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Phoenix, Arizona – Barriozona: What type of influences shaped you into the artist that you are?
Cha Gutierrez: I have been deeply influenced by family when it comes to me being an artist. Particularly my father, who at
one time had ambitions to be an artist. But as is all too common in Hispanic families, he had a sudden obligation to
become a family man and never could pursue it. As a result I was taught technique from a young age. I used to sneak in
his closet and drag out his old portfolio case and look at work from his few art classes he took in his community college
days. I am also deeply influenced by art history, but more than anything human characteristics and emotions. I’m the
biggest people watcher there is, and it influences my work tremendously.
Barriozona: What drives you to do the type of art you do?
Cha Gutierrez: The biggest thing that drives my work is human interaction and emotion, which are broad topics. I try to be
as personal and up-close with them as I can. Some of my artwork is of people I meet and try to get close to and capture
their true self, with their guard down. I also work in a covert way by snapping photos of people who are often unaware and
using the photos as reference. Being able to capture a person at moments when they are truly themselves or revealing a
lot about themselves in body language, expressions or space is my biggest goal when it comes to choosing my subjects.
There is also another side to my work, which is slightly more surreal and humorous and deals more with emotion.
Barriozona: What are some of the social issues that concern you the most?
Cha Gutierrez: Some of the issues I have the biggest personal ties with are those that deal with education. I was raised in
a school district environment. My mom worked in the Glendale District. I went to bilingual education conferences at an
early age; I was at school extra early until extra late. To see what has become of the school system (particularly in Arizona,)
is devastating. And I hope to have a hand in the changes made to it in my lifetime.
Barriozona: What are some specific problems happening in your own community?
Cha Gutierrez: Some of the most noticeable problems within my own community are those of racism, prejudice, poverty,
corruption in the school systems and the elimination of my people's cultural heritage in this city. Hispanic people have a
large role in Arizona's history, but it has been and continues to be covered up, smothered, and ignored. There are empty
fields where some of the earliest Mexican barrios in Phoenix once stood that are evidence to this elimination. There are
kids on the Westside and Central Phoenix who are in high school with a second grade reading level, meanwhile some
kids in a nicer neighborhood have their pick of taking Japanese, German and French as their language elective. Recent
laws are the most obvious evidence of some of the biggest social problems, but it’s hard to talk about the social problems
in my home state and not begin to rant for a long time. Because there are a lot of problems.
Barriozona: In terms of social change, what are some of your personal methods
Cha Gutierrez: In terms of personal methods for bringing about change, I can only hope that my art will inspire a message.
And that is that diversity is happening here in our home. And we can’t run from it and that our differences and similarities
are a beautiful thing. I also hope to be involved in community projects that involve art and bringing it to neighborhoods
where even the kids feel like and know it’s hopeless. Bring hope to people who haven’t had any in years. A lot of the
ugliness that has come about recently has only made people more thirsty for change and action, and I feel like that’s the
calling I have been waiting for to spring to action.
Barriozona: Who are individuals you look up to, people you admire and respect?
Cha Gutierrez: I don't know if there are individuals that I look up to necessarily, as much as certain types of people. I look
up to the individual who works with people for change and manages to stay humble and good. I look up to the everyday
family person, who is selfless and giving. I look up to the unconditionally generous people, who give until they have
nothing left to give. I look up to the hardworking individual who never complains about how tired they are. These are
characters you can find in any community but they are often times the first to be wronged and overlooked. But I look up to
them because their spirit is never broken.
Copyright © 2010 Hispanic Institute of Social Issues
Grassroots Journalism
www.barriozona.com
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By Eduardo Barraza
BARRIOZONA
July 24, 2010
Cha Gutierrez: Creating Art to Inspire a Message
A talented and promising Arizona artist, this young woman's artwork and desire to make a difference in
the community is strong as her values.