Nakaiwou Ya’ana: The Making of an Inner Strength

John F.

• Artist Statement

  This artwork reflects the quiet strength that shaped me as a Wayuu. I created it to honor the phrase my grandmother always repeated, “To succeed outward, create strength within,” which has guided me throughout my life. The imagery represents sacrifice, resilience, and the constant movement of family members who passed through our home as they built new lives. I tried to capture the feeling of shared spaces, shifting responsibilities, and the unspoken work that often holds a family together. The colors and textures draw from the Caribbean rain and the woven patterns my grandmother taught me to recognize as part of our heritage. Every part of the piece symbolizes the small, often overlooked actions that make progress possible. This artwork is both a tribute to my grandmother’s influence and a reflection of how I learned to find strength by supporting others and embracing my role in my family’s journey.

• Creative Statement

  Creativity is freedom—it's the ability to transform instinct into intention and shape raw ideas into something that genuinely moves people. My creative side is reflected in GIF edits that capture a singular, raw moment of emotion/memory, writing that encapsulates an evocative narrative, and speech that encourages and compels.