ABN: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your art?
Tlacaelel: I believe that each of us, as we live our daily lives, can write a book about our experiences, our joys, our accomplishments, and our goals in life. For me and my cut-paper art, each piece I make is another page in my life. As the artworks accumulate, they begin to form the tale of my life, another page in the book of my autobiography. The autobiography will continue to evolve until the day I put down the razor blade or scissors for the last time. I’ve been cutting paper since I was five years old, and at 66, I continue to cut paper, exhibiting and promoting my work. Cutting paper gives my life meaning, a purpose, and a sense of leaving a record of my life. Cutting paper is a way of using my frenetic energy to deal with the daily challenges and horrors of life, as well as the joys and accomplishments as I go through life’s rigors. I like the word frenetic because I see my work as frenetic: fast, energetic, and uncontrolled—much like the fauvists of the 20th century.
ABN: What artist(s) inspire you?
Tlacaelel: My work is often inspired by other artists’ works, across disciplines; like modern dance artist Paul Sanasardo, from whom I took dance classes in New York City; concert pianist Douglas Riva, who specializes in the compositions of Spanish composer Enrique Granados; and famed photographer Oscar Lozoya, who’s known for his black and white photography depicting images of Day of the Dead. The beautiful poetry of Garcia Lorca and Rainer Maria Rilke; the way they weave words together inspired me to weave shapes and patterns together in a way that is more sophisticated and detailed than my childhood years. These and other artists have deeply inspired me and influenced my artistic outlook on life, and how I work when making a work of art.
ABN: What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Tlacaelel: I was talking with famed choreographer and modern dance artist May O’Donnell, feeling discouraged about life and process, and she said, “You have to be like a bulldog. Latch on and hold on tight.” This is something I’ll always hold dear to my heart, as I have used those words to give me impetus and resolve in my work. Paul Sanasardo once said to me, “Don’t go looking for a party, be the party.” He also said to me, “Be a strong artist. Work hard and write your own meal ticket.”