Margarita 'Mita' Cuaron (Nina Friedman's presentation)

I found this quote by Margarita 'Mita' Cuaron: “I was delighted to learn that she was, like me, a Mexican... I view the Virgin of Guadalupe as a very strong, very empowering and spiritual figure in my life. I find her to be a great inspiration.”  
As Hector Prado mentions (http://chicanaart.blogspot.com/2014/11/margarita-cuaron.html), her artwork tends to include the image of a sandia (watermelon). He included an image of the Virgen de Guadalupe over a slice of watermelon. Personally, I am able to relate to the presence of watermelon; at park birthday parties, family get togethers, in front of the TV, there was always sliced up watermelon, with chile and limon. Cuaron's artwork certainly reflects an interest in strong female figures, as well, including her own grandmother. 

Below is a watercolor piece, titled 'Mi Abuelita.' I really love this piece, in particular, because it reminds me of the elder females in my own family. My nana (grandmother) always has a scarf/blanket covering her head/shoulders, for warmth, and is always drinking tea or coffee. In general, the women always gather around the table to talk and drink coffee - so, I think that a lot of people are able to relate to this image. The second image is titled "The Birth of my Grandmother." The text, included in the image, is posted below (as a caption). Cuaron also includes the image of the Virgencita, among the mountain range; in the stars, she draws the outline of Chihuahua. Though her pieces range in themes, symbols, title, and concepts, it all tends to be very colorful and alive. 

"Mi abuelita"

Text on the painting above reads: “My great-grandparents Rafael and Geromina Salcido lived in the state of Chihuahua, known as old Mexico.  Rafael worked in the copper mines for long periods of time.  Geromina was alone when she went into labor with her second child and climbed a mule leading to Juarez, giving birth to my grandmother Micaela, May 8, 1888.”