Three Questions for Elena Valdés Chavarría (ita)

What inspired your choice of medium for this art?

Although digital art is not my preferred form of expression, I am appreciative of its versatility and efficiency, particularly in my work within the tattoo world, where its practicality proves invaluable. While not where my artistic instincts naturally reside, the digital form has offered a useful and adaptable space for creative exploration.

What was your creative process for the piece?

My process began with loose, intuitive sketches: organic forms gradually giving rise to the human figures that inhabit this short comic. Originally tackled for a graduate course assignment, the piece took on a life of its own, and I was unexpectedly moved by how it evolved. In light of the current global moment… I then felt compelled to share it more widely, its themes timely and resonant.

What is the significance of this piece to you?

This piece serves as a gentle and imperative reminder of the spirit I attribute to research, rooted in humility, deep attentiveness, tact, and care. I believe this piece reflects my belief that at the heart of any inquiry should be the communities we seek to collaborate with and uplift.

Elena Valdés Chavarría (ita), [ella/she/they] is a doctoral student in the Language, Equity, and Educational Policy program at Oregon State University. She grew up in Sonora by the Sea of Cortés in México, an arcane combination of arid landscapes and pacific waters; the piercing duality of desert and ocean. Daughter of two avid biologists, her childhood was filled with adventurous excursions, introducing her from a young age to conservation efforts in the Gulf of California. This led her to devoting a significant part of her life to promoting the value of traditional knowledge from rural communities working towards gradual social reform. Elena has moved thirteen times across four countries, holds a Bachelor’s with a double major in Music and Art from the University of Arizona, and a Master’s in Contemporary Latinx Studies from Oregon State University. Her current research interests lie at the intersection of transnational communities and critical pedagogy, with a focus on culturally sustaining practices. She has a passion for nature, art, and languages, and also goes by ita.