Cesali Morales
Tell us about you and your work
Mostly, I’m a friend, mother, neighbor, and artist.
Overall, it’s my perspective as an artist that informs how I move through this world. I had a teacher who said artists were alchemists because we can invent the invisible, we can see a future that isn’t visible yet. I’ve tried to bring that with me throughout my work – a vision for something that doesn’t quite exist yet. Luckily, I’ve used books and bookmaking as a way to collect my thoughts on my family narratives, recipes, and spells. Although, right now I am dreaming up some work on love, divorce, expectations, and failure. I guess that could sound depressing but I think it will be hopeful.
I currently work alongside my neighbors at the Norris Square Neighborhood Project in Kensington, Philadelphia. Here my dream came true where I actually get paid to work at the intersection of the neighborhood, agriculture, and culture (Puerto Rican culture). Although there is tension in this work it’s been beautiful, affirming, and a growing experience. I feel fortunate to have met lots of lovely people, especially Iris Brown who I have much respect for. This network of community gardens is amazing. When you enter you are transported and feel far from the city. It’s truly bursting with possibilities where people can gather, grow food, cook, share stories, dance, make art, and deepen their connection to themselves and one another.
I want to share that my work in philanthropy and with nonprofit organizations started with two deeply impactful women – Denise Beek and Denise Brown – at the Leeway Foundation. They helped pave a path that allowed me to express my developing capacities toward media and messaging that amplifies community and alliance building. Since then, I have worked as a graphic designer for emerging artists, counter-culturalists, neighborhood groups, and national media campaigns providing low-cost and fast turnaround services.
What inspires you?
People inspire me. I am constantly amazed by nearly everyone I meet. I hear their stories, see how they move in this world, and it fuels my curiosity, creativity, and spirituality. This is the space where I get to confront my perceptions (about everything) and I get to choose to shift, challenge, or even just maintain them. Since I demand a life full of laughter and fun I need others around. Food is a good enhancer for all of this though! It gives me the excuse to spend time with people and indulge in simple pleasures.
What does community mean to you?
I have been trying to figure this out for myself. But I think it’s that moment where you feel that not only are you extending your acceptance but it is being received and reverberated back. In this interchange is belonging and reciprocity. Ultimately, I think the community is when I say, “I want you in my life” and they say “I want you in my life too.”
Favorite film
I really really love that movie “They Live”. I would love to watch movies like this all day so all recommendations are welcome. There is a scene where he has these glasses that allow him to see something completely different than when the glasses are off and I’ve always wanted to try and recreate something like that in a piece. Beam me up!
Favorite song
My favorite song is something my mom has always sung to me growing up. Her father sang it to her and his mother sang it to him. I now have the pleasure of singing it to my daughter. I don’t know the name but it goes something like this:
Caja, Cajón, Cajonero,
venir mis tres perros buenos,
Si mi voz no se oyera,
voz de mi sangre ya beberán.
Favorite place
My favorite place to be is on my stoop.
But here are some honorable mentions (from this year):
In bed with my daughter watching a movie
In a place, I’ve never been before especially with a boo
Visiting these amazing artists/farmers in Jayuya, PR at their place called Camp Tabonuco @camptabonuco
At Norris Square with my neighbors
Being anywhere with my best friend Maria Fernanda @flotsam0jetsam
morales.cesali@gmail.com