ELENA FARCIERT
61
I am originally from Puebla, Mexico, and now live in the Bronx, New York. I am 61 years old, and am an avid baker. When I am not in the kitchen cooking, I enjoy spending time with my two daughters and my grandson.
I have been blessed with a beautiful life and am thankful for the values my parents passed on to me. They taught me to have faith in God above all, take risks, but be cautious, and always remain grateful for everything I have. These values have guided me through my journey as a Mexican immigrant living in the United States. Where I have worked, all the places I never imagined I would get to see... these lived experiences have taught me so much.
I am an optimist and believe in the power of karma. One reaps what they sow, and I don’t leave room in my mind for selfishness, envy, lies, or hypocrisy. This philosophy, along with my parents’ guiding values, have bled into my photography. Now one of my favorite pastimes, I capture beautiful memories of family, friends, and travel so I can see the world as it is from another perspective. I joined the Bronx Senior Photo League because growing in my technique helps me feel more secure and stay motivated to keep honing my craft.
This pandemic has shown us that we are the creators of all the factors that separate us economically, socially, culturally, or educationally. I believe we are all made in the image and likeness of God, and that should be the foundation of our equality. We should strive to help our neighbor as we help ourselves because we need each other. The fear of dying of COVID-19 made me give thanks for my health, the roof under which I live, the beauty of spending time with my family, and the opportunity to be a better person day by day. I have also been able to reorient myself with the food of my childhood and home country, and have been able to share this with my community. It shouldn’t take being a millionaire to inspire us to give what we can. If I have managed to help my neighbors by putting food on their tables and bringing them some joy, I have done well.
PERSONAL PROJECT: MY CHANGING KITCHEN
Christmas decorations for the kitchen, Bronx, New York, December 2019.
New Year’s Eve decorations for the kitchen, Bronx, New York, December 2019.
Decorations for the kitchen during isolation, Bronx, New York, March 2020.
Galletas de manteca, Bronx, New York, 2019.
How to decorate a peach jello mold with hearts, Bronx, New York, 2019.
Gift for my friend, Bronx, New York, 2019.
DOCUMENTARY WORK
Road to Horace County, 2019
Nativity scene on a walk to my grandson’s college, Bronx, New York, December 2019.
View from my apartment in isolation, Bronx, New York, March 2020.
My daughter’s friend’s braid for Christmas Eve, Bronx, New York, December 2019.
Painting at a Salvadorian restaurant, 2020.
Donald Trump gives his State of the Union address on the news, Bronx, New York, 2020.
COVID-19 PROJECT
During the COVID-19 global pandemic, students documented their experience with physical distancing and self-quarantine. As we had no access to their cameras, they used their mobile phones to capture the constant changes they faced, both positive and negative.
Breakfast in the morning light, Bronx, New York, May 2020.
Masks I knit to pass the time, Bronx, New York, March 2020.
My daughter modeling the masks I knitted, Bronx, New York, April 2020.
My morning diary entry, Bronx, New York, March 2020.
Food to pass isolation, Bronx, New York, March 2020.
Homemade quesadillas, Bronx, New York, April 2020.
Supplies necessary to have for staying at home, Bronx, New York, March 2020.
Indispensable goods to clean during COVID-19, Bronx, New York, March 2020.
My first homemade cheesecake, Bronx, New York, June 2020.
Mother’s Day flowers from my daughter, Bronx, New York, May 2020.
Asking my active feet to stay at home, Bronx, New York, May 2020.