While learning about Central Piedmont's history and exploring the College Publications collection, Johnamarie came across a 1969 issue of The Prospector. Featured on the cover were Spanish dancers José Greco and Nana Lorca. She's always been an admirer of Spanish dances, especially Flamenco, a dance she would love to learn one day. Nana Lorca's pose, as captured by photographer Wayne Upchurch, inspired her to create Spanish Flair.
Johnamarie also loves Spanish tiles, so she saw this as an opportunity to learn more about them, their history, and how they continue to flourish today. The tiles adorning the background of her work were inspired by real 16th century Spanish tiles from Seville, Spain.
Wayne Upchurch
1969
Black-and-white photography
Dancers José Greco and Nana Lorca demonstrating and teaching the different types of Spanish Dance as part of a concert-lecture series at Central Piedmont Community College in 1969. This photo appeared in The Prospector, a student newspaper that was published between 1965 and 1971.
Johnamarie Macías
2023
Digital print (9 x 12 in)
A tribute to Nana Lorca, a Spanish dancer and teacher, with Spanish tiles decorating the background. The tiles were inspired by a selection of 16th century tiles from The Met collection. Printed using the Canon TM-305 large format printer in the Makerspace.
Johnamarie Macías is the Librarian Archivist at Central Piedmont Community College. She developed the Archival Photos Reimagined project as an extension of Archival Revival, a project in which students develop stories and poems based on archival photos. During her downtime, she enjoys drawing, sewing plush toys, and working on other artistic projects.