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Natalia Anciso Wears Her Art on Her Sleeve
Natalia Anciso has a real eye for color. She has to—she’s an artist. But you don’t have to see her work—which prominently features the bright hues of near-neon flora— to see how Anciso has mastered the use of bold, vibrant colors.
When we meet at Royal Ground Coffee, she emerges through the glass double doors in a cobalt blue t-shirt, scarlet pleated skirt, and indigo glasses. Framing her face is a pair of wood-carved earrings, big red roses in full bloom. She’s impossible to miss.
Though the palate she wears is loud, Anciso herself is surprisingly soft-spoken. Anciso is an artist of inarguable renown; her work has been exhibited around the world, and she’s been featured in high- profile magazines like Elle and Latina. She even earned a shout-out from former Secretary of Education John King, Jr., who said, “How can we expect a student to become the next Kara Walker, Natalia Anciso, or Kehinde Wiley if she’s never analyzed a painting, or had the chance to deeply study American history?” Clearly, Anciso is kind of a big deal.
But you’d never know it from chatting with her over iced teas on a warm, clear day in Berkeley. She speaks gently, sketching out her ideas with thought and care. As she talks, she focuses on her experiences rather than her achievements. She radiates humility, and she says she has her roots to thank for that.
“Texas is home,” she says. “Texas is what shaped me and keeps me humble, especially the town I’m from.” That town is Mercedes, where Anciso grew up and discovered her artistry. A border town, Mercedes is populated by Chicano families who have lived there for generations. She calls it “a very small football town,” like “Friday Night Lights but all Mexican American people.”
Mercedes is also in one of the poorest counties in the United States, and tensions around class, ethnicity, and immigration status permeate the region. These are also the issues that directly and profoundly shape Anciso’s work as an artist.
“Art has been a constant in my life,” she says. “Since I was little, I’ve always been drawing. I started with coloring on walls, and then copying Disney characters, then that evolved to comic books. I was always drawing, drawing, drawing.”
As she got older, she used drawing to understand and work through the social, political, and economic forces that shaped her hometown, as well as the nation. “Drawing is a kind of meditation, almost. I got to reflect a lot in my studio,” she says. “My work deals with experiences of growing up on the border, not really feeling like I’m American enough but being super American to people in Mexico.”
She also draws a lot of inspiration from the connections between her own experiences and the state of our nation. She speaks euphemistically about the current immigration crisis, letting her art speak for her: “It’s hard to process the news, the images that come out . . . how much the people look like me and my family,” she says.
Anciso’s work especially reconciles her identity and her place in America. “One reason I’m always drawn to the border is because my grandma lived three miles from the border, and if we had been just three miles south, that could have been my family.”
Again, she speaks in fairly imprecise terms, especially when it comes to talking about the xenophobic politics that currently endanger countless immigrants. She means to say that her family, too, could have been forced by circumstance to swim across the Rio Grande or trek through the Mexican desert, could have been captured by Border Patrol or held captive in a Texan prison camp. But she makes this point incisively with her art; you know exactly what she meant just by looking “Migra” or “Cruzando,” two of the countless potent drawings she’s produced in the last decade.
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Anciso’s drawings have a striking simplicity to them. Her canvases vary—she draws on everything from paper to fabric, even pillowcases and handkerchiefs—but her drawing style is distinctive, unmistakable. She mostly draws people: students, mothers, fallen soldiers, weary migrants. She draws everyday people, suffering people, people who, she says, “look like me.”
Her central figures are sketched in detailed greyscale. Her technique alone is incredibly impressive. And then, there’s the flowers.
Anciso’s artistic signature is the stunning, delicate, and fully alive flowers that populate her drawings. Shaded with bright colors—pinks, blues, oranges—Anciso’s vibrant flora inject her images with life and love. These tender reminders of growth hover within most of her pieces. In some, they consecrate moments of human beauty: a mother breastfeeding her child, two elderly lovers on a park bench. In others, flowers bloom at the most unexpected, heartrending moments: they sprout from corpses or adorn a crying child.
And the flowers are not just an aesthetic addition—they have deep-seated significance for Anciso, both personally and culturally. “Flowers have always been a big thing in my life,” she says first. “Both my grandmas always had roses everywhere in the house.”
