My Mother’s Hands

My Mother’s Hands

Originally published in La Liga Zine, Fall 2016. Published on Yeiry.com for legacy.

“Tan bonitas eran mis manos,” my Mom says when she looks at her hands. Once slender fingers ending in long hard nails with the power to instill the fear of God into me, now have become mangled rope knots from all those years of squeezing plastic meat in a freezer.

Doctor said it was arthritis. That the sub arctic temperatures shriveled her joints and the lubricant melted away like a modern day glacier. Her thumb permanently set at the angle where she would place expiration labels on food packages. The thumbnail hardened with the 14 years of precise movement in degrees below zero. The urgent capitalistic demands for production only furthered the conveyer belt of never ending lunchable packages, thin slice roast beef and smoked turkey. To this day, I still can’t eat cold cuts without thinking of how that freezer fucked up her body.

And even with soft marbles of swelling between her knuckles, she shows love by making things by hand. My Mom creates new life from old fabric with her sewing machine, whose motor is my most soothing lullaby.  

My hot pink prom dress
My sister’s gothic prom dress
The kitchen curtains with chicken fabric
King size bed spreads and tablecloths
Pillows with my private childhood nickname that I won’t say out loud
Dresses for the chihuahuas (yes, multiples)
A nightgown for her co-worker’s elderly mother-in-law
My favorite Halloween vest from 5th grade
Aprons for her sister-in-law in El Salvador
Burial dress for her closest cousin to be buried in
Crocheted hats in every shade of color the human eye can perceive
Embroidered cross shoulder purses
My school uniform
Her work uniform

tape measure along red textiles held by strong hands

Gif Courtesy of Yeiry Guevara

“Parecen manos de albañil” she jokes as the swelling usurp sore connective tissues.
— Yeiry Guevara

“¿Qué quieres que te haga?” she always asks me when she shows me new fabrics. The open endedness of that question. That, for this moment, she allows me to dream of anything I ever wanted. To fill my wardrobe with seams that know every inch of my body. With clothing pieces that fit me perfectly and fills in all the cracks of my confidence. Her sewing embraces my curves. You help me feel like my body is normal. That my body is beautiful. She would spend her last dollar on that specific zipper for our dresses. To manifest our vision of the piece. So I walk into that prom with the confidence of Dolly Parton and her coat of many colors. 

“Tu mama está en la máquina. ¿Quién la quita de ahí?” my dad tells me when I call the home phone. My mother is constantly makes things for other people. People she hasn’t met yet like her not-yet-born granddaughter. Always thinking beyond herself. Showing me that anything is possible with enough perspective and patience. Challenging herself to learn something new. Hammering belts buckles. Adjusting 48” waistbands. Creasing pleats on shiny fabric.

“Yo te lo hago” she waves at any two dimensional inspiration. She didn’t need a pattern to know how pieces and shapes fit together. I often think about the type of spatial reasoning, high end engineering brain that she has to create and assemble 3D forms without a guide.

These hands also find the shattered pieces of my spirit and thus heal with a simple “mija de mi alma y de mi tormento, mi reina”. She holds my face and my shoulders drop and my muscles exhale. She reads my distress so clearly like her favorite bible verse from a tattered songbook that crossed the border with her. I’m safe here.

These hands that have grinded masa on a metate before she even learned how to read.
These hands que son demasiada pesadas pero todavía siguen trabajando, haciendo la lucha para el pan de cada dia.
These hands that served as a tender midwife for our chihuahua and 4 newborn puppies.
These hands that have fed so many children that weren’t hers.
These hands that hold my faith in this life and beyond.
These hands that have eradicated my nausea, heartaches and panic attacks in the night.

“Parecen manos de albañil” she jokes as the swelling usurp sore connective tissues.

I wonder if the joints hurt.
I wonder if she can make tamales for this Christmas.
I wonder if I can learn the movement of her hands before time and the inflammation completely takes over her manual dexterity.

If the wisdom and tenderness swirling in her fingerprints will be passed on to my brute heavy hands, which are still learning the balance of how to be gentle enough to express the deepest affection and tough enough to surpass the struggles of the world.

Mami, deme fuerzas.

Gif Courtesy of Yeiry Guevara

Gif Courtesy of Yeiry Guevara

All About Art Panel - 3/14/25

All About Art Panel - 3/14/25

March is Women’s History Month. I’m honored to be a panelist for this event with All About Art, a pop-up gallery and community-based arts organizers in Houston, TX. On Friday, March 14, we will be sharing our experiences as being a woman in the arts, our career trajectory and community impact. Excited to be in conversation with these amazing artists!

