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ingrid romero:
Tell us about your art practice and how working with children inspires you.
Sharon De La Cruz:
I grew up in the poorest congressional district in the United States, Hunts Point, in the South Bronx. We were under-resourced in more ways than one, however, I never felt not proud of the Bronx. As a child, the strong characters around me, the fantastic food, the stories on the walls, the art, the music, and the language all inspired me. I continue to pull from that spirit to this day and make artwork for the other little Sharon’s out there and her mother, who did what she could with the resources available to her.
IR:
What is a recent work of art that you made that made you happy?
SDLC:
Traveling While Black is a cinematic VR experience that immerses the viewer in the long history of restriction of movement for black Americans and the creation of safe spaces in our communities from Academy Award winner Roger Ross Williams and Emmy Award-winning Felix & Paul Studios. The film transports you to historic Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington DC where the viewer shares an intimate series of moments with several patrons. Traveling While Black confronts the way we undestand and talk aobut race in America and highlights the urgent need to facilitate a dialogue about the challenges minority travelers still face today.
IR:
What advice would you give to young artists who wish to pursue an art practice?
SDLC:
Practice ... that’s why it’s called an art practice. Practicing is where growth and discipline come from. Practice is where the reflection comes from and where you can fail fast and bounce back up. Serious play is the pedagogy!
