Laura Sturza
SACRAMENTO -- As a student at Burbank High School, Susan Shelton did
not foresee a career as a fine artist, especially since it led her to
designing and sculpting one of California's new state seals.
"I was really focused on the academic side [during high school]," said
the former Burbank resident, whose parents and sister still live in the
city.
Shelton's interest in the arts first surfaced at 6, when she would dig
in the sandbox to pull up clay. But by the time she reached high school,
the 1975 Burbank graduate was mainly focused on the sciences.
She rediscovered clay while trying to take a breather from a stressful
academic program at UC Davis, and her career was born.
The two new seals join the state's original seal, created 152 years
ago. State officials felt that seal did not adequately portray the part
of Spanish, Mexican and Native American people in shaping California.
Last week, the new bronze designs were unveiled on the west steps of
the State Capitol. The one by artists Shelton, 45, and Donna Billick
includes current and historical Spanish and Mexican images --
representing the Missions, indigenous foods, business and the arts. A
second bronze celebrating the contributions of Native Americans was also
installed.
These cultures are being recognized because California had been
governed by Mexico and Spain, and Native Americans still maintain
sovereignty in the state, the artist said.
Born in Mexico, Shelton is "very connected to [her] Mexican roots." At
35, she became a U.S. citizen because she wanted to be able to vote.
Having her art outside of the state building connects her interest in
history and politics, first nurtured by Burbank High teachers, and the
arts.
"I feel really proud to have a voice in the electoral process,"
Shelton said. "One of the images in our seal is a hand putting a ballot
in a ballot box, [representing] a growing citizenship of Latinos who are
proud to vote, hold public office and shape public policy."
