A Maverick’s Texas
Pasadena Memorial High School, Pasadena, Texas
“The Magic of Nature”
Alejandra Sarmiento
Artist Statement:
Having this kind of view may inspire you. This view inspired me to capture the magic of
nature. The lake and the trees as background make me feel peaceful. The lily pad all there, one
next to each other, completes the perfect picture. Having all this view in front of me pauses
the time and makes me want to stay forever looking at the beautiful nature we have.
“The Golden Pig”
Amy Truong
Artist Statement:
The Asian culture has always been part of my life. I still follow the Chinese traditions and
incorporate them with my family. The Golden Pig is a symbol of good luck in China. I feel
like this Golden Pig represents myself because I was born in 1995, the “year of the Pig,”
which is symbolic for everything I’ve held dear in my life.
“Hope”
Aubree Bucek
Artist Statement:
My picture shows hope and faith which is a big part of our culture. We all believe in
something even if it is not the same thing and we all hope for something better. With my
picture, I tried to show how if you just believe and have a little faith, you can get through
anything. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
“Sunday Glory”
Carlos Betancourt
Artist Statement:
St. Pius V. Catholic church in Pasadena, Texas. The church was built in 1941. It is the oldest
church in Pasadena.
“I Believe”
Christian Soto
Artist Statement:
Religion is a big part of our Hispanic culture because we believe God is always with us and
that he is watching over us. Not everyone is Catholic; some of them are Christian and only
believe in God while the Catholics believe in God, the Virgin Mary, and all the saints.
“M.O.A.M.”
Jonathan Cipriani
Artist Statement:
It takes hard work to make something look easy. The spectators only see how easy it looks to
do, but don’t see the hard work it takes. If you work hard when no one is looking then you
will succeed when the world is watching. They watch me dunk the ball, but only I know how
many calf raises, squats, and jumping exercises I had to do to get to this level, how many
times I said no to going out with my friends, how many days I sacrificed to just play
basketball. It does not stop here, the hard work will continue until I have many more
spectators because I am a Man on a mission. #NoDaysOff
“This Is Who I Am”
Sadie Burt
Artist Statement:
My guitar represents my culture because music has always been a big part of my life. I’ve had
this same guitar depicted in my photograph since the Christmas that I was in fifth grade. I
never quite mastered playing the instrument but I keep it because it is a part of who I am.
“A Texan Culture”
Sadie Burt
Artist Statement:
My big sister has been an active member in FFA since her freshman year in high school. This
year, her junior year, she won the reserved grand champion title for her turkey “Tom” at the
Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo where she received this buckle and red ribbon for her
success. It is easy to say that rodeo has become a big part of my family’s culture because we
are all so supportive of each other and it is easily said that rodeo is a big part of Texan
culture.
“Urbanism”
Esmeralda Hernandez
Artist Statement:
This is what surrounds me and see everyday. It is where I live, my community, Where thousands of people
work and live. The place I grew up in. It is my hometown, my city.
“The Love of Nature”
Angel Lainez
Artist Statement:
Throughout my years of living, my mother taught me the love of nature. She showed me the
beauty of this world and even now she still shows me. When I look at the environment
around me through her eyes, I see an intense beauty, no matter how the sky or land is at the
moment. Now, when people see a storm, I see an opportunity.
“High School Football”
Fernanda Varela
Artist Statement:
High school football is a very popular sport in my community. With this photo, I wanted to
capture the moment when a player takes a break from an intense day of practice.
“Giving Joy to the Elderly”
Hannah Quirin
Artist Statement:
I love helping out the needy. I would never miss a “Navidad en el Barrio” (Christmas in the
neighborhood) program. My picture shows the action of giving Prizes to the elderly which in
turn puts a big smile on their faces. They have the opportunity to dance, eat and meet new
people.
“Tamales”
Marissa Valdez
Artist Statement:
I chose to take a photograph of tamales because it is a big part of my culture and represents
Hispanic culture as well. This photo makes me think of when my family prepares and serves
tamales for everyone. I wanted to capture the warmth of having then hot on a plate.
