Jaime Ugarte - Pt.1

Feliz día de los Muertos, Jaime! ✨

Born and raised in Mexico, this time of year for you and your family must be fun!?

- We like to keep it more solemn and a reminder of the people that left us to become part of us.

It’s a BIG street party, right? But one with an important reminder to enjoy life and embrace mortality - Dia De Muertos is not just celebrated in Mexico either. How do things go down in Vancouver? How different is it from home?

- Sadly, the Mexican community in Vancouver is very spread out. It was very difficult to keep traditions alive when feeling so far from home.

What’s your favourite memory as a child during this sacred Mexican holiday?

- The Pan de Muerto was probably the best part. I’m not usually a big sweet tooth kind of person but that was my favourite.

How would you describe Mexico to an alien visiting our planet?

- An incredibly complicated place whose residents will make you feel at home 

There’s so much art and creativity around the celebrations from costumes, food, paintings and dolls. What does Dia De Muertos personally mean to you?

- It’s a time to remember my family and tell them that their efforts live on as I carry them with me. 

Originally an offering to the gods of the underworld - what’s the secret to making the BEST-looking handmade Calaveras? (sugar skulls)

- The real secret is that they’re not solid sugar! It’s dough drenched in sugar, so If you have solid baking skills, you can make them anytime! 💀

From candied pumpkin to Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) food takes centre stage at the celebrations. Family members place food at alters that were once enjoyed by their late relatives. Tell us what your favourite food is from the celebrations. And, we have to know, what filling makes the most delicious Tamales?

- Tacos are still unrivalled to me. Their simplicity is what sets them apart. And for tamal fillings? I’d have to say chile, which is just shredded chicken with green salsa inside.

Have you managed to find anything that comes close to the famously rich, spicy and creamy hot chocolate from home in Canada, yet? 

- Well, I remember Blenz had a delicious white hot chocolate that I loved to get, it came dangerously close.

What little bit of Mexico did you have to bring with you?

- I brought pictures of my family so I could have them with me.

Where does Halloween feature at this time of year for you? 

- Going to international schools since I was little Halloween was always more the party holiday as opposed to Dia de Muertos, which was more solemn.

What’s your go-to Dia De Muertos and/or Halloween costume?

- Nothing will beat classic vampire, it’s very simple and you don’t suffocate being in it

How much fun did you have designing the deck for Flick?

- It was incredibly fun to sprinkle my own style into something traditional, while still paying respect to my culture

The Calaveras feature in your deck - such a traditional symbol - as an artist how do you get the ornate detail right and decide on the style? 

- I think as with anything that relates to our traditions, as long as you do it from your heart you will always get everything just right

How did you start with the process of designing your deck?

- I wanted to incorporate another tradition into the images, Loteria, so instead of just designing people for the suits, I treated it as a way to represent various imagery within Dia de Muertos.

Which is your favourite suit and card from the deck and why?

- It’s definitely the king of hearts. Can’t beat Pan de Muerto

What are the traditional meanings in your art/deck that you’d like to share with us?

- I think the most important thing is to keep the tradition alive that death is nothing to be afraid of. Just a step into the infinite journey where we all become one with our loved ones.

Gracias Jaime!! 💖 🇲🇽