Agueda Martinez lives on her family farm with one of her daughters.
For years she raised her children and farmed with her husband
through the day, and then wove blankets and rugs at night, using
kerosene lamps for light. Martinez, who describes her weaving
as "a dance on the loom," is a world-renowned artist,
but she says her family is her greatest pride. The Oscar-nominated
film Agueda Martinez: Our People, Our Country documents
her life. She continues to work at her loom six hours a day,
and she has taught her art to many of her progeny.
What was the most important thing that
happened for women during this century? Voting! My father
was a justice of the peace. He taught us the importance of voting.
These people today who don't vote when they have the opportunity
are wrong. It's very important to vote. I get upset with my family
if they don't vote.
How did it affect your life?
My husband was very interested in politics and volunteered for
local campaigns. I got involved, too.
What advice would you give to girls
today? Get a good education, because you don't know what's
ahead of you. It's not like your husband will take care of you
nowadays it's a fifty-fifty world. |