Teresa Magaña

I am a Taurean, Mother, Friend, Blood Sister, Soul Sister, Comadre, Musician, Artist, Writer, Cubicle Inmate, Realist…  

Where I’m From:

I was born and raised in Chicago, right smack in the middle of neighborhoods Little Village and Pilsen. I now reside in the north side neighborhood Belmont/Cragin.

Although I’ve lived in Chicago most of my life, I have had very meaningful years in Dilley, TX , San Antonio, TX , and Chicago burbs. I feel it very necessary to acknowledge this, because without having lived there at different times in my life, I would not be who I am today.

My Chickadees:

I have an amazing son and daughter, who are known as my chickadees. They are my inspiration, my motivation, and the loves of my life.

My Music:

I will forever be a band nerd. I’ve been playing the clarinet for almost 20 years. I’ve been lucky to have played with my high school bands, the Chicago All City High School Band and attended the Chicago Merit Music Program. Even now as an adult, I am fortunate to be playing with an amazing community band, the Spring Valley Concert Band, out in Schaumburg, IL.

I am now also one of the newest members of the Chicago Licorice Sticks. An all clarinet orchestra!

I also play the cello, when time allows. I had always wanted to learn how to play, and a few years ago I took the opportunity to start taking lessons. I am very much interested in continuing to work on enhancing my skills, and hopefully one day mastering this beautiful instrument.

My Art:

My current art work has been inspired by the yearly Day of the Dead craft days I’ve had with my kids, friends and family. If it wasn’t for my kids, and the time we have sat down working on arts and crafts, I would not have found this work that I have come to love.

Over the years I have worked with various mediums, themes, concepts, but none have pulled my creativity as much as what I am now working on. The whole meaning behind the Day of the Dead celebration and where it originates has drawn me to this type of artwork. It has truly captured me and my spirit.

As I’ve continued to work on new pieces, I am finding new mediums, and coming up with different ideas and ways to illustrate the meaningfulness of life and death, life and the soul. I do hope that with these few steps I have taken to launch Vida Y Alma, and putting my work out there, that I will one day be able to make a living off of my hobby. To make my hobby my living.

How I Currently Make My Living:

The last 11 years have been dedicated to my cubicle at Midas International. I have been very fortunate to be working for a company that took me in an entry level role, and allowed me to grow and move up to the role I have with them now.

Schools I’ve Attended:

Whitney M. Young – Chicago, IL

Southside High School – San Antonio, TX

Fenton High School - Bensenville, IL

Elgin Community College – Elgin, IL

Well, I guess that sums me up, on a one page Bio. Thank you for taking the time to read it!