"Corazon Rebirth" by Lacey Richter
Limited silkscreen print
Unframed: 30" x 22"
Artist Statement: I did this print 10 years ago, invited by the SERIE Print Project, a non-profit that hosts a Residency to produce limited serigraphs, predominately with Latino artists, in Austin. While I am not Latino, I consider myself an honorary one. Studying and living in Mexico for a brief time was one of the best things I’ve done and had a lasting impact on my heart, art, & spirit. This print, entitled CORAZON REBIRTH, is adapted from an indigenous Aztec Myth where quetzal feathers fall from the sky and impregnate Coatlicue, who goes on to give birth to Huitzilopochtli, in the form of a fierce hummingbird, who leads the Aztecs to their empire of Tenochtitlan, known as present day Mexico City. At the time of this print, I was representing the symbolism of a collective uncertainty yet one with hope. I believe the same now, if even more so. The bright green feathers fall from the sky onto a grey, dulled heart, reflective of our overall condition during an unprecedented difficult time. However these sacred feathers, like mysterious gifts from God, bring about new birth and spirit .. a resurgence turning the greys into tender reds and pinks and pulsating new existence and possibility. While this Corazon Rebirth may be uncomfortable, it invites us to grow and expand and claim our sacred birthright of love, peace, prayerful power, protection, joy, & freedom.
Artist Bio: Lacey Richter is a multi-disciplinary artist working in Video, Performance, Installation, Painting, as well as Music & Songwriting. Originally from the hill country, she finds inspiration in the cross-pollination of her Texas roots & spirituality. Exploring sacred performance, ceremonial blessing, & ‘Bandita Dances’, she documents herself dancing in raw, sacred, & unusual spaces (churches, construction sites/abandoned buildings, railroad tracks, highways, & horse stables.) Through stillness & stirring of Spirit, Richter summons courage, vulnerability, sensuality, & the color red to connect & inspire others.
Her works have been featured in Mexico, Berlin, France, New York, Chicago, & locally: Austin City Hall & Airport, FUSEBOX FESTIVAL, TESTTUBE, MOHA, SERIE, Seton Cove, Julia C. Butridge Gallery, Co-Lab, & The Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria culminating in site-specific performances with support from the City of Austin CORE grant. She is very proud to have two original audio tracks included in TX artist & musician Terry Allen’s ROAD ANGEL, a public & permanent art piece as part of Laguna Gloria’s expanding sculpture park. *Lacey also creates music in a two-person band known as Sweat& Feathers. Alongside practicing her art, Richter has continually served immigrants, disabled populations, youth, & families through spiritual, cultural, and artistic workshops.