HERstory Panelists:
@babygirl_bgirlcity
@candicedmeza
@joy_o_joy
@latinainsports
@stay_colorful_roni
@yeirybird

Event Details

Friday, March 14, 2025

Bad Astronaut Brewery

1519 Fulton St, Houston, TX 77009

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM for full event

8:30 PM - 9:30 PM for panel discussion


Houston Latino Film Festival - 3/15/25

Houston Latino Film Festival - 03/15/25

I’m so proud to be participating in the Houston Latino Film Festival this year! This year’s line up of films are fantastic. Beyond film, the festival also hosts workshops for filmmakers, an art show in the MATCH gallery space, musical performances every night. Don’t miss it! See this feature on Houston Chronicle about HLFF.

There will also be a poetry reading on Saturday, March 15 organized by Tintero Projects. I’m super proud to be reading NEW work at this reading.

Event Details

12:00 PM - Saturday, March 15, 2025

MATCH - Gallery

3400 Main St, Houston, TX 77002

See the HLFF for additional event details

MFAH Staff Art Show - 1/30/25

MFAH Staff Art Show - 1/30/25

I’m so proud to have my piece featured in the MFAH Biennial Staff Art Show 2025! The exhibition is taking place in the Millenium Gallery in the Lower Level of Beck Building at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Come check out all the incredible artwork submitted by talented MFAH employees. There are over 600 employees and I’m honored to be selected in the exhibition. Exhibition closes on 2/9/25.

This exhibiting piece is very significant to me on so many levels. It was taken upon my arrival at the airport in El Salvador. The passengers were awaiting at the baggage claim for their families and belongings. The silhouettes of the foreground symbolize the desire to go home, but what is home? Is it a geography? Is it a state of mind?

This specific photograph was the first piece of artwork I exhibited and sold on the same night. That experience taught me that my artwork is valued. With the support from that first show, I was empowered to own the title of ARTIST. Let me know if you visit my piece! Tag me @Yeirybird


Virtual Workshop | Identity Unbound: Tell Your Story With Zines - 4/10/24

Virtual Workshop | Identity Unbound: Tell Your Story With Zines - 4/10/24

I’m thrilled to be a presenter for a virtual workshop with Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire.

The virtual workshop will take place on April 10, 2024.

About The Event:

Do you want to share your story, but are not sure how to do it? 

Join us for a presentation by nationally recognized creator of bilingual zines, 
Yeiry Guevara. In addition to reviewing what zines are and how to make them, Yeiry will share with you her personal experience creating bilingual zines (Spanish / English) as an expression of her intersecting and multiple identities.

After her presentation, you will have an opportunity to create a zine of your own.

Event Details here: https://www.anselm.edu/about/anselmian-hub/news/identity-unbound-tell-your-story-zines

Add event to your calendar: https://www.anselm.edu/about/anselmian-hub/events/identity-unbound-tell-your-story-zines/april-10th-2024-0600pm

San Anto Zine Fest - 12/09/23

I’m thrilled to be vending in San Antonio for the San Anto Zine Fest on 12/09/23. I’m working on possibly releasing some new stuffffff. Only one way to find out! Come thruuuuu on 12/09/23.

Check out all the incredible vendors also participating in the festival.

Event Details

December 9th, 2023 from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

San Antonio Public Library - Central Branch

600 Soledad St., San Antonio, TX 78205 - Map

Library Website + SAZF Website

The Houston Artist Speaks Through Grids - Zine Launch @ Zine Fest Houston - 11/18/23

The Houston Artist Speaks Through Grids - Zine Launch @ Zine Fest Houston - 11/18/23

Super proud to be part of this collaboration with Reyes Ramirez! Very grateful for the creative space to honor my Tia Ruchis and my neighborhood querido. The Pylon Project is presented from The Houston Artist Speaks Through Grids initiative.

Event Details

1:00 PM

THE HOUSTON ARTIST SPEAKS THROUGH GRIDS (THASTG) ZINE LAUNCH, READING & PANEL ORGANIZED BY REYES RAMIREZ WITH PANELISTS CLAUDIA CORLETTO, FARRAH FANG, YEIRY GUEVARA, SEBASTIEN BONCY & SEBASTIAN GOMEZ DE LA TORRE
(
THE ORANGE SHOW OFFICE)

Zine Fest Houston @ The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art

2334 Gulf Terminal Dr, Houston, TX 77023 - MAP

Check out the amazing line up for Zine Fest Houston taking place all day as well. I don’t have a table this year at ZFH but I’ll be vending in the San Anto Zine Fest in December 2023.

