although the practice of glass sculpting does not originate from this place, these particular artworks come from the Dominican Republic. ethnically, i am from the island, but i was born in the US and because of this i have always felt a sort of disconnect from the culture. however, these sculptures, handmade by my grandfather, mi abuelo, feel like a piece of the island in my home.
we don’t get to see him often because travel is expensive, but he will often send us little artworks like these to keep. it’s a way we stay connected to him. the fact that he makes them specifically for me and my family makes them feel all the more special as well! they are each one of a kind and made with great care, and i feel that when i hold them.
mi abuelo makes sculptures out of a lot of things, and entirely by himself. he makes the molds out of plastic and clay, and sculpts out of sand and rocks, as well as a variety of other things. in these turtles, you can see rocks from the beach and ocean sealed inside. they quite literally carry a part of the caribbean with them!
in a way, an interest in art is something that has run in my family, in many forms. whether it be music, dancing, sculpting, or painting, art is deeply engrained into us, and has always been a large part of how we go through life. in a way, these artworks are a reminder that my own art is beautiful too, and that i should keep making it to pass down this passion to the next generations.
that’s why these sculptures are so important to me. :-]

– zaycaguzman

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant