Honoring Maria Felix

Maria Felix Cornejo de Paez, my Grandma, whom took care of me after the passing of my mom, “Conchita”, when I was just 20 months old. She always encouraged me to kept studying so when grown up I could be fully independent and I wouldn’t have to be with a man if I don’t want to, just because I couldn’t raise my children by myself.

That’s why I was so impressed when I knew in a magazine about the Gulabi Gang, a group of the India’s poorest women whom fed up with abusive husbands and corrupt officials, band together, take up arms, and fight back.

For us it was just a matter or studying, for them it’s risking their lives in a daily basis.  But ultimately they think the solution include the same my grandma taught me. They want to teach the Gulabi Gang women to read, to write and to do math.  And they want to teach them sewing to help them to make a living.

I wanted to do something about it. That’s why when I decided to sell my art, I decided to donate part of my profits to them. There are many good causes that move me, and the Gulabi Gang cause touched my heart deeply, and in a way I feel I’m honoring her.  My Grandma.

By the way, if you feel like me, you can click the links and make a pledge.  Thanks!