INTERVIEW BY H. CANDEE

Photo: H. Candee

Interview by Harryet Candee Photographs Courtesy of Artist

I was born in México City on November 27, 1960. I am an independent writer, Spanish and English teacher. Growing up among actors, singers, musicians and art in all its forms influenced my life very strongly. I was especially influenced by my father who was a comedian and actor. My project of writing a book about the behind-the-scenes life he led, has been a highly inspiring, challenging, and satisfying experience for me at this point of my life.

Harryet Candee: While in the Yucatan, I met you while you were walking your dog along the beach. How’s life for you living on this beautiful island? Esteban Valdéz: I have always lived in a simple way and enjoy nature and people, so Isla Mujeres has exactly what I need: Beautiful sights, sunsets, starry skies and great people, friends and places.

Where else have you lived? EV: I have lived in different parts of the world including Barcelona and Aspen, Colorado, but I would choose to live here on this calm and quiet, beautiful island.

What were your impressions when you were visiting America? EV: I have great memories from my visits to America. Most of my trips there were long-term vacations. I also had the chance to temporarily work as a caretaker in Aspen, Colorado. I would say my favorite locations in the states are California, New Mexico, New York and Colorado.

I know you’re enthusiastic and always ready to take on different projects and doing them all to the best of your abilities. What motivates you to have such a full plate, Esteban? EV: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” The essence of this famous proverb is what motivates me in everything I do. When I say or do something, and it has a positive effect on people, it makes me happy. Like with a dish I cook and share, or when I give encouraging advice, or even a therapeutic massage I give and do not ask for money in return.

Where does your source of inspiration come from? EV: Ever since I was a teenager, The Sermon of the Mount, has been a powerful influence in my life and has helped me in many ways, including with everyday decisions I must make. Also, where I get my inspiration from comes from an excerpt from Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography, and I quote:

For a bowl of water give a goody meal; For a kindly greeting bow thou down with zeal; For a simple penny pay thou back with gold; If thy life be rescued, life do not withhold. Thus the words and actions of the wise regard; Every little service tenfold they reward. But the truly noble know all men as one, And return with gladness good for evil done.

You also just came out with your first book about the life of your father, Ramon Valdéz, called, Con Permisito Dijo Monchito. Can you tell us what this book project meant for you? EV: Many of us have talents we are not aware of until we are faced with a challenge or, dare to open our wings to fly over a cliff that scares us. I never considered myself a writer, but when I

Esteban, childhood days

Esteban’s parents wedding Artist rendition of Ramon Valdéz and Esteban Valdéz, on right.

All photographs on this page courtesy of Esteban Valdéz

started writing— and flying, it was so beautiful for me. I opened my wings like a frigate bird and let the wind of inspiration keep me afloat.

Was this one of your major life achievements so far? EV: There is a famous saying: “Have a child, plant a tree, write a book.” So, yes! Writing this book has indeed been one of my greatest achievements for me.

You must have learned a great deal about your father, especially now from an objective point of view. How does the light shine on him now in your eyes? EV: My father was a very loving person, but at the same time, had a very strong Mexican “male” personality. He could be very kind, but also didn’t hide when he didn´t like something or, someone. Before he became rich and famous, he always did his best to provide for us. He had many different jobs in his lifetime, such as farming, carpentry, driving, painting, a cooking, and more. Everything he did, he did with passion. From sipping coffee, to taking a puff of a cigarette, to drinking his favorite Cuba Libre (Rum Bacardi and Coke with some lime drops), he enjoyed life to its fullest. I remember when he would listen to the music of Chuck Mangione, he would also be singing and playing along on his guitar — at full blast!

I am guessing you came from a large family? Please tell us a little about them. EV: Yes. My dad had three wives and ten children. My mother was his second wife, and I have four siblings. My mother was very beautiful. She was a famous singer in a trio. My parents met at one of her shows. She also was in some movies. My parents were married in 1958.