Then she thinks for a moment: “That, and I started researching huipil, those shirts that are embroidered, traditional.” Huipil are Mayan textiles worn by indigenous women throughout Latin America, with meaning woven into their designs. “I started researching [huipil]. I just knew that they were super colorful and bright and I liked them,” she says. “But the flowers that they embroider are specific to location, and that’s what inspires me.”
Anciso adapts this same purposeful artistry in her own floral work. “In my artwork, the flowers that I use are specific,” she says. “So in the work that I’m doing here in California, you’ll usually see the California poppy. When I was doing work based on the border, it was blue bonnets and native flowers [like] hibiscus.” In honor- ing and adapting cultural traditions born south of the border, Anciso has cultivated an original style and a deeply moving body of work. Her oeuvre is at once a clash, a tribute, and a radical act of resistance.
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Anciso’s work confronts you. It puts you face-to-face with the people sidelined by American history and culture; it’s as sociopolitically charged as it is beautiful. One could be surprised that such incisive work could come from a person as mild- mannered and amiable as Natalia Anciso. Or it just might make perfect sense.
“I’m a quiet person; I’m an introvert,” Anciso says. “I won’t be the kind of person who goes out and protests. I do that through my art.” Indeed, her work is her own unique form of protest, a kind that allows her to contribute the larger political conversation through her own special set of gifts.
Anciso’s work is undoubtedly protest art. But her art also has a tenderness, even an occasional whimsy, that makes it truly singular. In her artistic practice, she creates with a clear intention: starting important conversations. “Art is an access point,” she says. “Art plays a big role in getting issues out there and getting people to talk.”
This philosophy of art as an access point has also guided Anciso in other aspects of her life. Anciso isn’t just a full- time artist, but also a full-time teacher. She’s always loved working with kids, and she now teaches elementary school students in the East Bay. She got her MA in Education at UC Berkeley; she loves that Cal’s program emphasized social justice and equity, though she laments its lack of diversity.
She’s deeply and admirably invested in her students, a champion of arts education and a firm believer in the value of empowering young people. She was struck by the disconnect she saw in her students when she initially taught after-school programs. Dismayed to see kids excited about practicing art after school while hating their actual classes, Anciso felt she needed to be in the classroom. “It was really important to be a role model to kids that look like me and came from my same type of background,” she says. “I love working with kids, teaching them art, teaching them how to have a voice and use their voice.”
Somehow, Anciso manages to balance full-time careers as both an artist and a teacher. “A lot of the artists I look up to are also educators,” she says. But, still, wearing both hats has its challenges. “It’s been very difficult. Especially since I have my son.”
I must have forgotten to mention— when Natalia Anciso emerged through the glass double doors of Royal Ground Coffee in those bright colored clothes and those big floral earrings, she was also carrying her young son close to her chest. He has inquisitive eyes and smooth, shiny black hair like hers. On top of being a full-time artist and educator, Anciso is also a full-time mom.
At this point, it’s perfectly reasonable to wonder if she is superhuman. She clarifies that she’s not: “People say you’re this famous artist; I just feel like a regular person who is trying to survive the day and get my son potty trained.” Fair enough.
But Anciso is undeniably a “famous artist,” whether she necessarily likes that classification or not. “It wasn’t until a few years ago I felt comfortable saying I am an artist,” she admits. She points to the stigma that comes with “telling people you’re an artist.” Fortunately, now that she’s grown into her artistry, she’s able to inspire the next generation of artists in her own classroom. She admits, “It’s great to hear kids say, ‘I want to be an artist when I grow up.’”
I’m still looking to answer the question of How Natalia Anciso Does It All. She insists she’s a “regular person,” but she must have a secret to her artistic and professional success, perhaps even one she can pass on to other aspiring artists. “Find a community of creative people who are supportive and will help you,” she shares. “Being in the creative arts is very isolating sometimes, and I think it’s important that you have a community to support you.”
Anything else she can share with us struggling young creatives? “It sounds really cheesy, but never give up,” she says. “And just under- stand that it’s very hard. You’re going to feel at times that you’re failing, because sometimes I still feel that way.”
