HOME IMPROVEMENT

Natalia Anciso Wears Her Art on Her Sleeve

Published

6 years ago

November 5, 2019

Natalia Anciso has a real eye for color. She has to—she’s an artist. But you don’t have to see her work—which prominently features the bright hues of near-neon flora— to see how Anciso has mastered the use of bold, vibrant colors.

When we meet at Royal Ground Coffee, she emerges through the glass double doors in a cobalt blue t-shirt, scarlet pleated skirt, and indigo glasses. Framing her face is a pair of wood-carved earrings, big red roses in full bloom. She’s impossible to miss.

Though the palate she wears is loud, Anciso herself is surprisingly soft-spoken. Anciso is an artist of inarguable renown; her work has been exhibited around the world, and she’s been featured in high- profile magazines like Elle and Latina. She even earned a shout-out from former Secretary of Education John King, Jr., who said, “How can we expect a student to become the next Kara Walker, Natalia Anciso, or Kehinde Wiley if she’s never analyzed a painting, or had the chance to deeply study American history?” Clearly, Anciso is kind of a big deal.

But you’d never know it from chatting with her over iced teas on a warm, clear day in Berkeley. She speaks gently, sketching out her ideas with thought and care. As she talks, she focuses on her experiences rather than her achievements. She radiates humility, and she says she has her roots to thank for that.

“Texas is home,” she says. “Texas is what shaped me and keeps me humble, especially the town I’m from.” That town is Mercedes, where Anciso grew up and discovered her artistry. A border town, Mercedes is populated by Chicano families who have lived there for generations. She calls it “a very small football town,” like “Friday Night Lights but all Mexican American people.”

Mercedes is also in one of the poorest counties in the United States, and tensions around class, ethnicity, and immigration status permeate the region. These are also the issues that directly and profoundly shape Anciso’s work as an artist.

“Art has been a constant in my life,” she says. “Since I was little, I’ve always been drawing. I started with coloring on walls, and then copying Disney characters, then that evolved to comic books. I was always drawing, drawing, drawing.”

As she got older, she used drawing to understand and work through the social, political, and economic forces that shaped her hometown, as well as the nation. “Drawing is a kind of meditation, almost. I got to reflect a lot in my studio,” she says. “My work deals with experiences of growing up on the border, not really feeling like I’m American enough but being super American to people in Mexico.”

She also draws a lot of inspiration from the connections between her own experiences and the state of our nation. She speaks euphemistically about the current immigration crisis, letting her art speak for her: “It’s hard to process the news, the images that come out . . . how much the people look like me and my family,” she says.

Anciso’s work especially reconciles her identity and her place in America. “One reason I’m always drawn to the border is because my grandma lived three miles from the border, and if we had been just three miles south, that could have been my family.”

Again, she speaks in fairly imprecise terms, especially when it comes to talking about the xenophobic politics that currently endanger countless immigrants. She means to say that her family, too, could have been forced by circumstance to swim across the Rio Grande or trek through the Mexican desert, could have been captured by Border Patrol or held captive in a Texan prison camp. But she makes this point incisively with her art; you know exactly what she meant just by looking “Migra” or “Cruzando,” two of the countless potent drawings she’s produced in the last decade.

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Anciso’s drawings have a striking simplicity to them. Her canvases vary—she draws on everything from paper to fabric, even pillowcases and handkerchiefs—but her drawing style is distinctive, unmistakable. She mostly draws people: students, mothers, fallen soldiers, weary migrants. She draws everyday people, suffering people, people who, she says, “look like me.”

Her central figures are sketched in detailed greyscale. Her technique alone is incredibly impressive. And then, there’s the flowers.

Anciso’s artistic signature is the stunning, delicate, and fully alive flowers that populate her drawings. Shaded with bright colors—pinks, blues, oranges—Anciso’s vibrant flora inject her images with life and love. These tender reminders of growth hover within most of her pieces. In some, they consecrate moments of human beauty: a mother breastfeeding her child, two elderly lovers on a park bench. In others, flowers bloom at the most unexpected, heartrending moments: they sprout from corpses or adorn a crying child.

