“Take The Sky Home With You”

Themes On Spiritual Transformation & Ecological Renewal

Despite being born in the bustling city of Portland, Oregon, Jackson “Blue Crow” Vargas was dubbed a country boy at heart, with his love for sprawling, wild spaces ringing true even today. He grew up in Southeast Portland, on the busy throughway of Caesar Chavez, yet saw an abundance of nature’s urban takeover. As Portland suffered an economic depression in the 70s and 80s, vacant lots grew in number in the neighborhood. These places became overgrown with vegetation, tall grass, weeds, blackberry bushes, moss, and life — ecosystems thrived. As a child and teenager, Blue Crow spent a great deal of time exploring, catching garter snakes, frogs and insects; most at home surrounded by nature and solitude. Underneath the fantasy of rapid development gripping our cities, Blue Crow invites us to take a closer look at our roots and the perseverance of nature inherent to all phases of society. He pays homage to the landscapes of the past, by recognizing the loss of habitat due to human activity and its accompanying grief. His work highlights the connection between the natural world and spirituality, guided by the Chicano and Latinx culture held dear to his heart and family’s heritage. In the artist’s own words, “Our Lady of Guadalupe is a prime example of the “ever present spirit of nature,” being both Mary, Mother of God, and Tonantzin, the Aztec Mother Earth Goddess.” Vargas’ mixed media sculptures look towards the practices of Brujeria, Santeria, and Curanderismo, which blend folk magic, indigenous healing traditions, and Catholic rituals. These are honored both in Blue Crow’s life and art. Art has always been a cornerstone in Blue Crow’s life. The artist’s father was an artist and a tradesman, creating ink drawings using Pointillism. He was also a painter for Portland Parks, and later the Water Bureau. Thus, Surrealism drives and inspires most of Vargas’ work today. The artist quotes sculptor, painter and printmaker, Alberto Giacometti as his biggest influence, along with canonical artists like Louise Bourgeois, Remedios Varo, Eleanor Carrington, Frida Kahlo, and Diego Rivera. Deeply reflective of his Mexican and European descent, Blue Crow relies on art to remain tethered to his indigenous roots. Beyond transnational kinship, the process of creation and the tactility of his relief sculptures also allows Blue Crow to heal from trauma and overcome the loss of a loved one. Art has since become its own therapy — an expression of shared grief. In his first solo exhibition, “Take The Sky Home With You,” Blue Crow honors communal resistance against oppression under colonial rule and imperialism. A recurring figure in his works is Emiliano Zapata, the revolutionary and guerilla leader who fought for agrarian/land rights of the indigenous people of Mexico. The motifs, colors and narratives of Blue Crow's vibrant sculptures merge religious and revolutionary figures — further immortalizing their movement and spirit in the style of Mexican Folk Art. Never straying from his trade, the local artist and plumber builds his relief sculptures off a wooden frame. Blue Crow uses wire, pipes, and aluminum foil to shape armatures, and plaster or molding paste to form the textured surface, followed by acrylic paint. He also incorporates found objects, and often leaves pipes exposed to celebrate the unique esthetics of plumbing. Blue Crow welcomes all community members to take nature’s lessons to heart; learn from the adaptability of organic systems and life forms, including the tenacity to re-grow and emerge despite the harshest of circumstances. As long as we look towards the light glowing through the cracks, our spirits can stir and bloom once again.