HOME IMPROVEMENT
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.
Maintaining a clean environment in commercial real estate is integral to the health and well-being of both employees and clients. Regular cleaning enhances the appearance of the space and plays a crucial role in ensuring hygiene and safety. Businesses operate in spaces that bear significant foot traffic, so the accumulation of dirt, grime, and bacteria is an expected occurrence. Keeping these areas clean can significantly improve employee productivity and customer satisfaction. Let’s explore the various reasons why regular cleaning is indispensable in the realm of commercial real estate.
Enhancing Workplace Safety
A clean workplace is a safe workplace. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of accidents and injuries caused by debris or spills. Items left on the floor or unaddressed spills can lead to slips and falls, resulting in potential harm to employees and visitors. A clean environment minimizes health risks associated with mold, allergens, and contaminants. This conscientious maintenance ensures that air quality remains high and contributes to a healthier atmosphere.
Regular inspections and thorough cleaning routines help identify hazards before they escalate into serious issues. Implementing these practices fosters a culture of safety among employees, which reflects positively on the organization as a whole. Businesses can reinforce their safety standards by investing in qualified commercial cleaning staff who are trained to identify potential safety hazards within the premises. Cleanliness plays an important role in protecting physical health and workplace morale.
Boosting Employee Productivity
Employees thrive in clean surroundings. Studies have shown a direct correlation between cleanliness and productivity levels. When workspaces are tidy and organized, employees can focus better on their tasks, leading to improved efficiency and creativity. Clutter-free environments reduce distractions, enabling workers to achieve higher levels of concentration. Dirty or unkempt spaces often lead to lower morale among staff.
Frustration with their surroundings can resonate in the quality of their work. Regular cleaning contributes to a more pleasant atmosphere, encouraging employees to take pride in their workplace. By fostering a clean environment, businesses enhance productivity and enable employees to collaborate and share ideas more effectively. Investing in a routine cleaning schedule can yield significant returns in terms of performance within the organization.
Improving Client Impressions
The cleanliness of a commercial space significantly impacts client perceptions. First impressions are often formed within moments of entering a building. A spotless entrance, gleaming surfaces, and well-maintained common areas convey professionalism and attention to detail. Clients are likely to feel more comfortable and inspired in a clean environment, positively influencing their experience with the brand.
A dirty or neglected space can detract from the service or product being offered, potentially driving clients away. Upholding high standards of cleanliness shows a commitment to quality and can reinforce a company’s reputation in the market. Regular cleaning and maintenance underscore this commitment, sending a message that the business values and respects its clientele.
Preventing Asset Damage
Maintaining cleanliness within a commercial property plays a critical role in preventing damage to assets. Dust and grime accumulation can lead to the deterioration of equipment, flooring, and furniture over time. Regular cleaning helps to prolong the life of assets and reduce repair or replacement costs. Neglecting cleaning can result in extensive damage, leading to significant financial repercussions.
Establishing a consistent cleaning routine acts as a preventive measure, safeguarding investments made in property and furnishings. Businesses that recognize the importance of maintaining a clean environment often find that their operational costs decrease due to fewer repairs. This proactive approach protects assets and demonstrates a responsible and thorough management style.
Complying with Health Regulations
Commercial properties must adhere to various health and safety regulations. Regular cleaning is an important component in meeting these standards. Properties that fail to maintain cleanliness can face penalties and legal actions, which can have devastating effects on reputation and financial standing. Compliance requires diligent cleaning routines that encompass all areas of the building, from restrooms to common spaces.
Regular audits and cleaning schedules ensure ongoing adherence to health regulations, protecting both employees and clients. In the age of heightened awareness surrounding health and hygiene, businesses that prioritize cleanliness will more likely thrive in a competitive market. By investing in effective cleaning strategies, organizations position themselves as leaders in health and safety compliance.