And the flowers are not just an aesthetic addition—they have deep-seated significance for Anciso, both personally and culturally. “Flowers have always been a big thing in my life,” she says first. “Both my grandmas always had roses everywhere in the house.”

Then she thinks for a moment: “That, and I started researching huipil, those shirts that are embroidered, traditional.” Huipil are Mayan textiles worn by indigenous women throughout Latin America, with meaning woven into their designs. “I started researching [huipil]. I just knew that they were super colorful and bright and I liked them,” she says. “But the flowers that they embroider are specific to location, and that’s what inspires me.”

Anciso adapts this same purposeful artistry in her own floral work. “In my artwork, the flowers that I use are specific,” she says. “So in the work that I’m doing here in California, you’ll usually see the California poppy. When I was doing work based on the border, it was blue bonnets and native flowers [like] hibiscus.” In honor- ing and adapting cultural traditions born south of the border, Anciso has cultivated an original style and a deeply moving body of work. Her oeuvre is at once a clash, a tribute, and a radical act of resistance.

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Anciso’s work confronts you. It puts you face-to-face with the people sidelined by American history and culture; it’s as sociopolitically charged as it is beautiful. One could be surprised that such incisive work could come from a person as mild- mannered and amiable as Natalia Anciso. Or it just might make perfect sense.

“I’m a quiet person; I’m an introvert,” Anciso says. “I won’t be the kind of person who goes out and protests. I do that through my art.” Indeed, her work is her own unique form of protest, a kind that allows her to contribute the larger political conversation through her own special set of gifts.

Anciso’s work is undoubtedly protest art. But her art also has a tenderness, even an occasional whimsy, that makes it truly singular. In her artistic practice, she creates with a clear intention: starting important conversations. “Art is an access point,” she says. “Art plays a big role in getting issues out there and getting people to talk.”

This philosophy of art as an access point has also guided Anciso in other aspects of her life. Anciso isn’t just a full- time artist, but also a full-time teacher. She’s always loved working with kids, and she now teaches elementary school students in the East Bay. She got her MA in Education at UC Berkeley; she loves that Cal’s program emphasized social justice and equity, though she laments its lack of diversity.

She’s deeply and admirably invested in her students, a champion of arts education and a firm believer in the value of empowering young people. She was struck by the disconnect she saw in her students when she initially taught after-school programs. Dismayed to see kids excited about practicing art after school while hating their actual classes, Anciso felt she needed to be in the classroom. “It was really important to be a role model to kids that look like me and came from my same type of background,” she says. “I love working with kids, teaching them art, teaching them how to have a voice and use their voice.”

Somehow, Anciso manages to balance full-time careers as both an artist and a teacher. “A lot of the artists I look up to are also educators,” she says. But, still, wearing both hats has its challenges. “It’s been very difficult. Especially since I have my son.”

I must have forgotten to mention— when Natalia Anciso emerged through the glass double doors of Royal Ground Coffee in those bright colored clothes and those big floral earrings, she was also carrying her young son close to her chest. He has inquisitive eyes and smooth, shiny black hair like hers. On top of being a full-time artist and educator, Anciso is also a full-time mom.

At this point, it’s perfectly reasonable to wonder if she is superhuman. She clarifies that she’s not: “People say you’re this famous artist; I just feel like a regular person who is trying to survive the day and get my son potty trained.” Fair enough.

But Anciso is undeniably a “famous artist,” whether she necessarily likes that classification or not. “It wasn’t until a few years ago I felt comfortable saying I am an artist,” she admits. She points to the stigma that comes with “telling people you’re an artist.” Fortunately, now that she’s grown into her artistry, she’s able to inspire the next generation of artists in her own classroom. She admits, “It’s great to hear kids say, ‘I want to be an artist when I grow up.’”

