American photographer, peace activist and educator Raechel Running faces off the border wall with her self-made bi-national flag in Agua Prieta, Mexico, where she continuously works with a local community. She spent 5 years in Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, and recently moved to Tuscon, Arizona.

Raechel’s fine art and essays give voice to those who are seldom represented in our media or our history books. She is  inspired and deeply moved  by the enduring spirit of people’s stories on both sides who are caught in the political divide and struggle to preserve their  traditions and family bonds that are deeply rooted to the land and love both countries. Art is a bridge towards kinship and stewardship. She lived in Chihuahua, Mexico for five years and now calls Tucson’s historic Barrio Viejo home.

Q: What is the essence of your life as a border artist?

A: “My work is a visual corrido, a love song, for the people and the landscape of the borderlands. I am inspired by the reportage tradition and visual poetry to reflect and give a voice to the people and the land that is seldom represented in our media.  Art is a bridge and my work reflects the magical realism of ‘Nepantla’, the place and people who live in-between the worlds of the borderlands. “

Her website: raechelrunning.com and www.ranchofeliz.com