Building a Positive Company Culture
A clean workplace is a reflection of a strong company culture. When employees witness a commitment to cleanliness, it fosters mutual respect and accountability amongst staff members. Organizations that place importance on a clean environment often encourage employees to take ownership of their spaces and contribute to maintaining aesthetics. This sense of pride can enhance teamwork and collaboration, creating an atmosphere conducive to growth and innovation.
As employees work under conditions that prioritize their well-being, satisfaction levels typically increase. Cleaner workspaces buffer stress and help employees feel valued by their employers. By nurturing a culture centered around cleanliness, businesses invest in their workforce’s success.
Regular cleaning in commercial real estate plays a fundamental role in achieving a prosperous environment. From ensuring safety to boosting productivity, a clean space touches on all aspects of operations. Companies that prioritize cleanliness enhance their work environments and craft positive experiences for employees and clients alike. Such practices lead to improved morale, productivity, and company performance, which can drive growth and profitability.
Getting older doesn’t mean slowing down completely-it just means finding new ways to care for your body, mind, and spirit. Every small step you take adds up to a stronger, more joyful quality of life. From morning stretches to quiet moments in nature, simple routines can bring comfort, stability, and strength at any age.
If you’re looking for easy ways to feel better each day, there’s good news. Wellness is not hard; it simply requires consistency. Keep reading to discover routines that support seniors in feeling their best without adding stress or pressure. Read on.
Start the Day with Gentle Movement
Mornings are the perfect time to wake up the body with light movement. Stretching helps with flexibility, balance, and blood flow. Even a five-minute walk around the house or gentle yoga poses can boost energy and ease stiffness.
These small habits build strength over time and reduce the risk of falls or joint pain. They also set a positive tone for the day ahead. The key is to move in a way that feels good and to do it often.
Nourishment with Purpose
As we age, our bodies need more care and attention when it comes to food. A balanced diet full of fiber, healthy fats, and protein supports energy, digestion, and mental clarity. Drinking plenty of water also helps keep the body running smoothly.
Meals can be simple; variety, color, and fresh ingredients are what matter. Many seniors find joy in preparing simple meals that are both comforting and nourishing. Eating well supports not just physical health but also mood and memory.
The Power of Rest and Routine
Sleep is essential at every stage of life. For seniors, creating a bedtime routine can help improve the quality of rest. That might mean reading, dimming the lights, or enjoying calming music before sleep.
Daily structure also brings peace of mind. Knowing what to expect each day can help reduce worry, especially for those adjusting to retirement or changes in lifestyle. A regular rhythm makes space for calm and clarity.
Mental Wellness Matters
Staying mentally active is just as important as physical care. This might mean reading, doing puzzles, or enjoying hobbies that spark curiosity. Social connection is key too. Conversations with friends, family, or community groups can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation.
Simple techniques like breathing exercises, journaling, or time outdoors are helpful in managing stress and anxiety in seniors. These quiet moments give space to recharge and stay grounded, even when life feels uncertain.
Enhancing Quality of Life: Simple Wellness Routines for Seniors
Living well as a senior isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about making choices each day that bring comfort, balance, and joy. A short walk. A healthy snack. A phone call with a friend. These small actions build a quality of life that feels full, steady, and strong.
You don’t have to change everything overnight. Start with one small routine, and build from there. With time, these moments will shape days that feel lighter, brighter, and more connected. Wellness is always within reach one step at a time.
Water damage can occur in various ways, such as from floods, plumbing failures, and natural disasters. When water intrudes into your property, the urgency to mitigate its effects is paramount. The longer water sits, the more severe the damage can become, leading to mold growth, structural issues, and increased restoration costs. Understanding effective methods for speeding up the water damage restoration process will protect your investment and create a safer living environment.
Assess the Damage Quickly
Assessing the damage swiftly is crucial in initiating the restoration process. The faster you identify the type and extent of the water intrusion, the quicker you can create an actionable plan. Utilize a visual inspection to identify the source of the water and the areas most affected. Engage professionals to conduct a thorough assessment if the damage seems significant. They often utilize moisture detection tools to determine hidden water pockets that could lead to further issues if overlooked.
