To write about Linda Vallejo one cannot focus only on her art, but on all her professional accomplishments and on her roles as a devoted wife, daughter, and mother that continue to nourish her with love. As a businesswoman, Linda owned two galleries in Los Angeles. She served on nonprofit boards, taught classes, and continues to be a successful consultant to artists and nonprofits on grant writing and the business of art. Although Linda skillfully managed to separate the different parts of her life, she is equally driven and skilled in all aspects, and somehow finds a balance between being practical while also vulnerable with her dreams and hopes. Her spirituality gives her balance, her Native American spiritual beliefs heal her soul and fuel her artistic purpose. For fifteen years Linda volunteered in California prisons to conduct indigenous ceremonies for Native American women, which she also practices regularly. She “fills the well” with her life experiences needed to provide her with the imagery and beliefs to create the sensitive and meaningful work that she strives for, continually asking deep questions of both herself and her viewers about culture, identity, color, class, power, and politics.

MARIANNA MCGRATH, ART INSIGHTS