Artist - JT
My name is JT or Jeff Aragon. Really it's Jeff but I went by JT in college but ended up Marrying my wife who knew me before I went by JT. And so, I'm trying to bring it back.
My mother is from Guatemala...as for my father, it is possible that he is as well but not entirely sure.
I grew up with Maya art and textiles in my home. Although, the culture and art that were there was hardly ever really referred as Maya in my family. It was just considered part of being Guatemalan/mestizo. Which brings a great sadness to me.
I grew up with a unique desire and curiosity of my past and my distant family's past.
So I ended up personally studying history of places like Guatemala and Mexico. As well as, studying/trying to find out my family's involvement in that past. I was very curious and always asked my mother questions about our past...I mostly got yelled at for doing so but I kept doing it anyways. this is how I found out that my grandfather admitted to my mother that her and the family were in fact native.
I mean I would think that was obvious but he denied it his whole life and people believed him. And because of this denial, members of my family often didn't speak or in some cases acknowledge the fact they we were indigenous.
Getting any more information on the our past from my family now is like pulling teeth out, even just recent past. Anyways, my goal has always been to figure out who exactly we are connected to. Up until recently I was fairly confident that most my ancestors were from what is now called Guatemala but recent DNA test and new info from my sister, it may be that my father may have roots in Central Mexico. So, that's exciting.
As of right now, according to my genealogy, my ancestors seem to come from Chimaltenango and Guatemala city area. although, I cannot find out any connect to a specific ethnic group. In Guatemala there are over 20 different Maya ethnic groups. based off the history I have learned about Guatemala, I am fairly confident that some of/if not most of my ancestors come from one or more of the Maya groups in Guatemala(at least for my Mother's side).
I don't necessarily say I am Maya when I am asked, as I don't have the solid connect or acceptance into a specific group but will refer to myself as indigenous, and that I most likely have Maya ancestors.
The art that I create is typically centered around the Maya art that I grew up with and the Maya art that I have seen as I studied the history of Maya ppl.
I appreciate all the support that everyone has given me and hope to be able continue on this journey with those who are willing to join me.