When you walk around the world, working the land, traveling here and there, you never see a black line on the ground like in the maps. The only borders are in our minds and the only walls are in the heart.

Every day we drive on roads and bridges and live in buildings often built by people. Some so long ago that those whose hands laid the foundations, raised the walls and set the roof are no longer with us. Conversely, for our entire lives, we depend on a steady food supply. A process that is living at all levels, from the worker to the plants, animals, and the earth. This relationship with the land is something that has lived since the dawn of civilization across our world. By recognizing the contributions of farmworkers, we not only honor our heritage, but unite these living, separated lived experiences that sustain all of us. And moreover, we continue to build our future.

We are one people but with many stories. In this particular painting—the celebration of life, being thankful for what Mother Earth gives us. Being together and working in peace. Sharing and shaping our values. Exchanging love and good faith instead of hate and ignorance. This is what I felt when I was creating Open Heart.

My painting comes from the heart. My daily labor is to create. It is not easy, but it is the skill I have from birth and have spent my life developing. Immigrants like me work hard to establish themselves in new lands. Immigrants and migrant workers offer their skills, knowledge, and talents to produce the food we eat every day. In my painting I honor the Mother Earth—I try to show that she cares deeply for the people who work the land and care for it enough to be there for future generations. Tacoma is a great city of working people. Workers and peoples whose connection with the natural world elevates the shared human experience as it travels from farm to city. Where the walls of the heart are open, and the borders of the land invisible.

-Blanca Santander

Title : Open Heart
Media : mixed media on paper
Dimension : 16 x 22
Year : 2016
Private Collection