Aztec Heritage

Ana Luz Sainz Rodriguez

I feel it is my responsibility and joy as an artist to represent my heritage, my culture, and who I am. I have dual citizenship in the USA and Mexico. I’ve lived and gone to school in both nations. My Mexican home is in Michoacán, my USA home is in Michigan.

My family has supported me and my choice to be an artist. They often show up where I am selling and help make my day go smoothly.

As a Mexican-American I want my work to express the blend of cultures, to honor my ancestors and the hardships my family has faced. I owe my freedom to work creatively in clay to their efforts on my behalf.

With my family at my graduation in Portage, MI

With my family at La Alondiga de Granadita in Mexico

Michoacán (by blue star) is in the part of Mexico that historically was associated with the Aztec culture.

Aztec women cooking maize in ceramic pot

God of death, example of geometric style

Working with clay offers limitless possibilities. I draw inspiration from many different things. Of course my culture is beautiful and there will always be something I can pick out from it.

My work makes me feel connected to my surroundings. I draw from my experiences and express them in the ceramic materials. When I have a final product it gives a sense of balance and meaning to my world, I’ve always seen myself doing something in this sense and I LOVE IT

In Michoacán with traditional Mexican potters, Hilario Alejos Madrigal and wife Audelia Cerano

Selling at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market with mentor Troy Bungart