These book nooks were facilitated by artist and mental health counselor Berenice Badillo with undocumented students, their families and allies. The art therapy group was directly supported by Undocumented People Rise in Solidarity and Empowerment (UPRISE) and MiraCosta College’s Health services. These book nooks were created in the fall of 2021.
Book nooks are mini worlds that fit on your bookshelf. They originated in 2018 from a Japanese artist called Monde. The book nook is a tiny diorama that can express a variety of fantastical or nostalgic worlds that we can inhabit through our imaginations. The Mira Costa College UPRISE art therapy group chose to utilize book nooks to explore memory, incite emotions and to create a respite from the stress and hustle and bustle of daily life as a student. The process of making these book nooks was challenging as the students had to problem solve and learn outside of the group. These book nooks represent a connection to family, cultural tradition, and memory. They also represent hope for the future and journeys to fantastical places.
Before the pandemic I took a road trip to the Redwoods in Northern California. It was a last-minute trip and a welcomed adventure that broke up the busyness of my life. This was the first time interacting with these majestic century old trees and I was in awe in their presence. These trees were magical, and I immediately sensed their lifeforce and energy. They seemed infinitely wise and as I walked with them, they put my life into perspective. My book nook takes you to an ancestral place outdoors all the while also contained indoors. The trees have arms and roots that are the connections to others, ourselves, our emotions, and our community This book nook reminds me to go outdoors and cohabitate with nature as I often find it challenging to take breaks in my busy life. As a lover of books, I was excited to take on this difficult project which took many hours indoors which is the opposite of its purpose. The creative process challenged me to learn new skills and to practice patience. --Berenice Badillo
My name is Monica Angeles Lopez, and I am from Michoacan, Mexico. I have lived in California for almost three years, and the language has been a great challenge for me. Learning It has truly been very difficult. I take English classes at the Community Learning Center close to my house. Being in the art therapy group has helped me a lot.
I was inspired to make a book nook set in a coffee shop. It is a place where I can imagine myself listening to music and relaxing. It is a place between Mexico and the United States. The windows are like the facades of Mexico and there are many pets inside the cafe that are unique to the United States. I am seeking a place where you can feel safe, feel calm and be without worries. This book nook reminds me that I can still connect with my family in Mexico and my culture. In a coffee shop, people attend to your needs and you are welcomed.
My name is Margarita Gonzalez. I am Colombian and the youngest of all my siblings. I am also the mother of two young men. Luis and Santiago are my strength every single day. I believe in God and I seriously know he is the biggest ocean of goodness. In my mind, I always see a lot of beauty and colorful images which I try to depict by painting every day. In my opinion, creativity is a magic touch of light and I am trying to fulfill Its purpose as much as I can. It is in everything you transform through art.
This book nook is inspired by many magical stories I heard since I was a child including fairy tales and traditional fables from my home country which often depicted strange and amazing creatures. Those stories provide the canvas that allows me to create amazing environments for my characters in the pages of my tales, drawings and paintings. I observe nature's colors and life forms and I think we as humans Have the best inspiration in nature to be as creative as we want to be. The most breathtaking inspirational elements are in front of own eyes.
Ke’aku (Hi), I am Sandra Carmona and I am of Wixárika descent, Chicana, the daughter of farmworkers, and a muralist for more than 20 years. I come out of the struggle-- brought up in poverty and around gangs--I was blessed to be part of a tightly knit, strong, and colorful barrio that influences my art. My art is the sounds, colors, and smells all found in my community. My art is intended to amplify the voices of my people and to showcase our culture, contributions, struggles, and vibrancy. I use art as medicine to heal.
This book nook is inspired by my relatives, the Lakota from the Cheyenne River reservation, South Dakota. It is a memory of summers spent with them in community and ceremony. This piece is meant to show the beauty of their culture and their resistance to colonialism. It serves as a political statement in solidarity with the Lakota Nation and their struggles over sovereignty in the U.S.
Yo soy Flor Lopez. Mujer, Chicana, daughter of immigrants, descendant of the Wixarika, born and raised in North San Diego County, Califaztlan, mother of 2, huehuetera, chola-goth, espiritual, activista, y revolucionara.
This book nook is inspired by my ancestors and my summers in Nayarit, Mexico. My grandparents' house was located on the last block of their street that had a dead end. It ended at an “arroyo”, a stream. It always piqued my curiosity, “what laid beyond the arroyo?” I would imagine it led to a magical world where everything was lush, green, with supernatural animals, lights twinkling in the darkness of the unknown. My book nook combines those childhood memories with my ancestors' pilgrimage to Wirikuta, in search of Kayumari and peyote. I imagine their pilgrimage as a magical and spiritual journey. When I look at my book nook it can take me away to the magic of my ancestors.
My name is Rocy Ocampo, I was born in a big city, I never had the opportunity to go out to the countryside, especially the woods. Since I was a child I imagined living in the forest, surrounded by nature. It is my dream to retire and have a more serene life one day, over there; away from the midst of traffic, crime, and environmental pollution. My book nook takes you as close as possible to a green or natural setting where walking in the forest and breathing its clean air, brings a sense of calm like no other. I wish everyone to have the love of nature and learn to become better human beings, being respectful of the environment and biodiversity. The forest gives me a lot of calm and inner peace. I am thankful to Miracosta College and mental health counselor Berenice Badillo for giving me the opportunity to express myself and all her support during her wonderful contributions in the time she worked for the school.
