about sonrisa-rachel

Sonrisa-Rachel Medina is a Hispanic female artist from Taos, New Mexico who uses watercolor, digital, and film photography to produce works of the natural landscape. She uses a combination of deep patience and spontaneity, waiting for the right light and natural moments to align perfectly.

She would love the opportunity to learn more about fiber arts through Futuros Ancestral. "Being able to learn more about Rio Grande weaving tradition alongside other people is a great opportunity to learn more about my culture and share it with other people," she says.

Sonrisa-Rachel first learned how to weave when she was around 10 years old, and has used woven small plain weave projects using a frame loom. Currently, she likes to work on repairing woven fabrics using different free hand techniques like darning, reweaving, patching, and invisible mending.

"I think it is important support artistic communities and take time to learn traditional techniques," says Sonrisa-Rachel. "It helps to preserve culture and build new bonds that uplift a community. I have always been interested in learning Colcha, but was never really in a position where I could take the time to learn about the technique. I am excited to have the opportunity to learn about other traditions, and make connections with other artists or instructors that practice these techniques."