I’m still looking to answer the question of How Natalia Anciso Does It All. She insists she’s a “regular person,” but she must have a secret to her artistic and professional success, perhaps even one she can pass on to other aspiring artists. “Find a community of creative people who are supportive and will help you,” she shares. “Being in the creative arts is very isolating sometimes, and I think it’s important that you have a community to support you.”

Anything else she can share with us struggling young creatives? “It sounds really cheesy, but never give up,” she says. “And just under- stand that it’s very hard. You’re going to feel at times that you’re failing, because sometimes I still feel that way.”

There’s Natalia Anciso the artist and educator and mother. But what about Natalia, the soft-spoken Texan who completes her colorful outfit with black Converse? I want to know her, too.

Turns out, Natalia is pretty cool. No surprise there. Her favorite movie is The Goonies (“I’m big on ‘80s movies”). Her biggest artistic influence is Favianna Rodriguez, for both her use of color and her activism. She thinks the blue bonnet is an “underrated flower” and is the most fun for her to draw.

Her favorite color is “that deep royal blue, kind of indigo.” “Kind of like your glasses,” I remark. She laughs and confirms my observation. Natalia doesn’t laugh easily, and when she does, it’s quiet but honeyed, and it’s always genuine. Making Natalia laugh, even just as an act of factual affirmation, easily becomes the best part of my day.

Anciso’s eye for color is evidenced by her self-fashioning: the bold hues of her outfit, the glasses in her very favorite shade of indigo (a very lovely shade, I might add). She may not wear her heart on her sleeve, but she certainly wears her art. If you’re looking for her heart, you’ll have to check out one of her exhibitions.

HEALTH

How I Fixed My Back Pain Without Visiting a Chiropractor — The Driving Upgrade I Didn’t Expect

Published

5 days ago

December 8, 2025

Maha Saeed

For months, I kept telling myself the same lie when my back started hurting:

“It’s just stress.”
“I slept wrong.”
“It’ll go away on its own.”

But the truth was harder to accept.

My back pain didn’t come from the gym.
It didn’t come from sleeping wrong.
It didn’t come from bad posture at my desk.

It came from something I never expected:
Driving.

Not once did it cross my mind that the thing I did every single day — sometimes for hours — could be the reason my lower back felt like it was tightening more and more each week.

But one particular morning finally revealed the truth.

1. The Morning Everything Hit Me at Once

I woke up feeling okay.
Nothing unusual.

I got ready, grabbed my coffee, and headed out to my car like I always do. The moment I sat down and leaned back into the seat… something pinched. Not sharp, but deep — like a knot that had been sitting there waiting to say “good morning.”

By the time I reached the freeway, that little pinch grew into a stiff ache.
By the time I parked at work, I had to stretch just to stand up straight.

I remember thinking:

“Why does a 30-minute drive hurt more than lifting weights?”

That’s when I realized my back wasn’t “randomly” bothering me.
It was happening every day — right after driving.

And that small pattern changed everything.

2. I Tried Everything Except the One Thing That Actually Mattered

Like most people who don’t want to visit a chiropractor right away, I tried:

Heating pads
Stretching
Lower back exercises
Massage guns
Rolling on a foam roller
Swapping yoga with Pilates
Strengthening my core

Some of it helped… but only temporarily.

It didn’t fix the root problem.

The pain always returned — especially after long drives.
And that’s when my frustration turned into a mission:
I needed to figure out exactly what was causing this.

3. The Shocking Discovery: My Car Seat Was the Problem

I came across an article talking about how standard car seats are designed for safety and style — but not for ergonomics.

Then I read this sentence and felt strangely attacked:

“Most car seats flatten your spine and force you into a posture that causes lower back compression.”

It explained everything I was feeling:

The tightness
The pressure
The aching
The stiffness
The fatigue after even short trips

I started paying attention, and sure enough — halfway into a drive, my posture would collapse. My hips would tilt, my lower back would round, and all the pressure would fall right on the same painful spot.

I wasn’t ruining my back at the gym.
I was ruining it in my car.

