Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Baez

Hi Marissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, my journey has always been intertwined with education. Sadly, my grandparents never had the opportunity to pursue schooling due to racial discrimination. My grandmother endured torment from white students, facing verbal abuse and even physical assaults like having rocks thrown at her. The derogatory terms like “greaser” and “Mexican grease” made her fear attending school. My grandfather did not discuss his racist experiences with the women of my family. My grandfather worked in construction, often recruiting other men for work to build roads. Witnessing their struggles fueled my determination to excel academically. Now I am an educator facilitating conversations involving decolonization, shedding light on marginalized history through the artists I showcase. Together, we explore untold narratives, challenge dominant perspectives, and empower voices that have long been silenced. While it has been five years since I left Texas, I try to return annually. This summer I am preparing for a project in Massachusetts, in the hopes of collaborating closely with the local community. The journey has been fulfilling, yet I recognize that there is more to accomplish ahead.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Facing challenges is inevitable on the journey. I make an effort to overcome any unforeseen obstacles. Life is a mix of ups and downs. I draw strength from the thoughts of my grandparents and my mom to persist for their sake.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

As a multidisciplinary artist, I incorporate elements of Curanderismo into my work. Pulling from my grandmother’s practices, I explore a variety of mediums such as sound, photography, metal casting, wax, and ash. Understanding the significance of each material is integral to my process, as they present unique challenges and possibilities. I delve into themes of Third-space identity, weaving together culture, history, death, ancestry, and personal experience. By merging wax and ash in my creations, I aim to evoke the complexities of identity, encouraging viewers to contemplate their sense of self and question their environment.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

I prefer collaborating with people I know and trust. Feel free to reach out with any questions about my work, and I’ll gladly provide insights into the process. When it comes to creating artwork together, I believe it’s essential to establish a connection and build a level of comfort with my collaborators.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marissabaez.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissabaezart/

Image Credits

I took all the photos except for one. The mountain photo was taken by my mom and a friend.