“Bus Stop to School”
Jessica Chapa
Artist Statement:
My Mom and my Dad both leave very early to go to work every morning. In order to get to
school, I have to ride the bus. Without the bus transportations I probably would not be able
to make it to school everyday.
“Lady of Guadalupe, Guide My Steps”
Kim Garcia
Artist Statement:
Catholicism is a major part of the Mexican culture. A girl’s Quinceañera is a celebration of
the coming of age. Traditionally the fifteen-year-old girl is given a golden medallion with the
Virgen de Guadalupe at her religious ceremony.
“This Is My Window”
Mariah Juarez
Artist Statement:
The idea of this picture came from my window. This picture depicts a Texas star which
symbolizes my culture and the place where I am growing up.
“Rhythm of Cultural Entities”
Myrna Rodriguez
Artist Statement:
Through sound one can express what they cannot express through music. Music is a medium
through which each culture can express who they are. Just like every culture speaks a different
language, every culture has a different sound.
“Shadows of Texas”
Sabrina Lerma
Artist Statement:
My picture represents how Texas culture spreads through out the state and the way in which Texas cowboys
are portrayed in the Wild West.
“Carrots:
Sadie Burt
Artist Statement:
My Mom’s family comes from the small town of Wallis, Texas and of course, out in the
country we love natural things. These carrots were picked out of my Grandpa’s garden and
they represent my Texan culture because I was practically raised out around the nature of
Texas. I know and respect the true beauty of our Lone Star State.
“Everyday Sounds”
Shawnna Hill
Artist Statement:
My main memory about trains is how much my parents hated waiting for them to pass
through the railroad crossing. My parents may have hated it but I loved watching the trains go
by. Seeing all the colors from the graffiti was really interesting and inspiring.
“Reminiscent”
Shawnna Hill
Artist Statement:
If the Old Captain Theatre was still open, it would get a lot of business. The Captain is a
trademark of Pasadena, Texas and many people want it reopen. What captured my eye about
the captain was the unique and colorful outer appearance.
“Silhouettes”
Shawnna Hill
Artist Statement:
What inspired me to photograph the ship channel at sunset was the vibrancy of the barely
remaining sunlight. The dark silhouettes of the towers caught my attention and made me
think about Pasadena’s industrialism.
Morning Tea
Patrick Sullivan
Artist Statement:
My picture portrays a strong contrast of black and white which gives it a feel of craziness.
Also, many things lead into each other like the milk going into the tea.
“Texas Star Ferris Wheel”
Jacob Minter
Artist Statement:
The Texas Star has been a state fair tradition for many years. This photograph represents
years of Texas fun and history.
“We Are: Bound Together”
Stephanie Perez
Artist Statement:
My family and I are close. We might not always have time to spend together (because of my
Dad working) but we make the most of it. When we go out we always have a great and
wonderful time. I wanted to evoke, with this picture, a togetherness feeling.
“We Are: Hardworking”
Stephanie Perez
Artist Statement:
My Dad has been working hard as long as I can remember. He encourages me and inspires
me to work hard. He can do practically anything. He always has something to work on. He
will continually do his best. I am hoping to do the same.
Steps to Pride
Stephen Alcala
Artist Statement:
In every one of our lives, there are moments that remind us of our traditions that we keep in
our lives. In my case, to see the toils of a hard days work reminds me of my family and the
lessons they’ve left with me. To see the results of all the effort you put into something you
love is a rewarding feeling that is intertwined with my cultural upbringing. Those are the
moments my culture taught me to love and the moments that I’d like to share.
“Vovinam”
Tin Nguyen
Artist Statement:
I joined Vovinam (Vietnamese Martial Art) in the summer of 2009. It represents a part of my
country. It reminds me of the time I used to have back then. Vovinam is not just studying
martial art; it is also about taking care of each other. There are not just individuals practicing
Vovinam, we are more than individuals, we are family.
“Always in Our Hearts”
Vanessa Mendoza
Artist Statement:
My brother left for the Army in 2010 and my family is very proud of him. Although it is very
emotional, we all stand behind him no matter what.
