Barbara Espino

Altar de Carmen Gonzalez

This altar is the creation of Carmen’s children and grandchildren.  They have all contributed by sharing deep memories, heart wrenching stories, and the day Carmen passed.  

The altar is approximately 7’x6’ in size.  It has a backdrop made of royal blue satin and thick blue curtains.  Blue immediately appealed to me when I began the altar and it felt right to use in sharing the story of Carmen. 

The altar consists of two distinct levels- a lower and a higher level.  The lower level includes three distinct smaller platforms, and the higher level is made of two platforms, one being on top of the other.

The centerpiece of the altar can be seen on the higher level.  It is a clay molding I created depicting my last memories of Carmen’s face before she passed. She is wearing a revoso around her head as she would have worn in daily life.  This particular revoso is the most common in the geographic region of her origins: Michoacan, Mexico. Her long braided hair is also prevalent.  Her hair is made of black yarn.  Each strand was glued piece by piece onto her head and braided to resemble how she wore her hair for the entirety of her life.  Carmen’s hair was her pride and a key element to her identity.

Immediately under this level is the second tier.  On this platform you will see a full glass of water to the left.  The day carmen passed, she begged for water.  She expressed that she did not wish to pass away feeling the painful thirst that she had.  I’ve acknowledged her last wishes by placing the water she longed for.

In the lower level to the left there is a small platform with flowers, a photo, and two of her favorite sweets: chocolate and plain donuts.  The photo was a candid and rare shot taken of her in 1984.  It portrays her mysterious yet subtle soul.  In this image I can easily imagine her drinking a comforting cup of chocolate.  You can see in the photo she is sitting in a small secluded area in a park on a semi windy day.  This captures the essence of her humble, patient, and minimalistic nature.

In the center lower platform is a tray of another of her favorites, cafe negro.  Additionally, I added a handful of rocks I collected, washed, and carefully placed to represent her strength and beauty. 

In the right lower platform I placed a photo that was created by a family member.  This photo is of Carmen and her husband, Francisco, side by side.  The original photos were taken separately and in different time frames.  However, this was created for her children and descendents to share the memory of the couple that once lived in union on earth.  I have also included more pan, since it was her favorite.

On the floor of the altar I included pineapple and avocados to honor and share other close relatives favorites that have passed.  You will also see candles and flowers throughout the altar to resemble her spirit and sweet soul.  The last piece that was placed in the altar is a 3 piece candelabra to the back left. It is a symbol of the legacy she left with her three children.  They are always thinking of her and will forever uphold her beautiful memory.

Ma’ Carmen,

Tu fuiste alguien muy especial,

Como un angel pero en la vida real.

No tuve mucho tiempo contigo,

Pero me ensenaste no temer y lo que era el carino.

En tus ultimos anos, No podias ver con tus ojitos,

Pero pudiste sentir con tu corazonsito.

Gracias por los recuerdos que me pudiste regalar,

Ahora te dedico este humilde y gran altar.