MFAH Staff Art Show - 3/19/23

MFAH Staff Art Show - 3/19/23

I’m so proud to have my piece featured in the MFAH Biennial Staff Art Show 2023! The exhibition is taking place in the Millenium Gallery in the Lower Level of Beck Building at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Come check out all the incredible artwork submitted by talented MFAH employees. There are over 600 employees and I’m honored to be selected in the exhibition. Exhibition closes on 3/19/23.

This work is inspired by all the needlework created by the women in my family, my mom’s creativity in her embroidered manteles, and memories of sweet Salvi candy from childhood. Let me know if you visit! Tag me @yeirybird

Zine Fest Houston - 11/12/22

Zine Fest Houston - 11/12/2022

I’m thrilled to be a vendor for Zine Fest Houston 2022. I have new merch which I’m super excited to share with y’all

Catch me at Table 3 near the entrance with the homies of St. Sucia & Xicana Vegan.

Check out the full list of vendors here.

Lots of food, programs and ZINES!

Event Details:

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art

(Not the monument but the big space behind it!)

2334 Gulf Terminal Dr.

Houston, TX 77023

Saturday, November 12, 2022

12 -6 PM

FB Event Link

We’re All Products of Our Milieu

We’re All Products of Our Milieu

Everything is coming up Milhouse!

〰️

Everything is coming up Milhouse! 〰️

Photo by Agave Bloom Photography

Happy to report that I am thriving.

I got a job! I’m the new Public Programs Manager at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. As my first project, I’m organizing a huge community day festival taking place on November 6, 2022. Come check out the art, music, dance and family-friendly activities for free. The promo vid is below.

As the universe spins, I am also hiring for my team. Send qualified cool people this way: Specialist + Production Assistant.

Photos taken during my many walks on campus


Outside of work, I’m thrilled to be vending at this year’s Zine Fest Houston 2022. This is technically the first year I’ve been able to vend at ZFH. It feels so good to be able to participate in my local zine scene in an official vendor capacity. Come say hi, buy a zine and catch up on November 12, 2022.

Shoutout to Agave Bloom Photography for the new headshots to commemorate this new professional chapter. Book them for all your photo needs.


I’m still very much working through work-life-balance; a million unfinished creative projects; building community authentically; whilst in the pursuit of finding the perfect rug for my home office.

Send all the good vibes in this new chapter!

Uncle Bob’s Photo Zine Market - 10/15/22

Uncle Bob’s Photo Zine Market - 10/15/22

Yoooo - I’ll be vending in person for the first time zine October 2019.

Join me and all the wonderful vendors at Uncle Bob’s Photo Zine Market taking place this weekend.

Event Details

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Hardy & Nance Studios

902 Hardy Street

Houston, TX 77020

Free Admission

Facebook Event Link

“The Loop” Launch Party & Reading - 9/15/22

“The Loop” Launch Party & Reading - 9/15/22

I’m thrilled to be a contributor and reader for this local publication, “The Loop” presented by Common Field. I’ll be reading a piece I wrote in celebration of my hood, mi querido barrio, East End. Big thanks to Common Field, Megan Sparks and Reyes Ramirez for creating and organizing “The Loop”.

Join us for an evening of amazing local writers inspired by all things H-town.

Publication includes contributions from:

Event Details below:

Thursday, September 15, 2022

7:30pm

Aurora Picture Show

2442 Bartlett St, Houston, TX 77098

Letter from the Liminal Space

Letter from the Liminal Space

3 weeks ago, I quit my job without a new job lined up. I jumped out of the proverbial airplane without a parachute. There was no time to put on my oxygen mask. The plastic bag wasn’t inflating anyway. I left on my own accord, through a voluntary resignation. That’s the most I can say without being too chismosa. For anyone who has dealt with similar environments, knows the erosion of your sense of self and general outlook. One piece of advice from a former manager has stuck with me: “Do this job with integrity”. After 3 years of public service, I didn’t get much of a send off, not even an awkward office farewell party. But I have been able to hold on to my integrity and self-worth through all the challenging situations. And honestly, that’s the best feeling. I can hold my head up high and feel proud of the work I have done. The immense relief melts into my shoulders like ice cubes in a cup of sweet tea.

Claudia Castro Luna Book Launch - 6/29/22

Claudia Castro Luna Book Launch - 6/29/22

DUE TO ILLNESS, I HAD TO CANCEL MY APPEARANCE

Enjoy this FREE event celebrating Central American art & culture! Meet Salvadoran author, Claudia Castro Luna, and get your copy of her new book “Cipota Under the Moon” singed. Hosted by writer, activities Tony Diaz, El Librotraficante.

Houston stop features the following artists: Yeiry Guevara, Marlon “Marley” Lizama, Alba Herrera, Celea Guevara.