In what language was the book written? EV: It was first written and printed in my native language, Spanish. So far, it has been now been translated into Portuguese. It will be launched in Brazil this February, and I hope it will be a great success. Brazilians love my father.

There is a real art to studying language. It’s a beautiful art. Wouldn’t it be amazing to be able to read the oldest of languages, like Sanskrit? What languages do you speak? EV: Yes! It would be amazing being able to read Egyptian codes or manuscripts. Spanish is my mother´s tongue. English is my second language. I also speak Portuguese, some French and a little Mayan. Are there any plans for your book to be translated into English? EV: Yes, I am working hard on that now, and hope it will be ready by this coming summer.

The motorcycle group, Madruga’s Riders. Esteban Valdéz, 3rd from left. Brazil Photo: Courtesy of Esteban Valdéz

Why do you think your father gained so much popularity as an actor and comedian in Latin America? EV: The main reason my father gained so much popularity as an actor and comedian is because of the roles he portrayed in the 70s TV sitcom, El Chavo del Ocho as Don Ramón, it was also very similar to who he was in real life. For example, the clothes he wore when he left the house were also the same clothes he would wear on the show. People identified with him. Like not having a job, owing house rent, being a single father, always having to come up with creative solutions to make ends meet, all was true to life for him.

What was El Chavo del Ocho about? EV: El Chavo del Ocho, was a sitcom and ran about 290 episodes in seven seasons, from 1970 to the 1990s. It included eight main characters, children and adults all living in a small humble neighborhood. Every episode would be a different situation. The protagonist in El Chavo del Ocho, a boy, would always be getting into mischief with his friends. What were some important events that launched your father’s career as a comedian and actor? EV: My father´s first comedy movie, Calabacitas Tiernas (1949) was during the time of the Golden Era in Mexican cinema. His brother, Germán Valdés, “Tin Tan” was already a movie star and had invited my father to participate, not only in that movie, but in many other movies as well. In time, he met the actor, writer and TV Producer, Roberto Gómez Bolaños, who later invited him to be a part of his production cast in 1969, El Chavo del Ocho.

What research was necessary for this book happen? EV: I had to research places, dates, people and circumstances regarding my father´s life before he was born. I went back in time to my great-grandfather, the 1800s. In order to make sure the accuracy of the information was correct, I had to interview many people, and parts of Mexican history as well.

What kind of expectations did you have when you went to promote your book in Brazil? Were you pleased with the outcome? EV: Everywhere I went in Brazil, I saw murals painted of my father’s face in character, Seu Madruga (Mr. Dawn) and Don Ramón. There are businesses and restaurants named after him. I found t-shirts and souvenirs for sale portraying his character everywhere I went. There is a Harley Davison Moto club in Rio de Janeiro named after him,, called “Madruga´s Riders”. The logo they use on the back of their vest is an amazing design and depicts my father’s face as a skull. Elated to meet me, I was given a leather vest they printed my name on the back, and had named me an honorable of Madruga’s Riders.

You were also an actor. Tell us about that career? EV: I started my short acting career as a TV commercial model. In 1980, I had a role in the movie, Caveman which was a United Artists production, filmed in Mexico. The cast was amazing: Ringo Starr, Dennis Quaid, Barbara Bach and Shelley Long. I played the role of Folg Jr. I also had a role as the Apostle Peter in the musical Jesus Christ Super Star.

Movie Poster, Cast member, Esteban Valdéz - top right, and bottom left. Photos: Courtesty of Esteban Valdéz “My jacket! My name!”- Esteban Valdéz, Brazil

Sidewalk art, Ramon Valdéz

EV: I loved acting on stage in a theatre because you can see or hear the reaction of the audience right there. …There is nothing I can say I hated about show business.

Is there any profession you would take on if given the opportunity? EV: I guess being a pilot is something I always wanted to be, and still something I would do if I had the chance. Since I love animals, my second choice would be to work as a veterinarian.

If you could change anything in your life, what would that be? EV: I cannot think of anything specific I would change about my life, but I wish my parents had lived longer.

