I give you, Michelle, aka Deady Page:
What feeds your soul?
Learning more, reading more listening more and looking for more that I never knew about. My soul is constantly hungry, it has to be feed in an abundance and with a side of good music.
Where are your roots? In other words, when you call yourself Latina/o, where does your family history begin?
My varietal is more like it. I am a delicious blend of Mexican, Spanish, Indian, Middle Eastern and who knows what else. All I've ever known is this..I am an American female with olive skin, brown eyes who feels like a part of many cultures. BUT, my heart and soul feel a rooted connection to Mexico.
In other words, when you call yourself Latina/o, where does your family history begin? Great question. And I wish I could answer that. The only information I know is where my great grandmother on my mother's side is from...Villumada Chihuahua Mexico. My other grandparents were from Silver City NM and who knows where. MY family history is this...I am a convert to Judaism who has a deep love for my family. I do not deny my culture nor am I ashamed of it..I praise it, teach it, and want to pass it on.
When I comes to being Latina/o what do you love most about your culture?
I love that my culture embraces family/friend togetherness. Family, food, friends, music and a beautiful an d colorful background. My culture loves everything BIG. That's the way I live my life. BIG
When you were growing up, what did your family do to celebrate your culture?
Growing up there were no trips to Mexico, no posadas, no mananitas, or saints in the house. But, I had this..... Knowledge of those things. Since I grew up in El Paso CHUCO, my parents would take us to Juarez every weekend or other. We ate there bought groceries, and saw things that we had never seen tasted or heard before. And all of this was just a walk over a bridge. The only celebrations I remember were my piñatas, and quince. That was pretty Mexican for us. I always chose the traditional Estella.
Has there been any one latina/o celebrity or role model you have looked up to?
I have been a huge fan of Lila Downs for many years. When I met her after a concert in El Paso, i was not disappointed. Not only do I admire this woman for her music which mostly relates to social justice for migrate workers who come from Mexico to the United States but, she is honestly a very down to earth and considerate person. Her music has influenced many of my creations.
What is your favorite cultural holiday?
OBVIO...Dia De Los Muertos!! I love it, breath it, and love the idea that life and death is a beautiful cycle. One that we should not be afraid of. This holiday was the crossroads in my life. I can honestly say it has been the one love(except for my children) that has never disappointed me, that has kept me interested, has kept me passionate, and who I cannot wait to grow old with.
Is there Spanish spoken in your home?
No. I do speak it but not in my home or on a daily. I do cuss in Spanish, and in English on a daily.
FOOD! What is your favorite cultural dish?
Red Enchiladas. And Rajas con Queso. And recently a huge fan of my friend Omar's Albondigas soup.
What would you say to younger latinas/os about your culture and your heritage and being proud of they are? Take a big look at all the things that truly make you happy. Why do they make you happy?: The answer if you go to the root of it...comes from a part of your culture, your heritage. Be proud. Carry on the love and the traditions Our ancestors lived amazing lives. Continue in their paths and keep them alive.
Tell me about your art~
Simple. Different. Mine. And made to ask questions. Made to Inspire.
Where do you find most of your inspiration?
From a variety of things. Life, death, broken, forgotten and strange objects. Frida is a BIG influence.
How long have you been a artist??
All my life. We are all born as artists. It is not fair to say we are not. We all come to this earth with some type of gift. Some draw, some paint, some write, some sing, some craft, some act, some play an instrument, some teach, some ask questions, some answer them. Look around we are all artist. We just only appreciate the things we visually can see sometimes.
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Michelle has always been very fashion forward, and has had a love affair with vintage hats since she was a baby. Being the type of person who wears all types of hats on a daily basis is what she does. Michelle is attracted to the big, the glamorous and the eccentric. She is inspired by hats of the fashion runways, Victorian Bourgeoisie of Europe, English fascinators, and of course cabaret and burlesque headdresses. Not only is Michelle a hat maker but she also makes masks, flower crowns and jewelry inspired of course by Frida Kahlo, Dia de los Muertos and tattoo inspired art. This proud mother of 5 is also an event manager at one of the largest event halls in El Paso TX, owner of La Catrina Day of the Dead and Tattoo Inspired Art Pop-Up store and Deady Page Drop Dead Gorgeous Findings which is a vintage lingerie and findings Pop-Up store. She is also co-founder of the Borderland Fridas, event promoter and a Pin Up girl for the NM chapter of Heels for Combat Boots. If you are interested in a commissioned piece or any of Micelles pieces you can reach her at:
or
Gracias por leer!
Remember:
Se Amable
Se Honesto
Ser Valiente
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