Betsy Casañas
Tell us about you and your work.
My name is Betsy Casañas, I am a Visual and Public Artist, an educator, a community activist, and an organizer. I am the director of A Seed on Diamond Gallery and the founder of Semilla Arts Initiative. I have over 26 years of experience in the arts and have created over 50 murals worldwide. My murals are known for their use of pattern and color. My work focuses on the impact of the mundane and everyday people who struggle to provide for their families and the importance of representing humanity in marginalized communities in a dignified light.
What does community mean to you?
Creating safe spaces has been a vital part of my work. As a Latina artist who has been working in communities of color around the world, I understand the importance of the people living in these communities to see themselves reflected in the artwork and in the leaders of the places they inhabit. I believe that artists have an obligation to reflect on the times we are living in and to highlight the people’s stories and change the narrative that has been created for us. By normalizing and humanizing our collective stories we create communities that are more tolerant.
Favorite song
Dejame Vivir Jarabe de Palo
Favorite film
Valentin
Favorite place
The Ocean
Links
Website