“We Are: Collaborative”
Stephanie Perez
Artist Statement:
I love taking care of my brother and seeing that innocent and playful spirit. It always puts me
in a good mood. Once in a while we go outside to paint. He enjoys it as much as I do. Art
and nature are a big part of my life and seeing my brother have fun with it fills me with joy.
Being able to bring joy and inspiration to my brother like my family does to me is great.
“A Girl’s Best Friend”
Amy Truong
Artist Statement:
Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo is a contest that high school students enter here in
Texas. I took this picture at a ranch and drew it using Prismacolor pencils. This drawing
represents the friendship of a country dog and a girl. A girl’s best friend will always keep her
in company.
“Mother’s Pride”
Carlos Torres
Artist Statement:
What inspired me to draw the two horses was the fact that my Dad used to own two horses.
When I saw the picture it immediately reminded me of him. My Dad’s horses passed away a
couple of year back so I drew this piece in memory of them.
“Skinny Jeans”
Coraima Reyes
Artist Statement:
I chose to draw the skull because I like the texture that is on the head and how it defines
every little spot of light and dark values. My goal was to make the head stand out by drawing
all dark textures in the background. I started shading the light tomes first then I moved to the
different textures and finished with the high contrast dark areas. I used a 2b and 4b pencil to
achieve all the mi-tone textures and for the dark areas I used a 6b pencil.
“A Cowboy’s Inspiration”
Emily Marroquin
Artist Statement:
I chose this picture because it shows the mutual love and care between the horse and the
cowboy. The cowboy’s hands are my favorite part of this drawing because of the symbolism
within. The horse gently resting in the cowboy’s arms is a clear sign of love. This composition
shows the strong bond between the cowboy and the horse which would inspire anyone to
appreciate the role animals play in our lives.
“A Man’s Destiny”
Esteban Blanco
Artist Statement:
This drawing depicts the behind the scenes moment of a cowboy getting ready to ride his
horse. I am inspired by the careful attention to detail surrounding such a traditional event. I
decided to draw this picture with pencils because the look of graphite makes this piece of art
look more traditional.
“The Helping Hand”
Jennifer Danner
Artist Statement:
My painting is inspired by the universal concept of family love. I chose to capture a moment
when two young boys supported each other horseback riding. The older one embraced the
youngest sibling as he grabbed the reins demonstrating his concern for his brother. And in the
end family love is one of the rare things that transcend cultural boundaries.
“This Cow Reminds Me of My Dog Oreo”
Amalia Lara
Artist Statement:
When I saw this picture the first thing that popped into my head was my dog Oreo. My dog
Oreo always puts me in a good mood when I am feeling down. She is always there when I
need someone to just listen. Whenever I see something black I name it Oreo.
“Luck of the West”
Miguel Hernandez
Artist Statement:
The reason behind me drawing this picture and taking my time on it was that I truly liked the
details on it. Since my picture was up so close, I had to place my emphasis on those little
details. I took my time and really enjoyed drawing it. This picture reminds me of Mexico.
When I travel to Mexico, all my family goes to my Grandpa’s ranch and that is where I see
many of those small trees and barbed wire. It really reminds me of Mexico and my grandpa’s
ranch.
“A Cowgirl’s Lay Out”
Nancy Marroquin
Artist Statement:
The picture I chose to draw reminded me of an outdoor girl. This is a girl that loves to get
out and enjoy the outdoors. I wanted to capture the moment when somebody leans and
enjoys the beautiful creation of nature here in Texas.
“Guiding the West”
Shawnna Hill
Artist Statement:
Rodeo is a big part of Texan culture. Without the rodeo, Texas would not be known for its
western culture. There is an interesting connection between rodeo and the people in Texas.
Just about everyone, including myself, goes to rodeo annually.
A Maverick’s Texas
Inspired by the work of J. Griffith Smith, photo editor for Texas Highways
magazine, thirty high school students from Pasadena Memorial High School in
Pasadena, Texas documented the cultural geography of their world with
photography. Exploring personal culture, as well as that of their city, school and
surroundings, each student sought to capture images that exemplified various
influences on their culture. Accompanying captions and prose discuss how the
photographs illustrate cultural concepts and manifestations such as language,
religion, land use, educational systems, or customs.