There’s Natalia Anciso the artist and educator and mother. But what about Natalia, the soft-spoken Texan who completes her colorful outfit with black Converse? I want to know her, too.
Turns out, Natalia is pretty cool. No surprise there. Her favorite movie is The Goonies (“I’m big on ‘80s movies”). Her biggest artistic influence is Favianna Rodriguez, for both her use of color and her activism. She thinks the blue bonnet is an “underrated flower” and is the most fun for her to draw.
Her favorite color is “that deep royal blue, kind of indigo.” “Kind of like your glasses,” I remark. She laughs and confirms my observation. Natalia doesn’t laugh easily, and when she does, it’s quiet but honeyed, and it’s always genuine. Making Natalia laugh, even just as an act of factual affirmation, easily becomes the best part of my day.
Anciso’s eye for color is evidenced by her self-fashioning: the bold hues of her outfit, the glasses in her very favorite shade of indigo (a very lovely shade, I might add). She may not wear her heart on her sleeve, but she certainly wears her art. If you’re looking for her heart, you’ll have to check out one of her exhibitions.
The comfort of your home is deeply tied to how well it maintains a stable and comfortable temperature throughout the year. Heating and cooling services are not merely about temperature control; they play a crucial role in enhancing your home’s comfort and value. A well-maintained HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system ensures that your home remains a sanctuary, irrespective of the weather outside. Moreover, the effectiveness of these systems can significantly influence your property’s market value. We will explore how these services can profoundly affect your home life and financial worth.
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One of the primary reasons homeowners invest in quality heating and cooling services in Vancouver WA is to ensure a comfortable living environment. Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, regardless of outdoor conditions, is vital for comfort. For instance, during the sweltering summer months, a well-functioning air conditioning unit can create a cool and refreshing oasis inside your home. Similarly, a reliable heating system is essential during the cold winter months to keep your home warm and cozy. Temperature control provides comfort and impacts health, especially for those with respiratory issues or other health concerns that extreme temperatures can aggravate.
Moreover, heating and cooling systems help maintain air quality within your home. Modern HVAC systems are equipped with filters that trap dust, pollen, and other allergens, ensuring that the air circulating in your home is clean and healthy. This is particularly important in households with children, elderly family members, or individuals with allergies or asthma. Maintaining the proper humidity levels is another aspect to which these systems contribute significantly. Correct humidity control prevents the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause health issues and damage your property. Therefore, investing in quality heating and cooling services is essential for creating a safe and comfortable home environment.
Increasing Property Value Through HVAC System Upgrades
While comfort is a significant factor, the financial aspect of heating and cooling services should be considered. A well-maintained or upgraded HVAC system can significantly enhance your property’s value. Prospective buyers often prioritize homes with efficient and modern heating and cooling systems so they won’t have to invest in upgrades or endure high energy costs. Energy efficiency is particularly attractive to homebuyers, as it directly translates to lower utility bills. A home with an energy-efficient HVAC system is more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, which is a significant selling point in today’s market.
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Moreover, certain upgrades, such as installing a smart thermostat or upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system, can further increase your home’s market value. Smart thermostats allow homeowners to remotely control their home’s temperature, leading to more efficient energy use and increased convenience. These upgrades make your home more comfortable and efficient and more appealing to tech-savvy buyers. In a competitive real estate market, these seemingly small upgrades can significantly affect how quickly and at what price your home sells.
The Long-Term Benefits of Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your heating and cooling systems goes beyond immediate comfort and energy savings; it ensures the longevity and reliability of your HVAC system. Over time, even the most robust systems can suffer from wear and tear, leading to decreased efficiency and potential breakdowns. By scheduling regular maintenance checks, you can identify and address minor issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach saves money on costly repairs and ensures that your system operates at peak efficiency, providing consistent comfort year-round.
Regular maintenance can prevent breakdowns and improve the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. As systems age, they can become less efficient, leading to higher energy consumption and increased utility bills. However, you can keep your system running smoothly with regular tune-ups, including cleaning and replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring that all components function correctly. This not only extends the lifespan of your system but also reduces your environmental footprint by minimizing energy waste.
