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¡Firme!

¡Firme!

By Miguel Maltos Gonzales

¡Firme! started as a platform for a Chicano artist to connect with community during pandemic and from a politically conservative area. Today, the discussion is focused on contemporary Chicano arts and culture from Central Texas.
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Colorism in Photography cont.

¡Firme!Jun 24, 2020

00:00
26:23
Coming home

Coming home

It's been over a year since my last episode! Lot's has changed in this life I follow and I am now able to re-conect via ¡Firme! with the creative community. message me and let's start a new conversation. I'm looking for this podcast, that shall have a new name, be a platform for San Antonio, Texas, National creatives. What inspired them, who drives them to create, why did they choose to create with this medium, and who should others learn about in this growing community? I'd like to ask you who and what would you like to hear on an art & culture centered podcast? Use the voice message feature to connect with me and let's re-ignite the flame of ¡Firme! together. Bueno!
Sep 06, 202304:42
Where are you from?

Where are you from?

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
I was asked a simple question today that doesn’t have a simple answer
Feb 23, 202212:37
Camera Cuentos - Creative roots run deeper than you may know.

Camera Cuentos - Creative roots run deeper than you may know.

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.

As you know by previous episodes, my father inspired me to explore photography. In this first episode of the second season he shares where he started on his photographic journey in San Antonio, TX in the early 1940's as a boy. In sharing a moment of my family's creative roots with you, I encourage you to reflect on your roots. Who are the family members that made changes in their path, how did those changes influence the next generations, who directly steered you on the path you're on today, how will you influence as an elder when it's your time? I'm blessed to still hear his voice in person. Because some day I will only be able to hear him in memories and this episode. Hold your elders close, they always have plenty to share.

Sep 24, 202139:35
Mixt Collective A discussion on navigating as a mixed race person in a binary world.
Mar 24, 202149:03
Camera cuentos - Privileged Photographer

Camera cuentos - Privileged Photographer

As a photographer I’ve been privileged and have been aware since I was in high school. I remember having a wide variety of equipment, whereas others had only one camera and lens for all assignments. Having been aware, I’ve made it my mission to share what I know, and help others work with what they have.
Dec 03, 202020:59
Camera cuentos-Making photos vs taking photos

Camera cuentos-Making photos vs taking photos

Making or taking photos??? Many photographers go on and on about the features, hi sensitivity sensors, fast fames per second, and stuff. It’s never about the gear, and all about the artist’s vision. Call me old school, but being raised in a pobre art family I learned to use my resources wisely. I had to understand how to make an image and not rely on the camera for my art. The camera is only a tool. This is the first of a small photography series starting the camera cuentos!
Nov 26, 202028:12
Names matter! Ask my tío Bob Bear...

Names matter! Ask my tío Bob Bear...

Names have connection to our identity and individual personalities. Have you ever had an issue where someone couldn’t pronounce your name? Perhaps they aren’t able to say your name, or they snooze not to try. There’s a difference... Allowing others to change, misspell, or purposefully mispronounce names can have an impact on that person then and in the future. #whatsinaname #cultureproblems #ownyiurenye #ownyourname
Nov 19, 202022:13
Who doesn’t have an accent?

Who doesn’t have an accent?

While serving in the military, I have seen as much or more discrimination than the art world. Until recently the military concept of inclusion, diversity, and cultural consideration is similar to comparing conjunto to cumbia... country to western. Only with in the past year has the military acknowledged and openly discussed racism within the ranks.
Nov 12, 202024:49
Where do I belong?

Where do I belong?

As gente in the USA we have indigenous roots, European heritage, and daily American influences. We often express our micro individualities such as Mexican, Cuban, Salvadoran, etc., and then the macro culture of adding Afro or LGBTQ+ before the micro culture. How can we maintain our individuality and still self identify to unite as a single connected community? How can we connect as gente, and still celebrate our individuality?
Nov 09, 202023:29
The two A’s in culture
Nov 03, 202027:53
Youth artist talks

Youth artist talks

The more young artists experience conversation with contemporary artists the more they develop a deeper connection to finding their own creative flow. Connecting with artists of color helps the future arts and culture community become more inclusive and truly breaks barriers. En solidaridad, we will build a stronger arts community one artist at a time.
Oct 30, 202022:11
No matter where you go, your ancestors are with you.
Oct 28, 202022:33
¡Ánimo ánimo ánimo!
Oct 23, 202024:11
The walls we make

The walls we make

When we are confronted with challenges we can oppose or open to listen. The walls we make are based on our experiences, our understanding, and our biases. We all have an opinion, and we also have the ability to listen. We don’t have to agree with others, yet we should respect them when they aren’t attacking. Fist pumping and shouting only makes noise. If we want change, we have to change together.
Oct 21, 202021:37
¿Más o menos?

¿Más o menos?

