What is

lili Jorge?

BIOGRAPHY

THE BEREAVEMENT PROCESS IN THE UNITED STATES CAN BE DARK, DIFFICULT, AND LONELY. HOWEVER, WHEN EXPERIENCED THROUGH THE TRADITIONAL MEXICAN HOLIDAY, DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (DAY OF THE DEAD), DEATH CAN BE CELEBRATED, SHARED, AND PART OF A HEALTHY HEALING PROCESS I’VE DISCOVERED.

AFTER THE LOSS OF MY FATHER IN 2001, I COULD NOT HANDLE HIS DEATH IN A HEALTHY, MATURE WAY. TRAVELING TO CENTRAL AMERICA AND STUDYING SPANISH IN COLLEGE INTRODUCED ME TO THE TRADITION OF DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, WHICH CHANGED THE WAY I CONNECTED WITH GRIEF. I BEGAN TO LET GO OF THE AGONIZING PAIN OF LOSS, AND BEGAN CHERISHING ALL THE AMAZING EXPERIENCES I’D SHARED WITH HIM, HONORING ALL THE LIFE LESSONS I’VE LEARNED FROM MY FATHER.

I STARTED MAKING SUGAR-SKULL INSPIRED SHADOW BOXES IN EARLY 2015 AS A WAY TO CREATIVELY EXPRESS MY ADMIRATION FOR DIA DE LOS MUERTOS. I USE VINTAGE CIGAR BOXES, MULTIMEDIA, AND RECYCLED MATERIAL TO CREATE A COMPILATION THAT EXPRESSED THE DELICATE BALANCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.

SIZES, THEMES, AND MATERIALS VARY… ALL OF OUR PIECES ARE TRULY ARTISANAL AND UNIQUE.

I am excited to continue my journey into the world of shadow box art, inspired by my discovery of Día de los Muertos. This rich tradition has opened my eyes to the beauty of honoring life, art, and history. I hope to share the insights I’ve gained with those around me, encouraging a celebration of the past while fostering a perspective that embraces life, cherishes our connections, and confronts the idea of mortality with grace and acceptance.