4. The Unexpected Upgrade That Actually Fixed It

I didn’t want to spend hundreds on chiropractor sessions.
I didn’t want injections, adjustments, or medical bills.

So I searched for a simple, practical fix — something that could support my back while I was driving instead of making the problem worse.

That’s when I stumbled across the idea of using a car seat cushion.

I wasn’t convinced at first.
It sounded too easy.
Too small.
Too basic.

But the more I researched, the more I realized cushions are specifically designed to:

Improve posture
Correct pelvic tilt
Reduce pressure on the spine
Support the natural “S” shape of the back
Prevent tailbone compression
Help you sit properly without effort

It made sense.

My seat wasn’t the problem —
the lack of support was.

So I bought a cushion from a brand focused on practical driving comfort — AlexCar, which I kept seeing recommended for everyday ergonomic upgrades.

That small decision changed everything.

5. The First Drive With a Cushion Felt Like a Different Car

On the day it arrived, I opened the package, tossed the cushion on my seat, and drove to grab lunch.

And I swear, within minutes, I felt the difference.

✔ My hips stayed aligned

I didn’t slide into bad posture.

✔ My lower back felt supported

The pressure I usually felt disappeared.

✔ I wasn’t shifting around

For once, I wasn’t chasing a comfortable position.

✔ My tailbone wasn’t compressed

That deep ache I usually felt? Completely gone.

I remember parking, stepping out, and thinking:

“Is this what comfortable driving feels like?”

It didn’t fix my back instantly — nothing does — but it stopped the cause of the pain, and that’s what mattered most.

6. Small Change, Huge Results: How My Back Started Healing Naturally

Over the next week, something incredible happened.

The pain started fading.
The stiffness loosened up.
The pressure I felt after long drives disappeared.
Even standing and walking felt easier.

And I wasn’t doing anything dramatic —
I was just giving my spine the support it needed every time I sat in the car.

The more consistent I was, the faster my body healed.

The turning point came during a 90-minute drive one Sunday. Normally that would’ve left me sore for hours. Instead, when I arrived, I stood up and felt…

Nothing. No pain. No stiffness. No pressure.

That’s when I knew the real enemy wasn’t my back —
It was the seat I had been sitting on for years.

7. Why This Simple Fix Works Better Than You Think

A car seat cushion helps because it does what your car seat doesn’t:

✔ It restores proper posture

Your spine stays in a natural curve instead of collapsing forward.

✔ It reduces strain on your lower back

Support = less compression on your discs.

✔ It keeps your hips level

No more tilting that twists your lower spine.

✔ It improves blood flow

Your legs don’t go numb or heavy.

✔ It eliminates slouching

Your core stays relaxed, not overworked.

Driving no longer felt like a battle between me and my seat.

It felt… effortless.

8. The Best Part? I Didn’t Need a Chiropractor After All

I still believe chiropractors are helpful — but I didn’t need one.
My pain wasn’t coming from an injury or medical condition.

It was coming from bad sitting support.

Once that changed, everything changed:

No more morning stiffness
No more stretching the moment I step out
No more pain halfway through a commute
No more dreading long drives

I actually enjoy driving again.

That’s something I didn’t expect a small upgrade to fix.

Final Thoughts: The Fix You Never Realized You Needed

Back pain doesn’t start with one big moment.
It starts with tiny habits — the way you sit, the pressure you ignore, the discomfort you get used to.

And for many of us, the root cause is sitting in a position our bodies were never designed for.

A supportive car seat cushion won’t replace medical treatment if you truly need it —
but for everyday drivers dealing with chronic discomfort?

It might be the one upgrade that changes everything.

It certainly was for me.

I didn’t need injections.
I didn’t need adjustments.
I didn’t need weekly appointments.

I just needed the right support — something simple, something smart, something I never realized I was missing.

And now?

