Ofelia Esparza

Listening to Ofelia Esparza discuss her life's work felt like listening to my own grandmother sharing some indisputable wisdom.

She was clearly nervous at first as she held her little notebook, but Ofelia assured us that once she got in the swing of what she was sharing her, jitters would go away. And the nerves did fade as she became more animated, telling us about her work and her family and how those two things are inseparable. She was full of vitality for someone of her age, but it was sweet nonetheless to see how her daughter was so ready to chime in if something was left out. And she was attentive to any of her needs, like when she had water when Ofelia seemed parched.

It's clear that the entire family (and it's definitely a large one) is involved in Ofelia's work, or have at least learned about the craft and done their part to keep traditions alive. Ofelia says she owes so much to her great grandmother, and she is passing this knowledge on to her own great-grandchildren. It goes beyond to so many others through her museum installations, community projects, and through the film that owes so much to her teachings and philosophy. I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to listen to her speak and to learn about her work. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it, and I've told so many people about what she shared. I can't wait to rewatch Coco soon.