HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas (KWTX) – Turning a real-life experience into art is how one woman in Harker Heights is sharing her encounter with immigration enforcement.
Samahi Paez said she wanted to tell her story, but speaking about it publicly was difficult at first.
By blending her love for nature with the animations she grew up with, Paez created digital art she said reflects how she was personally impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In her work, Paez said the colors and characters are more than design choices — they are meant to tell a story she believes many in her community recognize as their own.
“It was a hard topic at first and I waited months until I saw people share their own story so that made me realize that I could share mine, and I wanted to share mine in my own way,” Paez said.
Paez said she hopes to continue growing as an artist and use her platform to highlight not only her experience, but also the stories of others who may feel they do not have a voice.
Paez has also set up a GoFundMe, which she said will help raise money to support her work and continue developing her art.
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