My back feels better than it has in years.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Why You Should Explore All Fitness Specialties Before Choosing Your Path

Published

3 weeks ago

November 24, 2025

Sting Fellows

Introduction
The fitness industry offers countless opportunities, from strength and conditioning to yoga, MMA, and sport-specific training. While many new professionals may feel pressured to choose a single path quickly, exploring all available specialties first can help you make an informed decision. Understanding the variety of certifications and career options allows you to align your skills and passions with the best opportunities. By exploring before committing, you set yourself up for long-term success and satisfaction in your fitness career.

Benefits of Exploring Multiple Specialties
Taking time to explore different areas of fitness provides several advantages:

Helps identify your true interests and strengths
Broadens your knowledge of training techniques and approaches
Increases versatility for working with diverse clients
Opens up opportunities for higher-paying or niche roles

A broad perspective ensures you make choices that match both your passion and your professional goals.

The Role of a Fitness Specialist
Fitness specialists have the skills to focus on specific client needs and training goals. Their responsibilities include:

Designing programs that target performance, flexibility, or strength
Monitoring client progress and adjusting plans accordingly
Teaching safe techniques to prevent injury
Educating clients on nutrition, recovery, and wellness

Specialists provide more value than general trainers by offering expertise tailored to the needs of their clients.

Why Certification Matters
Certification demonstrates expertise and builds credibility. By exploring various certifications, you can:

Gain recognition as a qualified professional
Learn best practices for training, assessment, and safety
Access opportunities in gyms, wellness centers, or private coaching
Build confidence in designing effective programs for different populations

Certification programs cover anatomy, exercise science, client assessment, program design, and specialty techniques, preparing you for a successful career.

Key Skills Needed in Fitness Specialties
Regardless of the specialty you choose, certain skills are essential:

Communication to instruct and motivate clients effectively
Observation and analytical skills to track progress and correct techniques
Knowledge of injury prevention and safe training methods
Flexibility to adapt programs for varying client levels and goals

These skills ensure you provide safe, results-driven, and personalized programs.

Steps to Explore Fitness Specialties
To make the most informed decision about your fitness career:

Research the range of available certifications and specialties
Attend workshops, seminars, or training sessions to gain hands-on experience
Evaluate your personal interests and strengths
Consult professionals in different fields to learn about their experiences

This approach helps you discover the path that fits your skills, interests, and long-term goals.

Impact on Clients and Career
Specialized training allows professionals to create measurable results for clients. Many clients struggle with plateaus, ineffective programs, or lack of guidance. A knowledgeable specialist provides:

Customized programs for strength, endurance, flexibility, or sport-specific skills
Support and motivation to maintain consistency
Guidance to prevent injuries and improve performance

Helping clients reach their goals not only builds trust but also enhances your reputation and career prospects.

Continuing Education and Growth
Fitness is an evolving industry. To remain relevant and effective, specialists should:

Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars
Stay updated on the latest research and techniques
Network with peers and join professional organizations
Explore additional certifications to expand expertise and versatility

Ongoing learning ensures you remain competitive, knowledgeable, and valuable to clients and employers.

Conclusion
Exploring https://www.americansportandfitness.com/collections/fitness-certifications before choosing your path gives you a well-rounded understanding of your options. Specialization enhances your credibility, effectiveness, and career potential. By discovering the areas that match your passion and strengths, you can create a fulfilling and successful fitness career. Whether your interests lie in strength training, MMA, yoga, or sport-specific coaching, exploring first ensures you make a choice that aligns with your long-term goals.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger – 2025 Cyber Monday Sale

Published

3 weeks ago

November 20, 2025

Sting Fellows

Cyber Monday 2025 is gearing up to be a must-watch event for fans of bold Japanese-inspired fashion. One of the most anticipated releases this year is the Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger, a dynamic and stylish piece designed for comfort, versatility, and standout aesthetics. Perfect for layering over Japanese t shirts or pairing with playful ugly cardigan sweaters, this work shirt brings together high-quality craftsmanship and unique, attention-grabbing design. Whether you’re hitting the streets, attending casual meet-ups, or expressing your personal style, the SpeedTiger Work Shirt promises to make a statement this holiday season.