Tell us about some of your plans for 2023? EV: Produce a documentary based in my book. Travel to Argentina, Perú, Chile and Colombia for presentations and distribution of my book. Finish the translation into English. EV: Sociable. (I love being with people and friends); Friendly. (I am a good listener and there anytime for my friends when they need me); Generous. (Always share what I have); Quiet. (Some times I like time by myself).

If you were granted three wishes, what would they be? EV: 1-Be able to fly. ( like Superman) 2-To have my own house. 3-To travel around the world, non-stop.

What part of world history interests you? EV: I am really amazed how ancient civilizations were able to build amazing wonders like the pyramids in Egypt and of those in Teotihuacán, Mexico, or the Chinese wall. In art history, I have admiration for Leonardo Da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh. My favorite artist of all is Salvador Dalí.

Is there a lyric from a song or poem that reflects your thoughts on life, love and happiness? EV: Imagine, written by John Lennon is one of my favorite songs. I believe every word of it. I believe someday, the earth will be a better place to live, and that the world will be as one. ... Now: “You may say I´m a dreamer, but I´m not the only one….!”

Thank you, Esteban!

DIAGONAL FLYING ACRYLIC ON CANVAS, 20 X 20” RUBY AVER

STREET ZEN

Growing up on the South Side of Chicago in the 60s was a history rich and troubled time. As a youth, playing in the streets demanded grit. Teaching Tai Chi for the last 30 years requires a Zen state of mind. My paintings come from this quiet place yet exhibit the rich grit of my youth. Movement, shape and color dominate. Ruby Aver - 413-854-7007 rdaver2@gmail.com, Instagram: rdaver2

DANCE HEGINBOTHAM, JACOB’S PILLOW, 12 X 18” CAROLYN NEWBERGER

Watercolor painting, mixed media, and a practice of drawing from life form the body of Carolyn Newberger’s work, with an emphasis on human connections and experience. An avid and award-winning artist in her youth, Carolyn returned to art after an academic career in psychology at Harvard Medical School. Her work has received many awards, including from the Danforth Museum of Art, the Cambridge Art Association, Watercolor Magazine, and the New England Watercolor Society, of which she is a signature member. Many of Carolyn’s performance drawings and plein air paintings accompany reviews and essays she writes, often in collaboration with her husband, Eli, for “The Berkshire Edge,” a publication of news, arts and ideas in Western Massachusetts. Carolyn Newberger -617-877-5672, www.carolynnewberger.com cnewberger@me.com

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LADY AND HER CATS. ACRYLIC ON CANVAS 16" X 20" MARY ANN YARMOSKY

From the moment we are born we long for a way to be heard. For some words suffice, for others there needs to be a deeper form of expression. That is how artists are born. Where one might send their message through an instrument in the form of music, another might write poetry or prose. Still others speak in something more tangible through painting, photography, pottery, or sculpting. Words only bring us so far…art is the language of longing…a longing that is never fulfilled. I have always found expression through art. At the age of five I began speaking through the piano that sat waiting expectantly in our den, an instrument that brought me peace throughout the years. Later I took to creating through fashion design, dreaming up and constructing costumes for the Boston Opera Company and outfits for the fashionable elite of Newport, Rhode Island. From there my path took many twists and turns as I lived a life as a wife, mother, caretaker and pursuant of a professional career. It was when my youngest son passed away unexpectedly several years ago that my longing to be heard returned with a vengeance. Words did not suffice. There are no words to express that kind of grief and longing for what is lost. On that journey of anguish, I met other women who had or were experiencing their own kind of pain. I marveled at their resilience and ability to go on despite different kinds of loss or simply dealing with the uphill complexities of life’s challenges. Through paint and a bit of canvas I began to recover my voice, but it’s not just my voice. The women I create in paint are a composite of the many amazing women I have met and continue to meet. I paint their humor, their joy and their hidden heartbreak and longing. These women do not exist except on canvas and their stories are yours to imagine. Hear them. Mary Ann Yarmosky-maryannyarmoskyart.com