycle, believe it or not, has been my stepping stone to direct activism. I see now the need of creativity and faith in humanity as we together find the true meaning of justice, government and community. The process of my paintings consists of trying to be everywhere in San Francisco where cultural and social communities come together for one common purpose.