¡Ay Chinaca! was created by me, Olga Tapia, as a way to sell my artwork. As I am the sole creator of all pieces here, the number of available items is not huge. Also, I’m 71-years-old, so who knows how long I can keep creating? I’m the kind of person who always has to be creating art and I want to share it with others.
My Background
My mother was born in northern Mexico, and my father was also of Mexican descent. My mother was an amazing sewist. She could make garments that were perfectly sewn and without patterns, since she could not read English very well. So, I have combined a love of sewing with a love of Mexican traditions and folk art.
When I was in high school I was encouraged to be an artist, but after majoring in art initially, I switched to psychology. Eventually, I earned a doctorate in education from the University of Oregon. Even though my career diverted from art, I always kept creating art at home. I even sewed Hawaiian shirts and sold them at local craft fairs to help pay for tuition.
My Inspirations
Folk art from Mexico, especially textiles. The work of Frida Kahlo and the Mexican muralists of her era. Indigenous people of the Americas, especially the Huichol people of Mexico.