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Heating and cooling services are essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment and enhancing the value of your home. A well-maintained HVAC system provides reliable temperature control, improves air quality, and contributes to the overall comfort of your home. Additionally, by investing in regular maintenance and system upgrades, you can increase your property’s market value and appeal to potential buyers. Ultimately, these services are a crucial investment in your home’s comfort and financial future.
When creating a private and secure space in your yard, choosing the suitable fencing material is essential. Wood fences have remained a timeless and popular choice among the various options available. They provide the desired privacy and blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, adding to the aesthetic appeal of your property. We will explore Long Fence services and why wood fences are ideal for those seeking functionality and beauty in their outdoor spaces. Understanding these benefits can help homeowners make informed decisions that enhance their living environment.
Aesthetic Appeal and Versatility
Wood fences have a unique aesthetic appeal that is hard to match with other materials. The natural beauty of wood provides a warm and inviting look that complements a wide range of architectural styles. Whether your home is traditional, modern, or rustic, a wood fence can be customized to match the design, adding to the overall curb appeal of your property. Additionally, wood offers versatility in terms of design options. You can choose styles such as picket, split rail, or board-on-board to suit your needs. Staining or painting wood in different colors further enhances its adaptability, allowing homeowners to create a fence that truly reflects their personal style. This flexibility makes wood fences a practical choice for privacy and an attractive addition to any landscape.
Durability and Longevity
One of the significant advantages of wood fences is their durability. When properly maintained, wood fences can last for decades, providing long-term privacy and security. Modern wood treatments and finishes have greatly improved the resistance of wood fences to weather conditions, insects, and rot. This durability means that with regular care, such as staining or sealing, a wood fence can withstand the elements and remain sturdy for many years. Moreover, the strength of wood makes it an effective barrier against intrusions, offering homeowners peace of mind. While wood fences may require some maintenance compared to other materials like vinyl or metal, the investment in upkeep is often outweighed by the long-term benefits of a beautiful and reliable fence that stands the test of time.
Environmental Considerations
For those who are environmentally conscious, wood fences are an excellent choice. Wood is a renewable resource, making it more sustainable than synthetic materials like vinyl. Many wood fences are made from sustainably harvested timber, ensuring that your choice of fencing has a lower environmental impact. Furthermore, wood fences can be recycled or repurposed at the end of their lifespan, reducing waste. The biodegradability of wood also means that it does not contribute to long-term environmental pollution, unlike plastic-based materials. Therefore, choosing a wood fence aligns with eco-friendly practices and supports using natural, renewable resources in home construction.
Cost-Effectiveness
Wood fences are often more cost-effective than other materials, particularly when considering the balance between initial cost and longevity. While the upfront cost of a wood fence may be higher than alternatives like chain link, the long-term value is evident. Wood fences offer a good return on investment due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and privacy. Additionally, the maintenance required to keep a wood fence in good condition is generally affordable and manageable for most homeowners. This cost-effectiveness makes wood fences ideal for those looking to enhance their property without breaking the bank. Whether fencing in a large yard or a small garden, wood provides a practical solution that delivers privacy and value.
Natural Aesthetic Appeal
One of the most compelling reasons to choose wood for your privacy fence is its natural aesthetic appeal. Wood has a timeless beauty that other materials often struggle to match. Its organic texture and warm tones can enhance the overall look of your property, making it feel more inviting and connected to the natural surroundings. A wood fence can serve as a canvas for climbing plants, such as ivy or jasmine, further integrating the fence into the landscape and adding an extra layer of privacy. Choosing from different wood types, grains, and finishes allows homeowners to create a unique and visually pleasing fence that aligns with their style.
Ease of Installation
Another advantage of wood fences is the relative ease of installation compared to other materials. Wood is a lightweight material that is easily cut, shaped, and assembled on-site, allowing quicker installation times. This can be especially beneficial for homeowners looking to install a fence as a DIY project. The ease of working with wood also means that modifications or repairs can be made with minimal disruption, further enhancing the long-term value of a wood fence. For those who prefer professional installation, the reduced labor costs associated with wood fencing can make it a more budget-friendly option.
