Patricia Rojas-Zambrano

Patricia Rojas-Zambrano, M.A., LMFT, Doctoral Candidate in Education. Patricia is an artist, activist, psychotherapist, and educator with over 25 years of clinical experience in community mental health and adult education.
Informed and inspired by my work as a therapist and educator with immigrant and refugee communities where I experience firsthand the struggles and triumphs of people of color, my art conveys a variety of affective states that are commonly considered difficult, negative or problematic, such as rage, pain or sadness. I am particularly drawn to portraying women and girls, aware of the immense injustices they face within this patriarchal system, yet amazed by the resiliency and power they possess. In my paintings, my characters claim justice and are desperate to be heard and seen in their authentic feelings, while creating space to dream and hope beyond the physical world.
My style, intricately connected to the topics I explore, is childlike or naïve. The materials and techniques I use, allow me to paint from a playful, familiar, and relatable place, freeing me from proportions, and perspective. I create dreamlike spaces that can contain the heroism, innocence, and complexity of the characters I portray. The use of texture, color, and pattern give my pieces movement, rhythm, and depth as an invitation to the viewer to be curious and approach with their gaze.

I also engage in the practice of Art Journaling, a form of conscious engagement with my inner world, intuitive knowledge, the felt sense of my body, and daily life. I use a variety of media such as acrylics, collages, crayons, color pencils, washi types and handmade paper. My journals range from repurposed books, junk mail, to handmade paper booklets.