Artist Statement
In my grant application I had proposed creating mosaics out of found objects “trash”along the Martinez Creek. I wanted the mosaics to be scenic views of the creek. I choose not to manipulate the items too much in order for the viewer to be able to recognize the item. I have been creating mosaics for over 14 years yet this would be the first time I would solely use found objects from a public space. I live within walking distance from the creek and almost every day for the last 6 years I have walked the short paved path with my partner and our dogs. It is a beautiful creek littered with an array of human produced items, usually associated with a well-known gas station, food joint, drink (especially plastic water bottles), or snack brand. This is where trash goes when it is not properly disposed of, it ends up in our waterways. I wanted to use these mosaics as an opportunity to show how we humans, whether we think about it or not, interact with our local waters everyday. The choices we make today affect the waters of tomorrow.
Artist’s Bio
Rebel Mariposa is a Yanaguana-based, Two-Spirit Tejana with a passion for ancestral healing through food, art, and activism. Her work in the food scene in Tejas includes founding the restaurant and community space La Botánica and co-founding San Arte Healing and Cultura Collective. As a child, Rebel performed in chicana plays at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts center and Our lady of Lake University. She began writing poetry at the age 10 and has never stopped. In 2007 she joined her families’ Ballet Folklorico group, Ballet Folklorico en Aztlan and continues to to dance and perform with the group here in San Antonio and San Diego. In 2008 she began to be trained by Southern California artist Kim Emerson in the art of mosaics. She assisted Emerson in making large and public mosaic installations as well as began to make her own pieces of mosaic art. Rebel’s creative mind and adventurous spirit keeps dancing through life and accepting new challenges.
Fiber Optics of Fast Wants Fast Trash
2022
3ft x 4ft
Found materials
100% Natural Spring Water Enriched with Fake Plastic Trees
2022
27” x 26”
Found materials
SA River Authority Westside Creeks Meeting
2022
30” x 72”
Found materials
Washed Up & Unearthed
2022
9” x 15”
Unearthed materials
Special thanks to
Veronique Le Melle, SA DAC Consultant
Ernest Lopez – crafted the art stands
Amanda De La O – assisted w/gathering of materials & music curator
Reb Mari 
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