Flexibility for Customization
Wood fences offer incredible flexibility for customization, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a fence that meets their specific privacy needs. Whether you want to incorporate decorative elements, such as lattice tops or carved post caps, or create a unique design, wood allows for a high degree of creativity. This customization extends to the functional aspects of the fence as well, such as adding gates, lighting, or even integrating seating into the fence design. The ability to tailor every aspect of the fence ensures you can achieve the exact level of privacy you desire while adding a personal touch to your outdoor space.
Wood fences provide an ideal solution for those seeking privacy, combining versatility, durability, environmental benefits, and cost-effectiveness. The natural beauty of wood, along with its ease of installation and customization flexibility, make it a standout choice for homeowners looking to create a private and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. While other materials may offer certain advantages, wood’s timeless appeal and adaptability continue to make it a popular choice for privacy fencing. By choosing wood, you can enjoy the benefits of a secure, private space that enhances your property’s overall value and beauty.
Are you moving out of a rental property? Feeling overwhelmed by the cleaning that needs to be done before you hand over the keys? Are you worried about getting your bond back?If these questions are concerning you, you’re not the only one.
Many tenants in Sydney face the same challenges when moving out. The good news is that professional end-of-lease cleaners can make this process much easier for you.
Securing Your Bond with Professional Help
Getting your bond back is a primary concern when moving out. End of lease cleaners in Sydney understand that landlords expect the property to be in top condition. Even small cleaning mistakes can lead to bond deductions. Professional cleaners ensure every detail is handled, increasing your chances of getting your full bond back. This attention to detail helps avoid unnecessary disputes. It also makes the moving process smoother and less stressful.
Efficient and Thorough Cleaning
Professional cleaners in Sydney work quickly and thoroughly. They know what must be done and use effective techniques to save time. They can finish what might take you all day in just a few hours. This efficiency allows you to concentrate on other essential tasks. By outsourcing the cleaning, you can manage your time better. You’ll have more energy to deal with other moving-related responsibilities.
Trained and Experienced Staff
End-of-lease cleaning needs a sharp eye for detail. End of lease cleaners are well-trained to handle tough cleaning tasks. They ensure every corner of the property is spotless. They know how to clean various surfaces and remove stubborn stains. Their work leaves the property in top condition.
Expertise in Meeting Inspection Standards
Professional cleaners in Sydney have the experience to catch every detail. Everything is noticed during the final inspection. They can tackle any cleaning challenge that arises. This expertise ensures a thorough clean. It also boosts your confidence that the property will meet the landlord’s standards.
Specialised Equipment
Professional cleaners use high-quality equipment, which allows them to clean more deeply than standard tools. Their equipment can remove dirt and stains that regular vacuums can’t touch, ensuring a deeper clean in less time. The use of specialised tools means better results. It also reduces the risk of missing any essential cleansing tasks.
Streamlined Process
End-of-lease cleaners in Sydney follow a clear plan and organise their tasks efficiently. This feature avoids unnecessary delays and ensures a high standard of cleaning. Their streamlined approach means the job gets done quickly. A well-structured process guarantees thoroughness and helps meet tight deadlines.
Customised Cleaning Services
Not all properties are the same. End of lease cleaners know that each property has unique cleaning needs. They offer services tailored to your specific requirements. They adjust their approach, whether you have a small apartment or a large house. This feature ensures the cleansing matches the size and condition of your space.
Tailored Cleaning for Every Property
This personalised service ensures every part of the property is cleaned properly. Customisation means nothing is overlooked. From hard-to-reach corners to high-traffic areas, everything gets attention. It also addresses any specific requirements from landlords.
Bond Back Guarantee
Many cleaning companies in Sydney offer a bond-back guarantee. If the landlord isn’t satisfied, they’ll return to fix any issues at no extra cost. This guarantee gives you peace of mind. It increases the likelihood of getting your bond back in full. Knowing you have this guarantee reduces moving stress. It also builds trust in the cleaning service.
Moving out of a rental property doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. Hiring top end of lease cleaners in Sydney can save time and hassle. With their professional approach, customised services, and commitment to quality, these cleaners ensure that your property is spotless and ready for inspection. Most importantly, they help you secure your bond, giving you peace of mind during the moving process. So, why take on the burden of cleaning yourself? Let the professionals handle it and enjoy a stress-free move.
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