Nora Pineda

Metamorphosis

2018

I began a path in art in 1978 while working on a master’s in psychology at Chico State University. I was almost done and decided to take a ceramics course on a whim. The course became a total joy for me. I decided to let go of my pursuits of psychology degree and embarked upon a special master’s in art therapy. Over the next many years I continued to work in art while earning a living at other jobs, and raised my son and twin daughters. I didn’t have a background in art, I just knew I loved clay and I loved the way it felt and found my niche. It felt so good to be doing this kind of work. Creating art gave me a sense of freedom. In the mid 80’s I began selling my work through craft fairs, traveling throughout California, Nevada, and New Mexico. As well as working on my art daily, I used my hands with my massage business. I also explored my spiritual beliefs by studying at the Chico Psychic Institute’s clairvoyant program. I’ve always been into spiritual and psychic exploration. The relationship between art, massage, and psychic work is one of integration. With Mexican ancestry, many of my human figures reflect the skin tones of the culture. In some pieces, the colors I choose have an ethnic feeling. Others use earth tones or primary colors. As a child, I lived in a Spanish-speaking community of farm workers west of Bakersfield. Throughout my life I tried to live beyond the restrictions and inhibitions I felt from my culture. Yet other parts of my Mexican culture I love, such as the open expression of emotions. The challenge is to let go and find out who you are through the maze of good and bad. I want to honor and celebrate the culture. One of the things I like about my work is the primitiveness of it.