Scenes from a Vendor

Artist: Diane Navarro

“Scenes from a vendor” 2022

Location: South west side of S. Main St. and W. Pomona St. intersection

“The overall concept of my artwork is to focus on the details from little moments that one may experience from purchasing from a street vendor. On the top left is the image of a hand holding a hand scraper while using it to scrape ice from a large block. This is just one step that a Raspado man (Shaved ice) takes to create that refreshing treat. The image on the top right displays a pair of hands. One hand is holding an ear of corn on a stick with a bit of mayo slathered on it, while the other hand is sprinkling red pepper flakes to add a spicy kick. This is the tasty treat that is repeatedly created by an Elotero (Corn on the cob) man. On the bottom left we have a close up of a wooden stick carrying pink and blue cotton candy bags that is being carried by a street vendor. This light and airy treat was often worth the wait because these vendors would only come by once a month. The last image, on the bottom right, shows a hand using a lemon press to squeeze juice onto fruit that tops a cup filled with mango and chili puree. This treat is called a mangonada and often comes with a chili tamarind straw. All of these treats can be found in the neighborhoods throughout Santa Ana all thanks to the hard working men and women called Street Vendors. My artwork is focusing on this subject because I want to shine a light on the people that often go overlooked or unappreciated because of their profession. Regardless of their background, these people are hardworking and deserve respect. They are artists who repeatedly create ephemeral works that only last a few minutes, because they are just too delicious to ignore. I want these artists to know how important they are and the impact they make on the children they interact with. I want my childhood paletero (Icecream) man to know how much he meant to me and many other children that grew up in Santa Ana.” – Diane Navarro