Circling Back to American Historia (Part 2)

Initial Publication on June 26th 2025

Painting Enchanted Rock

As I shared previously, in 2023, I was honored to serve as an Artist in Residence at CATALYST, where I painted Enchanted Rock, inspired by the iconic formation near Fredericksburg, TX. My mother and I had just returned from the area where we spent time for her medical care. The town brought back fond memories for both of us, like my mother shopping at Dooley’s 5-10 & 25¢ Store in the 1960s. I was able to revisit Enchanted Rock  and Fredericksburg’s restaurants and vineyards – additions to a quaint town I had first fallen in love with as a UT Austin student long ago. Coincidentally, Dooley’s saw its final days during our stay, making the visit all the more symbolic of the end of many cycles.

Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas offer more than just scenic beauty—Enchanted Rock is considered sacred, a natural vortex  believed to hold mystical energy. Once home to Native tribes like the Comanche, the area is rich with legend: Warriors disappearing into its caves, spirits whispering through the wind, and the granite dome echoing with ancestral presence.

The Fight Behind the Canvas

After returning to Arizona, I took time to grieve my mother’s passing and manage complex legal matters. Years of 24/7 caregiving challenged my health and exposed me to the struggles faced by vulnerable adults—myself included. Protecting my mother’s legacy led me down an uncanny and winding path that included a criminal assault (now in the hands of the justice system) and encountering individuals who, under pretenses of trust, engaged in stalking, theft, impersonation, and defamation. The Art Life is not always fun.

With these challenges I gained clarity and strengthened my vision. I became educated on self-advocacy, connected with multiple organizations, like the National Center for Victims of Crime and international authorities, and developed proactive safety measures to optimize my security. How I made it so far – I accept that God places us where God wants us. There’s always a purpose; there is always someone in a worse situation from whom to learn. I have faith, gratitude, and a spiritual family that guide me—the rest is noise.

Teaching and Purpose

One positive outcome of these difficult experiences was discovering an interest in advocacy and education within the Behavioral Health, disability, and vulnerable adult communities. I have expanded my scope into teaching Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation, Prevention and Support, and CPR/First Aid across Arizona, and I am developing my skills to include art theory for people with disabilities. I now collaborate with professionals across behavioral health, medicine, the military, and law enforcement fields. I did not imagine I’d be on such a multidisciplinary journey!

I have also placed focus on strengthening the protection of my digital tools, now supported by a professional team. My schedule is tight, and I look forward to lots of projects. I am thrilled to have received several invitations to shows across the country! Thank you, and I will update you.

Mindfulness matters, so I do take it slow. I make time for hiking, biking, and learning to sing and play the guitar. All my life, I knew plenty of musicians—they just never bothered to teach me! 

I’ll soon talk more about this year’s projects, including three murals during my Artist Residency at Drikung Dzogchen Center of Arizona, being featured at SABORES de Tucson, and being a featured artist at the Esperanza Dance Group’s Emerging Choreographers’ Showcase.

I want to say thank you to Tyler Harlow, Kevin Larkin, Amanda Staples, Kate Marquez, Matt Rolland, and the awesome team at CATALYST and SAACA for supporting the arts community of Tucson!

Ana Luisa Rincón