IT WAS SUMMER 1973

Down in the southwest of Mexico, at the foot of the Sierra Madre, you'll find this quaint spot called Santiago Laollaga, chilling in Oaxaca state.

Santiago Laollaga, home to about 3000 folks, sits around 20 miles from the nearest beach spot in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, right by the Sierra Madre.

During my childhood, I frequently found myself immersed in a jungle-like setting. Exploring through hikes, I encountered a diverse array of trees including mango, coconut, and avocado. The rivers winding through these landscapes boasted remarkably clear and pristine water. At the center of the town, a natural spring known as "El Ojo de Agua," meaning the eye of the water, served as a focal point, providing the community with a refreshing and pure water source.

Santiago Laollaga, Oaxaca

Laollaga is embraced by majestic mountains, with the grandest of them all being "El Cerro Negro," named fittingly for its imposing stature and unique solid rock formations that grace its slopes. Along the mountain's base, you'll often catch sight of spider monkeys gracefully swinging from the trees, adding an enchanting touch to the scenery. Towards the east lies a smaller hill called "El Remolino," or "The Twister," holding fond memories of my childhood hikes. In the northern expanse stands "Cerro Tablon," known as "The Flat Mountain," resembling a savannah with sparse tree coverage. Just a few miles north, the significant "El Rio Grande" river flows, distinguished by its size and adorned with sizable river stones. As a child, I frequently ventured there to revel in the joy of fishing, spending countless hours by the river's edge.

About 4 miles east along this route sits another charming town named Chihuitan. I cherish memories of visiting Chihuitan, especially during the lively Fair Time celebration held each year to pay homage to the town's patron saint.

JOSEFINA

1913-2004

Allow me to introduce you to my grandmother, Josefina—a truly remarkable woman who holds a special corner in my heart. My daughter carries her name, a tribute to the deep influence she had on my life. I was fortunate to spend my formative years under her roof, soaking in invaluable lessons from her guidance. Despite raising 11 children, including my own mother, her boundless love for each of them was palpable in her own special way. Her love for music and singing shone through, and it was a delight to watch her lose herself in melodies that stirred her soul.

Ya No Soy Naila

Y ella me contesto asi. Ya mis caricias no son tuyas. Y por la gloria de mi madre. No te guardo rencor

Naila no me abandones. Si bien sabes que te quiero. Ya no soy Naila para ti. Ya no busques otros senderos. Te prometo.

Di porque me abandonas. Ya no soy Naila para ti.

Ya me entregue con otro hombre

October 2002. Saying goodby to go to the US.

April 2016. The last vacation to be with my mother.

My childhood was a time of pure joy and contentment, immersed in a world bursting with life and color. Mango trees dotted the landscape, and during tomato harvest season, the air was thick with the sweet scent of both tomatoes and mangos. Scaling the nearby mountains was always an exhilarating adventure, while gazing up at the mesmerizing stars at night brought a deep sense of peace in the silence. Our town had this serene vibe, especially at night when all you'd hear were occasional barks and the distant laughter of children playing outside. And in the early morning hours, the sound of speaker phones announcing fresh meat or breakfast options signaled the start of a new day as dawn broke.

1995

Years down the road, driven by a burning desire to spark my own creative revolution, I took the leap and moved to Oaxaca City. This lively city became my fresh canvas, marking the beginning of my quest to chase my design dreams. Enrolling in design college, I dove headfirst into refining my craft, discovering new paths of creativity, and molding my artistic vision.

OAXACA CITY

For me, Oaxaca marks the beginning of my journey into adulthood—a place where I soaked up knowledge like a sponge and immersed myself in its rich culture. It was an incredible experience, surrounded by ancient ingredients and flavors that date back to pre-Hispanic times, sourced from plants native to the region. I have vivid memories of strolling through "El 20 de Noviembre" a bustling market right in the heart of Oaxaca City.

Tinoco y Palacios St.

Murguia St.

That's when I really started bonding with the dog symbol, and around that time, I also took on the name FRAMEL73. As a young adult in Mexico, I was always out and about, socializing and hanging out with friends in the streets. I can still hear my mom jokingly calling me "eres un perro callejero" — a street dog — because I was constantly on the move, spending so much time with my buddies.

In Mexico, when you say something is "perro," it means it's cool. So I thought, "Hey, that's cool. I can design something 'PERRO'—something real, straight from the streets of Oaxaca." I had this burning desire to create something authentic, deeply rooted in the region and infused with Mexican culture at its core.

I also thought, "Why not be Diseño Perro, Dog Design?" So I went for it.

I began sketching dogs, blending them with Zapotec words. These were words I picked up as a kid growing up in a region where the Zapotec civilization thrived in Oaxaca since the late 6th Century BC. "Bicu Niza," "Perro de Agua" - water dogs, maybe referring to river otters in the "Rio Grande," the Big River. That was the river where I used to swim.

I've always been fascinated by three-dimensional objects. Back in high school, I took a three-year architectural drawing class. One of the coolest things I learned was how to draw an isometric circle using just basic tools like a compass. It was absolutely fascinating to me.

Meanwhile, life was unfolding before me. I began to explore the wonders of traveling around the state of Oaxaca. I fell head over heels for the coast and the ocean. Playa San Agustinillo, Mazunte, and Puerto Escondido became my go-to spots whenever I was in Oaxaca.

THE COAST

Puerto Escondido, Oax. is a small surfer town, layback and colorful.

San Agustinillo, Oax.

Puerto Escondido, Oax.

2 0 0 2

At the end of 2002, I made the big move to Cincinnati. It was a shock to experience such a cold winter for the first time outside of Mexico. Our journey began in Chicago, and let me tell you, it was a bone-chillingly cold night.

CINCINNATI

PEOPLE ALWAYS ASKED ME "WHY CINCINNATI?"

I met a girl, and together, we embarked on adventures around Oaxaca. I introduced her to the people and places that held a special place in my heart.

Ever since we arrived here, she's shown me that same love, and through her, I've learned a lot about myself and how to extend that love to everyone around me.

I met Amy, and love shifted my path toward this new geographical direction. The Midwest in the US, cold and flat, welcomed me with its warm-hearted people, rich history, and diverse customs.

In my heart, I've got this stash of memories, and in my head, there's a stockpile of ideas. That's where I draw all my inspiration from. No magic tricks or hidden secrets—just a mix of emotions that I keep stirring up with every project. Nothing lasts forever; it's all about the feelings we have in the moment, and when they fade, memories stick around. And you know, eventually, even the folks who remember us will be gone. But hey, in the end, it's all about LOVE, right? That feeling in the now that keeps us doing our thing and making stuff happen.

THIS IS WHO I AM AND THIS IS MY STORY

"I'M NOT FROM HERE" was a show I had at the end of 2017. The work that was on display was a series of large, mixed-media paintings and laser cut posters.

SEE THE ART SHOW >

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