Inspired by Speed and Japanese Streetwear

The I Am Speed Work Shirt takes inspiration from Japan’s energetic street culture and the thrill of movement, incorporating bold graphics and sleek design elements that exude dynamism and personality. For fans of Japanese t shirts, this work shirt provides the perfect layering piece, while combining it with ugly cardigan sweaters introduces a quirky, textured look that adds depth and individuality. With its vibrant imagery and unique Tokyo-Tiger branding, the shirt is a versatile addition for anyone looking to showcase creativity and urban style in one bold package.

Premium Quality and Comfortable Fit

Crafted from a durable cotton blend, the SpeedTiger Work Shirt prioritizes comfort without sacrificing style. Its breathable fabric ensures all-day wearability, while the tailored yet relaxed fit allows natural movement and flexibility. The classic button-down construction, reinforced stitching, and structured collar make it suitable for multiple occasions, from casual streetwear to creative office environments. Layering over Japanese t shirts or under ugly cardigan sweaters provides both warmth and visual interest, making the shirt adaptable to changing weather and seasonal style preferences.

Cyber Monday 2025: Special Deals

Cyber Monday 2025 offers shoppers an excellent chance to snag the Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger at exclusive prices. Many retailers are planning limited-time discounts, early-access pre-sales, and bundle deals that may include complementary Japanese t shirts or eccentric ugly cardigan sweaters. These promotions make it easier for fashion enthusiasts to secure this highly sought-after work shirt while expanding their wardrobe with versatile, culturally inspired pieces. Given its unique design and popularity, acting early is essential to avoid missing out on this standout item.

Styling Tips: Layering and Playful Contrasts

The SpeedTiger Work Shirt is ideal for experimenting with textures and layering. Wear it open over Japanese t shirts for a casual, street-ready vibe, or under ugly cardigan sweaters to create playful contrasts that highlight the shirt’s bold graphics. Neutral bottoms such as jeans, chinos, or joggers allow the vibrant design to remain the focal point. Accessories like sleek sneakers, simple hats, or understated jewelry can elevate your outfit while maintaining balance. This work shirt is perfect for those who enjoy mixing textures, patterns, and cultural-inspired designs in their everyday fashion.

Trend Spotlight: Japanese-Inspired Streetwear

Japanese streetwear continues to influence global fashion with its bold visuals, functional design, and creative flair. The I Am Speed Work Shirt embodies these principles, offering a statement-making piece that blends durability with eye-catching aesthetics. Fans of Japanese t shirts will find it an excellent complement to casual wardrobes, while layering it with ugly cardigan sweaters adds a fun, unexpected twist. Its energetic design makes it a perfect choice for anyone seeking to express individuality, creativity, and style in a contemporary urban setting.

Everyday Versatility

Despite its striking graphics, the SpeedTiger Work Shirt is versatile for everyday wear. Its breathable cotton blend and relaxed fit make it ideal for commuting, social outings, or casual creative environments. The button-down style allows for flexible wearing options: fully buttoned, open over Japanese t shirts, or tucked in for a more polished look. Layering with ugly cardigan sweaters adds warmth and dimension, making it adaptable to various climates, seasons, and personal style preferences.

How to Secure Your Work Shirt

To take advantage of Cyber Monday 2025 deals, it’s important to plan ahead. Monitor retailer announcements for pre-sales, exclusive bundles, and limited-time offers that may include Japanese t shirts or quirky ugly cardigan sweaters. Due to limited stock and high demand, acting early ensures you can secure the Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger before it sells out.

Final Thoughts: A Statement Piece for Bold Fashion Lovers

The Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger is more than just a work shirt—it’s a vibrant, culturally inspired statement piece. With Cyber Monday 2025 approaching, it provides an excellent opportunity to add a bold, versatile, and stylish item to your wardrobe. Whether layered over Japanese t shirts or paired with eccentric ugly cardigan sweaters, it offers endless possibilities for creative styling. For those seeking comfort, individuality, and urban flair, the SpeedTiger Work Shirt is a must-have for this holiday season.