This original poem was commissioned by Hacienda CDC for their Arrobas Program, created to support the Portland Latine community and provide digital resources and support to access online school, job applications, and business management tools in an all-ages space.

The design elements are created from lego forms to speak to the confluence of traditional handcraft with computer literacy. Pulling inspiration from Arroba’s mission, this poem is an invitation to feel back into collective power and where it comes from: building connections with one another, celebrating tradition while using the tools we have available, and dreaming into the future.

SOMOS LIVE WIRES, 10’ x 4’ x .5”, 2021, original poem letterpress printed with legos and wood type on Gmund Urban Architect Powder 240 gsm, birch plywood, and Doug fir edge banding. Photo by Sean McDonald