The challenges of sharing culture for people of color, and resources in Spanish get real in the 5 mile area. 100% of my social media posts have not been welcome in an area I reside nearby. Some neighbors were positive, others were quite negative.
Oct 16, 202026:58
Indigenous peoples day

Indigenous peoples day

Today is a day of mixed feelings. Living between being an American of indigenous heritage, and wanting to honor my ancestors. For many this day is a representation of their ancestry. For others, they don’t feel a connection to their ancestry. Others it’s a reminder of their non binary identity is challenged by their heritage. So many complicated emotions and self discovery. How do you self identify? How does this shape your daily?
Oct 12, 202028:21
Arte in education

Arte in education

Local and cultural arts are often overlooked in formal arts programs. Through LTNX artes we’re introducing this into the public school arts programs.
Oct 07, 202026:43
The house on St Mary’s street

The house on St Mary’s street

A short cuento me grandmother told me about the day her house on St Mary’s street was demolished to make way for US 281.
Oct 05, 202024:48
What would my name be?

What would my name be?

If the Spanish didn’t colonize my indigenous family generations ago, what would that culture be today? What would my name be? How would the relationship with the U.S. be? What if?
Oct 01, 202016:56
Community shapes culture, that makes art reflecting community.

Community shapes culture, that makes art reflecting community.

The community we live in drives the culture we live in locally and across the country. The art we see today is a reflection of the world we are apart of. No everything can be pretty and fluffy. Nombre... the uncomfortable art we see isn’t the problem, the problem is what inspires the art that a community feels is uncomfortable. When a community is uncomfortable by the art, there needs to be a question asked.
Sep 30, 202026:34
Just a few hours of the year.

Just a few hours of the year.

For just a few hours of the year, gente in Spokane unite for Día De Los Muertos. We honor our ancestors, and celebrate their lives. The community comes together, gente y non gente, and we respectfully join as a family. This is the one evening we have to celebrate our heritage. We shouldn’t have to wait all year for one evening to celebrate our heritage. We’re gente everyday. We should be able to have a space we can stretch our cultura y celebrate our pride openly in the community were apart of.
Sep 28, 202022:29
We fall and we rise

We fall and we rise

Our inspiration comes from what we experience. Not all artists create for people to buy. Many create to purge, self heal, express stresses, and tell stories. A shirt cuento if a friend the fell, and admitted he needed help getting up.
Sep 23, 202024:33
Chchchanges

Chchchanges

The town hall as block party was a hit! No participation from Spokane, and if we expect change we gotta make the change! Here’s a little cuento on a friend that experienced change.
Sep 22, 202035:05
You don’t go here!!!

You don’t go here!!!

After posting cultural information and an event specific to POC, I was denied sharing those posts I the community I live in. It’s like saying I don’t belong where I live, I not wanted in my neighborhood, and almost like there is no one that wants to know this.
Sep 18, 202018:49
Art Administrators of Color Network

Art Administrators of Color Network

RSVP: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqdeyvrjIjGNZFcO2OMDHPFUsxl-9KfTMb

Join fellow AAC members for a Town Hall to guide you through the many committees and new project initiatives that AAC has worked on during 2020, as well as the goals for the rest of the year and beyond. Learn about the upcoming AAC Chapters pilot program and then unwind with us for our Virtual Block Party!
Sep 17, 202022:16
¡El gritó! Says something about me and about my life.

¡El gritó! Says something about me and about my life.

Mexican Independence Day! The day the people of Mexico earned their independence from the rule of Spain. As a bicultural person of indigenous heritage from Los Estados Unidos de México and being born in the U.S. of America the concept of patriotism & independence is complicated. All I can say is this is the independence I identify with, and am proud to express it.
Sep 16, 202025:21
DDLM

DDLM

Día de los Muertos is coming up soon, and We’re gesto up for a virtual event this year. Ltnxartes.com will host a virtual art show, and opens the gallery to any Latina/o/x artist regardless of where your located. Join us!!
Sep 15, 202019:58
Tíos 72 Chevy

Tíos 72 Chevy

The smoke is harsh, pandemic is still going, work is still limited, protests are still going, and were still going forward. It’s hard to fight the division among our communities. Many demand change, but we have to change it ourselves. ¡Pa’lante! Forward!
Sep 14, 202027:40
9/11 cuento

9/11 cuento

A short story on my 9/11 experience.
Sep 12, 202017:03
You have to want to make art

You have to want to make art

In order to creat a culture, make art, change practices, be better in anyway, or even make tortillas you need to to have the “want” first. Then the rest falls into place.
Sep 10, 202020:30
Creative Culture Shifts

Creative Culture Shifts

With my experiences in Duffy creative cultures, I see how each environment brings it’s own energy. The creative community in Spokane is amazing, and has immense potential. This horrible situation has placed a considerable halt in the industry, and those in the industry can overcome. There’s much work to be done, and we have the drive to do it. Sooo dalé!
Sep 03, 202021:30
Corruption of a creative culture

Corruption of a creative culture

More talent are coming out against the photographer accused of sexually assaulting them. Other photographers are receiving a bad reputation, and the studio involved has closed its doors. On person’s actions have altered a creative industry, and the life’s of many.
Sep 02, 202028:29
Evolution of art through pandemic

Evolution of art through pandemic

The pandemic has changed the way we make, present, and sell art. Also changed the culture of the arts community itself. Do we change, adapt, or just stop making art? How do we overcome this challenge? Is it okay for me to change? How do I change? These questions and more on the evolution of art through a pandemic.
Aug 31, 202030:01
RAC and PIN closing

RAC and PIN closing

Arts has a place in our community and deserves better representation as a professional industry. Museums are opening why can’t galleries? I get the profit vs non-profit, but why keep full time artists from working? Art is the express of our culture.
Aug 27, 202024:16
Where’s the multi, where’s the cultural?

