Introduction

My name is Kateri Gutierrez and I am currently a fourth year American Studies student at Berkeley.I grew up in a household with a father who is a full time bronze sculptor and Mex art aficionado

Mi papa es amante del Español, y expresaba su pasion for ser Mexicano en sus esculturas, especialmente las que hacia cuando yo era niña. 

I was born and raised in Lynwood, a small city right next to South Central LA. I didn't really know anything outside of the Latino community. It is very centered to the Mexican community (our city's main mall is called Plaza Mexico, and is designed in 1800s/1900s Mexican architecture).

My parents are both from a small town in northern Jalisco called Jalostotitlan, where they were brought up in a farm setting. 

Up to date some of both sides of the family hold reunions, whether it be in Mexico or the US, but live music is always played, bringing generations together. It does, however, get difficult to maintain that with the younger generations, as we are starting to see the second/third/fourth generation Mexican American members arise. 

My house was a very Catholic space growing up before my parents divorced... it still is, and it wasn't until I came to Berkeley that I realized that my family is unique and has a lot of cultural capital to offer, contrary to my belief growing up, where I naively thought Mexican communities were prevalent everywhere. 

After studying abroad last Fall, I became fascinated with not only many countries and cultures, but the similarities many countries have with Mexico in the simplest forms. For instance, the street markets in Marrakech give the feel of a "tianguis" in my parent's hometown...where families stroll around to watch the beautiful artisan work, as well as get flavorful foods. 

 I have done some visual art work in high school, but would love to continue my passion for the practice and my Mexican roots and culture, as I am positive this course provides.