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

The Alta Arts, Google Map

Facebook Event Link

Reyes Ramirez Book Launch - 5/12/22

Reyes Ramirez Book Launch - 5/12/22

JOIN MECA, TBH, NUESTRA PALABRA & TINTERO PROJECTS as we celebrate the DEBUT short story collection, THE BOOK OF WANDERERS by Houston writer, Reyes Ramirez!

This literary night will see a full line - up of poets and writers including:

Yeiry Guevara, Farrah Fang, Icess Fernandez Rojas, Lupe Mendez and more!

May 12, 2022

MECA at TBH Center, Houston TX

Facebook Link

Reyes Website

Houston Latino Film Festival Reading - 3/26/22

Houston Latino Film Festival Reading - 3/26/22

Big congrats to my friend Reyes Ramirez on his debut short story collection “The Book of Wanderers”!

I have the immense honor to be the opening reader for his event taking place at the Houston Latino Film Festival this weekend.

I’ll be doing my first public reading (in forever) on:

Saturday, March 26, 2022
5 pm
MATCH - Gallery

Come thru to watch me read in a gorgeous new dress 💃🏽 and listen to the wonderful stories created by the homie Reyes.

Additional info at the HLFF website.

LAPL Zine Taller - 2/09/22

“Tu Historia en Papel” Zine Taller - 2/09/22

Gracias Los Angeles Public Library por la oportunidad de compartir mi arte y presentar un taller de zines. Aquí está el vídeo completo.

Estoy muy emocionada de presentar un taller virtual titulado “Zines: Tu Historia en Papel” con la biblioteca pública de Los Angeles, California (LAPL). Estaré presentado en Español, en vivo, a través de la pagina de Facebook y Youtube de LAPL el miércoles, 9 de febrero 2022 a las 4 pm PST / 6 pm CST / 7 PM EST.

Más información se encuentra el en calendario de eventos para la biblioteca.

Detalles sobre el taller:

Acompáñenos en este taller multigeneracional diseñado a ayudarlo a contar su narrativo personal, historia familiar, o qualquier obra que quiera compartir, a través de “Zines.” La artista y creativa salvadoreña-estadounidense, Yeiry Guevara, hablará sobre su experiencia de contar historias, documentar y comunicar a través del Zine autoeditado. Este medio es único en que el fin es que el crear, reproducir y compartir sea fácilmente accesible para todos. Este taller se presentara en español

I’m thrilled to be presenting an online zine workshop titled “Zines: Tu Historia en Papel” with Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL). I’ll be presenting live, in Spanish, through LAPL’s Facebook and Youtube pages on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 4 pm PST / 6 pm CST / 7 PM EST.

More information regarding the event can be found on the LAPL event calendar.

About the workshop:

Join us for this multigenerational workshop designed to help you tell your personal narrative, family history or any other work to share through Zines. Salvadoran-American artist and creative, Yeiry Guevara, will share her experience storytelling, documenting and communicating through the self-published Zine. This medium is unique in that the tools for creating, reproducing and sharing Zines are easily accessible to all. This workshop will be presented in Spanish.

NALAC National Latinx Summit - 10/01/21

NALAC National Latinx Summit - 10/01/21

Join the conversation on all things Latinx arts! NALAC is hosting its annual National Latinx Summit, Manos a la Obra, on September 30 - October 2, 2021.

The summit will include Keynotes, a marketplace, ofrenda, along with community-led sessions all virtual.
Register today to virtually participate in the Summit.

I’m very excited to be a session presenter on October 01, 2021 from 03:30PM–04:25PM CDT with an amazing panel. See details below.

About the Panel
The Critic is Essential: A Latinx Arts Critics Panel

Articles published by the New York Times, Hyperallergic, Forbes, and other publications. show the lack of critics of color in publications that feature reviews of art. What is the role of the critic in the arts ecosystem? Why does an arts community need critics with a shared background? In this panel, practicing critics Reyes Ramirez, Sarah Rafael Garcia, Icess Fernandez Rojas and Yeiry Guevara, will share experiences, ideas, and inspiration navigating critical writing on art forms from various perspectives, such as food, film, visual art, and literary criticism, to highlight Latinx critics as important members of the artistic community. Participants will be able to ask questions, be inspired to meet creatives, and find new collaborations at the NALAC Summit.

Register Now

LAPL Workshop - 10/13/21

LAPL Workshop - 10/13/21

I’m so excited to partner with Los Angeles Public Library - Goldwyn Hollywood Regional Library to present a virtual workshop!

The virtual workshop is titled “Let’s Make a Bilingual Zine“ and will take place on Oct 13, 2021
04:00 PM PST / 6:00 PM CST / 7:00 PM EST

We’ll be chatting about zines, my creative process and how to make your own zine!