Where’s the multi, where’s the cultural?

It appears a few organizations are trying to organize a multicultural space. However, it sounds more like a community resource center. Nothing centered on my mission of arts and cultural expression. Ima make some popcorn...
Aug 26, 202023:52
Cultura matters

Cultura matters

We aren’t just a group of different races, we are people mad by our cultures. The heritage we have is what makes our community, and creates the presence we have in it. Color, hair type, or eye shape is not how we are categorized, nombre... we aren’t divided by features but United by our cultural similarities.
Aug 21, 202014:42
Arte in education

Arte in education

Arte is different from art when it comes to education. Most formal art classes only discuss the “classics” and tend to overlook the local and region influences. Art education is very Eurocentric which leaves out the art people would see where they live. I feel this affects the way art is understood, and supported.
Aug 20, 202026:34
#Bilingüismo - the art of bilingualism

#Bilingüismo - the art of bilingualism

When bilingual people think, express, show emotion, or pray they do so in both languages simultaneously. There is no “switch” setting to one language to the other. When people speak in both languages it’s called code switching, and is common for bilingual, and multilingual people. Collecting a series of bilingual phrases is important to capture what I experience daily to share with you. In hopes that we can learn more about each other.
Aug 17, 202021:47
The Issue with X part uno

The Issue with X part uno

X on Latinx is an issue among the community I’m apart of. This is the first of a few episodes on how the X came to be, what X is doing in the community now, and the future of X. Puro pinche X
Aug 13, 202025:08
Is art work?

Is art work?

Often art isn’t seen as a career, but as a hobby. Something to do when you have time. Art is a full time job for many creatives. Commercially and culturally art is the glue that binds a community together.
Aug 10, 202030:25
Pre-Spokanized

Pre-Spokanized

What would I tell my pre Spokane self about living in Spokane? For those of you that have moved to the area, what would you go back and tell yourself to better set yourself for success culturally, socially, or even artistically?
Aug 06, 202022:11
La Resistance

La Resistance

The closing of La Resistance is a great loss to the art community. Many artists that wouldn’t other’s have a voice, needed a venue. La Resistance was established by a woman with the vision of bringing equity to the arts, and I know she’ll continue this journey in some manner. She’ll be supported because she’s buena gente!
Aug 05, 202023:20
What makes the PNW gente of today?

What makes the PNW gente of today?

Through the passing years, the gente in the PNW have evolved into what they are to say. Language loss, food, traditions, and more have been influenced by U.S. lifestyle, or is there something else? Let’s start this dialogue so understand more. ¡Andalé!
Aug 03, 202025:17
Pa’lante (going forward)

Pa’lante (going forward)

After the impact of vandalism on the BLM mural in Spokane, WA we are still moving forward in our creative and cultural endeavors. ¡Pa’lante Pa’lante pa’lante!
Jul 31, 202023:56
C’mon Spokane... seriously?!?

C’mon Spokane... seriously?!?

The BLM mural in Spokane lives for a day before being vandalized by having red, white, and blue paint splattered on the word black.
Jul 31, 202024:49
Who is this Latino heritage museum for???

Who is this Latino heritage museum for???

A Latino heritage museum is being considered for the DC Smithsonian network, and gente is already arguing on the name. ¡Pos chin! How do we get nice things if we can’t even play well together? #individualismdivides
Jul 29, 202027:33
For good luck...

For good luck...

There’s so much history in the words we use in our culture. Changing these words takes away for our heritage and robs future generations from learning where they come from.
Jul 27, 202025:16
Growing up Chicano in Spokane with local guest Manny
Jul 27, 202042:26
El voz, yes we deserve one!

El voz, yes we deserve one!

Having to express cultura in a space that isn’t intended for it feels like living on borrowed land. As a person with a rich cultural heritage, I can see the need to have a space dedicated to the people it serves. This being black, Asian, indigenous, and gente. We aren’t wanting to create or foster a divide. No this is like living in a persons house, and having a home of your own.
Jul 24, 202030:49
¡Que Buena!

¡Que Buena!

Sometimes the hardest conversations lead to the closest connections. Without these talks, we can’t expect change to occur in a community. Have these awkward conversations of culture, color, heritage, history y mas with the intention of learning. Talk like you’re the listener. You’d be surprised how a difficult conversation would flow.
Jul 23, 202028:23