Sylvia Rodriguez
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Diversity and meshing of perspectives serve as enriching experiences for growth and development. My work is an exploration of my and others' lived experiences with a focus in social justice and advocacy, showcased in children's media, such as books, posters, stickers, and textiles. I love to create work that I wanted as a child. To me, the most emotional and inspirational work is rooted in life and our relationships to our environment, friends, and family.
Everyone has stories to tell, compelling wisdom and joys, woes, madness; breaking the mold of normality through craft are my passions. I believe that by sharing life's absurdities, these forms of expression best push others to strive for community activism, change, and acceptance of one another.
I am an artist, craftsperson, and advocate. As long as someone has learned something, gained perspective, or was moved enough to take action from my work, I have accomplished my goal!
"The ABCs of Hair"
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Made using printed cotton, sewing thread, 2023. A piece made to be classroom art that focused on the beauty of Black hair is not only a tool of culture but a tool of education.
"Visibility of BIPOC Neurodiverse Children"
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Made of polyfill, fabric, gouache, watercolor, Pasca marker, 2023. An observation and critique of special education systems, which often diagnose Black and brown children with behavioral disorders rather than other neurodivergent conditions, and the belief that BIPOC children are inherently violent. When a neurodivergent BIPOC child, like the one represented, is made visible, seen, understood, and cared for, they can thrive in any environment.
"Convention on the Rights of a Child: Article 23"
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Digital art, 2023. Article 23 of the Convention on the Rights of a Child, is still unsigned by the United States. Made to showcase disabled children engaged with art-making and play, and to destigmatize seeing disabled children through a strength model. The society that disables people, not people themselves.
"Critique"
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Digital art and print. A representation of the critique experience through the eyes of a little girl. The nervous, but blank expression showcases my personal experience of losing passion and drive after all-nighters and the burnout of end-of-year work.
"A Mother's Love: Introduction"
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Digital art. A book I had written and illustrated parts of based on my experience of being adopted when I was 18 years old. Made to encourage families who were considering the adoption process to consider older children, but also to show kids that adopted children receive plenty of love and care when they find the right family.
"A Mother's Love: Hair"
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Digital art. A book I had written and illustrated parts of based on my experience of being adopted when I was 18 years old. Made to encourage families who were considering the adoption process to consider older children, but also to show kids that adopted children receive plenty of love and care when they find the right family.
