Very Special Arts of California

• Artist of the Month
• Calendar
• Join Us
• Artists Directory

Admin Login

Luis Estrada
Artist's Narrative

I Like cars and the movie Nacho Libre even though I haven't seen it yet. I like to pretend that I am a pro wrestler, like the rock. The weather is very dangerous. There are expected thundershowers. I will tell you that there is going to be a big earthquake, so watch out because the room will shake and the buildings will sway. 100 degrees will be the temperature for seven more days. The weather is very hot.

One thing I love to remember is the time that I spent with my old friends from high school. Those were the good old days. With a snap of the finger they disappear. Now there is only one friend left. I spend my days at NIAD in Andres' Class and on Wednesdays with Barbara. Barbara has a therapy dog named Crash.

Dance music is my favorite. I like to sit in the studio and daydream of the beautiful women of the world. I even have DVD's with fast music and dancing beautiful women. My dream is to drive but I am so scared of it. Maybe I could travel to Mexico City. By the end of this summer I hope that I can see the movie Nacho Libre.

Mandi Ziino
Questions and Answers

1. When did you start creating your artwork and what motivated you to begin?

   I was fascinated with art since I was a child. I love to create beautiful things. I wasn't able to run around and play so I would sit and draw what was in my head. When I became older I started to experiment with photography and loved being able to capture what I saw.

2. What techniques and media do you use?

   I mainly work with digital photographs to create images. I also paint with watercolor and oils at times. I depends on what I am trying to capture.

3. What role does art play in living with your disability? Does disability affect your art in any way?

   My art is a release for me. When I'm feeling down or when I am inspired it is immediately what I am drawn to. It calms me and allows me to explore my feelings whether they be happy or sad.

4. Do you remember a significant experience during your education where the arts played an important part? What about a favorite art teacher or art class?

   I always liked art class. It was a great source of inspiration. I was always trying to make someone else happy when I was a child. When I realized that art didn't have to be beautiful it was a great relief for me. I could create whatever I wished and it didn't have to be pretty or pleasant. Once I realized this I began to really be myself and create what was important to me. In college Marty Fromm, Elizabeth Dove and Marilyn Bruya encouraged me to explore what motivated me to be an artist. They showed me that the unconventional was OK.

5. When, and under what conditions, do you feel the arts were most effective in your education.

   Art is a sanctuary for me. It gave me the means to materialize my dreams. Without it I wouldn't have looked forward to school.