Dogs Playing Poker - one of the classics at the Velveteria
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Who would have thought - velvet paintings were mass produced in the 1970's in the Mexican cities of Juarez and Tijuana.
After reading Chapter 4 of "Antonio's Gun and Delfino's Dream" I began to think about my own experiences with black velvet paintings, and I don't have any. My childhood home may have had one or two, but I am a child of the 80's with no recollections of black velvet paintings to call my own.
Chapter 4 did bring up some interesting pop-culture ideas for me though. Many a Travel Channel host has been through the doors of the "Velveteria" in Portland, Oregon. To see clips visit http://velveteria.com/ and to also see all is the Velvet Store.
So, one might say velvet painting painting is having a renaissance of sorts through hipsters who worship the popularly disdained and discarded pieces of art and Travel Channel hosts looking to find something weird and wacky to attract more viewers to their show.
Just as my previous post my teacher would like me to answer some questions regarding the chapters we read from the book.
What are your thoughts regarding this art form and how it relates to economic conditions?
I believe this is an under appreciated form of art. From reading the story and viewing different paintings I find that this is a form of art though it is not appreciated as such. I believe the artists did not receive credit for what they accomplished because of the "assembly line" style in which they worked. But, this is how many paintings and pictures are produced in Europe as Americans hoard the art they find sold by street vendors, much like velvet paintings were sold in the 1970's.
I believed this art form once lifted the people of Tijuana and Juarez out of social and economic troubles when it was popular only to leave the people there once again as velvet paintings were no longer chic. The people of Juarez were left with the "assembly line" way of work, which lead to the maquiladora which we see today lining the border between Mexico and America. Thus leading to the harsh working and living conditions that we see in these maquiladoras. Doyle Harden, his business associates and painters could never have imagined that their work may lead to these terrible factories, that line the border today.
Think of the culture tied to the paintings. How would you respond to an ELL who is ridiculed when he or she shares this family tradition within the school environment?
My first response to this question is I don't know if a student would necessarily be ridiculed for sharing this art form at school. In my experience students have been more inquisitive about different forms of art rather than negative towards it. I don't know if young students would have any idea that black velvet paintings are considered low-brow in today's society.
But, if a child was ever to share any part of their culture I would first have expectations in place for students about sharing. Students would already know that when anyone is sharing in our class that they may ask inquisitive questions to help them understand the culture being presented. Students would also understand that they may not judge or make fun of students for any ideas they share with class.
If a child were to be ridiculed even after that, I would remind the class of our procedures and that when someone shares their culture we make sure to respect what is presented, even if we do not like it. Those kinds of moments can turn into teaching moments where you show students how to be respectful without liking something, a huge lifeskill.
I really enjoyed reading about this avenue of culture that I did not realize had roots in the border towns of Mexico. I have a new understanding and appreciation of where black velvet paintings came from, and what they mean to our culture today.
Patriot Portrait Collectibles
1954 Berkshire Drive , Fullerton, CA 92833
1954 Berkshire Drive , Fullerton, CA 92833
Thanks for finding all of the "velvets" and including them in the posts. I will share that Puerto Rican grandmother had many "saintly" velvet paintings in her home. My mother, who is Italian with another entire set of traditions, hated the velvet paintings. She thought they were cheap and should not be in anyone's home. So, that is my experience with velvet paintings.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think you are on target with saying that you don't think there would be much ridicule. Students are usually so much more open to differences than adults tend to be!