Making Art in a Time of Cultural War
Dr G . Dr G .

Making Art in a Time of Cultural War

In a time when art and culture are increasingly politicized, artists find themselves at the center of a modern-day culture war. As debates intensify over historical narratives, museum exhibits, and national monuments, this piece explores how art becomes a tool of resistance, memory, and identity. By examining the power struggles unfolding within institutions like the Smithsonian, we uncover why creative expression matters more than ever—and why those in power are trying to control it.

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A Blank Wall is a Missed Business Opportunity: How Wall Art Can Transform Your Space and Brand
Dr G . Dr G .

A Blank Wall is a Missed Business Opportunity: How Wall Art Can Transform Your Space and Brand

Picture this: A potential client walks into your space for the first time. Maybe it's your office, your coffee shop, or your boutique. They pause, take in their surroundings, and… see a blank wall. No personality. No message. Just emptiness.

Now imagine something different. They step inside and are immediately greeted by a bold, beautifully designed mural that tells a story—your story. A striking piece of art that sparks curiosity, invites conversation, and makes a lasting impression.

That’s the power of your space. And that’s why a blank wall isn’t just empty—it’s a missed opportunity.

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9 Latinx Style Ideas: Home Decor & Lifestyle
Dr G . Dr G .

9 Latinx Style Ideas: Home Decor & Lifestyle

Celebrate culture with our vibrant collection of Latinx-inspired canvas art prints, metal art, home goods, mugs, and hoodies. Featuring iconic designs like pan dulce, calla lilies, and folkloric patterns, each piece blends tradition with modern style. Transform your space with bold wall art, sip cafecito from our colorful mugs, or stay cozy in soft hoodies showcasing cultural pride. Perfect for gifts or personal use, these items bring the beauty of Latinx heritage into everyday life. Explore unique, handcrafted designs that honor tradition and celebrate identity.

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Woven Memories: Honoring a Tailor’s Legacy Through Art
Dr G . Dr G .

Woven Memories: Honoring a Tailor’s Legacy Through Art

Recently, I had the honor of creating a custom art piece for a customer that became quite a special project—it became a celebration of life, memory, and gave me the opportunity to know Inmer Ariel Barillas de Leon, a man who had found true meaning in his work.

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Today I went to Starbucks and ordered their “new” cortado.
Dr G . Dr G .

Today I went to Starbucks and ordered their “new” cortado.

So, Starbucks kicked off the new year by adding a new espresso beverage to its menu, the Cortado, on January 3, 2025. Today I went to Starbucks and ordered their cortado. As I sat there waiting for my drink, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this seemingly simple beverage—a cortado—carries such deep cultural roots. The last time I had a cortado was in a plaza in Old San Juan about thirty years ago and here I was in a midwestern drive through with my daughter having the same drink. It’s a strange mix of fascinating—and unsettling—how globalization works.

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How I Found My Passion for Art—and Left Academia Behind
Dr G . Dr G .

How I Found My Passion for Art—and Left Academia Behind

If you’d told me ten years ago that I’d be running an art studio instead of teaching in a university classroom, I wouldn’t have believed you. Back then, I was deep in my Ph.D. research, studying how artists in El Salvador used creative expression to reflect the trauma of war. I thought my future was set: I’d become a professor, write papers, and teach about memory and history. But life had other plans.

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The Dance of the Tiger and the Deer: A Story of Strength and Balance
Dr G . Dr G .

The Dance of the Tiger and the Deer: A Story of Strength and Balance

The Dance of the Tiger and the Deer: A Story of Strength and Balance

Let’s talk about the Danza del Tigre y el Venado—a dance that’s more than just a performance. It’s a story, a metaphor for life, and a reflection of the balance that keeps everything connected. Rooted in the traditions of Mexican and Central American indigenous communities, this dance has been passed down for generations, and it’s packed with meaning.

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Reclaiming Your Artistic Integrity: Lessons from Epictetus and the Creative Journey
Dr G . Dr G .

Reclaiming Your Artistic Integrity: Lessons from Epictetus and the Creative Journey

I’ve noticed that when I am driven by external validation, the energy fueling my creativity shifts. It becomes less about expressing my unique vision and more about chasing trends or trying to replicate past successes. This shift has lead to frustration and a sense of stagnation, and in my case, when I’m in that mental space, I am no longer creating from a place of authenticity. Instead, there's a constant push and pull between adrenaline from success and desperation from perceived failure.

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Exploring Memory, Identity, and Heritage Through Salvadoran Art: A Journey of Displacement and Belonging
Dr G . Dr G .

Exploring Memory, Identity, and Heritage Through Salvadoran Art: A Journey of Displacement and Belonging

In the world of Latinx art, certain themes transcend the canvas, becoming not just visual expressions but deeply personal reflections of history, identity, and the human experience. This is especially true for Salvadoran artists, like me, who navigate the complexities of memory, displacement, and cultural belonging. My journey began not only as an immigrant from El Salvador to South Central Wisconsin but also as someone who has returned to explore the rich narratives of my homeland, both as an artist and a scholar.

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5 Ways to Find Authentic Latin American Art
Dr G . Dr G .

5 Ways to Find Authentic Latin American Art

There’s no denying the convenience of platforms like Amazon. We all know how easy it is to click "add to cart" and bring art into our homes without thinking twice. But I’ve found my own art for sale there—stolen and replicated without permission. I’ve had to file copyright infringement reports to have it removed. It wasn’t just me either; I’ve seen the work of artists I know end up on these sites, or similar ones like Teemu. It’s a reminder that in a world where everything can be replicated, finding something real can be difficult.

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The Calla Lily Vendor Motif in Latin American Art: A Symbol of Beauty and Struggle
Dr G . Dr G .

The Calla Lily Vendor Motif in Latin American Art: A Symbol of Beauty and Struggle

Latin American art is a vibrant and evolving expression of culture, often reflecting the complex social, political, and personal struggles of its people. One particularly captivating motif that has resonated throughout history is the image of the calla lily vendor. This recurring figure, especially prominent in Mexican visual culture, not only showcases the beauty of the calla lily but also delves into profound themes of labor, gender, social status, and national identity. In this blog, we'll explore the history, symbolism, and cultural significance of the calla lily vendor motif in Latin American art—an image that continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.

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