His father Héctor and his mother Yolanda taught him the value of working. (Photo-Tetris)
Héctor “Tetris” Arias, an accomplished artist, is also an activist who defends his community and seeks their well-being, as well as that of his family.
“I want my family, my daughters to have a better future. ‘A los Latinos nos han madreado por generaciones’; other communities have had money and easier access to comforts for generations. We have to fight for ourselves, that’s why I don’t want other people in this area, in my project,” says the artist known as ‘Tetris,’ founder of the SELA Art Center located in the city of Bell. A graffiti artist who has left his mark throughout the streets of Los Angeles.
But that’s not all; his greatest effort, after living a life that included stepping into the dark side, is his family. He wants his two daughters, his wife Betty, to have a more positive option in life.
“We haven’t even celebrated our wedding; we focused on saving money to buy our house. It wasn’t the area we wanted, but we moved to the Southeast here in Whittier. There are good schools, safe spaces. It was difficult, living paycheck to paycheck; the economy has gradually pushed Latinos out of Los Angeles,” says Tetris.
His daughters have filled him with pride. He has tried, along with his wife Betty, to instill in them an excellent education. (Photo Tetris)
It hasn’t always been easy for this talented artist.
“I fell into a depression for three years. I didn’t know what it was. I was always a happy guy, smiling all the time, and then I wouldn’t leave the house. I painted murals for nothing, for free, and that depressed me even more. I did many walls. Hope moved me. My parents questioned me, told me I had to find a job. My wife Betty thought I was crazy with my project, but she endured, supported me, and now we have a beautiful family,” says this artist.
For Tetris, his main goal was to leave a legacy, to show that his journey and that of his family, from his native Michoacán, had not been in vain.
Currently, his two daughters, aged 11 and 6, Allysa and Allison enjoy the lessons from their parents. “I have them playing soccer; I teach them to paint. Each one has their room with the design they want. (Photo Tretis)
“I doubted a lot, walked alone through the streets, painting walls, dirty, long hair; depression hit me hard,” he adds.
One of his motivations is to support the Latino community. Working hard is something he learned from his parents. His mother bought clothes that she later sold, his father, despite his passion for farming, had to work as an upholsterer to support the family.
“That, in addition to my discipline in my work, helped me overcome that depression problem. I really like history, that’s how I realized how Latinos have been abused for generations. I’m the first generation; I want to change things, be better mentally. Things are complicated,” he adds.
Currently, his two daughters, aged 11 and 6, Allysa and Allison, enjoy the benefits from the lessons learned of their parents. “I have them playing soccer; I teach them to paint. Each one has their room with the design they want. The older one achieved top honors in school; both are good players. I played, but I left. But I think art and soccer can change our children,” he says.
Another of his passions, inherited from his father, is his love for plants. “I have a small space in the house where I always have vegetables. I try to teach my daughters to eat better. Plants inspire me,” he mentions.
“We need to change habits in our community, spend time with our family, eat together,” he tells me at night, surely ready to have dinner with his two daughters and his wife.
His love for Betty also generated and regenerated his art. “I knew her, but I only saw her. One day at the gym, I noticed her. She has supported me in everything. The role of women is fundamental in this society. There is more love with them; they make the community more beautiful,” he adds.
And undoubtedly, Héctor “Tetris” Arias is the proudest dad when his daughters receive awards at school or step onto the soccer field. “They’re tough players; they throw themselves into the game,” says Tetris, a father who overcame huge adversity.
“We need to change habits in our community, spend time with our family, eat together,” he tells me this evening, surely ready to have dinner with his two daughters and his wife.
“We need art; there are many distractions in the community.”
