SITO Profile - CARL ALDANA

CARL ALDANA

I was born in Guatemala City in 1938. I spent my first years in that Technicolored Central American country. Lush tropical vegetation was everywhere. The native Indians in their multicolored tribal costumes abounded. During 1944, my recently divorced mother and I came to the USA. We settled in Vallejo, California, a small, blue collar town full of Navy war workers. We had just come from a brightly colored provincial civilization to an energetic up-to-the minute culture, engaged in a world-wide-war and covered with soot from the effort. Added to this the area was always “grayed” by blue Pacific marine layers. My Mother had to work in lowly entry level jobs to support us. She worked nights I attended school during the day. I didn’t see her much. I was sent alone into a school system that lacked other Latinos or accommodations for “English as a second language” students. I spoke only Spanish. I was traumatized. The only language I could speak had made me a target for demeaning treatment, unintended cruelty and abuse. (What resulted was my total inability to speak or even remember Spanish) I listened to radio dramas and drew my versions of what I was hearing. The ability to draw gained respect and some acceptance for me. Encouraged, I persevered and my interest in drawing as a means of communication intensified. I was slowly being accepted into the new culture. I loved being in California but it was different from Guatemala. Now, many years later, I am a full fledged member in good standing. I have raised a happy family, practiced my art and have a lot to be thankful for.

General Information

⚠️ This artist is likely inactive on SITO. The last time they did anything here was 2014-03-10.
If they have given an email address, it may be out-of-date and invalid. ⚠️

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LOCATION: United States

LANGUAGE: None set (will use English)

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT: "Full" - Artist retains full copyright of any and all works he or she has created. Please contact this artist before using any of the artist's work in any way.

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