Addressing the source of the water first prevents additional damage, making it essential to understand whether the situation is due to a burst pipe or a more extensive flooding incident. Implementing prompt communication with your insurance provider can facilitate effective mitigation efforts. Make sure to document all damage with photographs, which can streamline the claims process.
Contact Water Damage Professionals
Once you’ve assessed the situation, contacting qualified water damage restoration professionals is a vital step. Their expertise ensures that restoration efforts proceed efficiently, saving you time and potential headaches. Water damage restorers possess specialized equipment and knowledge to effectively remove excess water, dry out materials, and sanitize the area. This action minimizes the risk of mold growth, which can start within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure.
Engaging professionals guarantees that the job adheres to industry standards and reduces the likelihood of future problems arising. Not all restoration companies are created equal; it’s beneficial to do some research and find one with positive reviews and the necessary certifications. Some companies offer advanced flood restoration, which incorporates modern techniques and technology designed to optimize the restoration timeline. Choosing experienced professionals can significantly reduce recovery time and enhance the effectiveness of the process.
Implement Proper Water Removal Techniques
Effective water removal techniques can dramatically influence the duration of the restoration process. By using industrial-grade water extraction equipment, you can rapidly eliminate standing water from the affected areas. This process typically involves the use of powerful pumps and vacuums to ensure thorough removal. Manual efforts, such as mopping and using towels, can support the extraction but should not be relied upon exclusively.
Clearing the water promptly protects your property and significantly reduces the potential for mold development and structural damage. To optimize this process, ensure that you are wearing protective gear like gloves and masks to avoid health risks. Pay attention to both visible and hidden areas, including carpets, under furniture, and inside walls, as these spaces may retain water. Quick action concerning water extraction can help speed up the restoration timeline.
Effective Drying Techniques Post-Water Removal
Once water has been removed, drying the affected areas becomes a top priority. Adequate drying can be achieved through several methods and tools, such as air movers and dehumidifiers, to ensure that moisture does not linger and cause further complications. Air dryers circulate air and promote evaporation, while dehumidifiers reduce humidity levels in the room. Proper ventilation will help to refine the process further; consider opening windows and doors to allow fresh air circulation.
You might need to aim for longitudinal drying, which includes drying materials at a slow and steady pace to prevent structural warping or damage. Make sure to regularly check humidity and moisture levels during this phase with a hygrometer, ensuring that they reach acceptable levels. Implementing effective drying techniques ensures that the space is safe and habitable once restoration is complete.
Evaluate and Repair Structural Issues
Post-drying evaluation of your property’s structure is necessary to identify any damage that remains. Carpets, drywall, and insulation may face considerable harm and require repair or replacement. Pay particular attention to subfloors, as water intrusion often compromises their integrity. Hiring qualified contractors for repairs helps ensure that work adheres to necessary building codes and standards.
Addressing structural issues promptly prevents them from escalating into larger problems. Any signs of mold or mildew should be dealt with immediately, as these can negatively affect air quality and your health. Once all repairs are assessed, a thorough inspection should confirm that the property is safe for occupancy before moving back in.
Prevent Future Water Damage
Preventing future water damage is about restoring the current situation and ensuring it does not happen again. Regular maintenance checks, such as clearing gutters, inspecting roofing, and ensuring proper drainage, can significantly reduce the chances of future water intrusions. Installing a sump pump and water alarms can alert you to potential problems early.
Developing a comprehensive emergency plan, including having contact information for restoration professionals, will yield peace of mind. Engage in ongoing property assessments regularly, as a proactive approach can identify vulnerabilities before they result in issues. Taking these preventive measures can help secure your investment for years to come.
By assessing the damage, contacting professionals, employing effective removal and drying techniques, evaluating structural integrity, preventing future issues, and maintaining communication with insurance personnel, you can significantly minimize the emotional and financial impacts of such unfortunate situations.
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