Flores, Elsa
Oral history interview with Elsa Flores, 1997 Feb.18-Apr.30
Painter, MuralistSouth Pasadena, Calif.; Kauai, Hawaii
An interview of Elsa Flores conducted by Jeffrey Rangel for the Archives of American Art in Flores' studio, South Pasadena, Calif. over four sessions: February 18, April 2, April 10, and April 30, 1997.
Flores discusses her parents' diverse backgrounds and her difficult childhood and adolescence; the development of her political consciousness; her involvement with Chicanismo; her interests in art, photography, and music, including being a member of California State University, Los Angeles mariachi band; her art, which she considers more biographical and mystical than ethnic; her use, initially, of a dark palette to distinguish her work from that of her husband, Carlos Almaraz, and changing to a brighter, more optimistic palette after Almaraz's was diagnosed with AIDS. She recalls Almaraz's energy and genius; his struggles with AIDS and his search for alternative healing methods; finding solace in Kauai; and his request to have his ashes strewn around Kauai at his favorite places. Flores comments on the difficult period after Almaraz's death; her devotion to their daughter; keeping Almaraz's work at the forefront of public awareness; and her own art career.