James De La Vega, a public artist in El Barrio, has a studio on East 103 St. and Lexington Ave. known as "The Fishtank." Mr. De La Vega, born and raised in East Harlem, is a graduate of Cornell University. He has worked with many community organizations and his murals decorate the neighborhood. Mr. De La Vega was arrested for vandalism in October 2004 while he painting a mural in the Bronx. After he was sentenced to community service, he launched a campaign for State Senator representing El Barrio.

Interviewer:  How do you feel the neighborhood has changed since you have started working here?

De La Vega: I think the neighborhood has changed on many different levels.  It’s worse in that the rents are going so high and residents of the community are being displaced.  It’s better in that there are more people coming to the neighborhood. Diversity is a positive.

I:  How do you feel about being arrested for "graffiti"?

DLV: I understand the law to prevent vandalism, but my work has never been about that.  I always try to beautify and bring positive things to the neighborhood.

I:  Why are you running for the State Senate?

DLV: It’s another way to show people that you can do anything you want in the world.  What better way to show to message “Become your Dream” than trying to build something?

I:  What’s the message behind your “Guernica: Homage to Picasso?”

DLV: Picasso is one of the artists that I admire the most.  His painting, “Guernica,” was about Spain’s civil war.  I wanted to show that war also goes on in poor neighborhoods.  That mural is a part of a series I’ve done honoring Picasso. 

I:  How have you changed the neighborhood with your artwork?

DLV: I think El Barrio has changed me.  This place turns you into a heartless animal.  In the academic world, we’re exposed to other things that make you think outside the box.  This place really changes who you are and who you become.  I feel awkward because, in a way, I’ve contributed to the gentrification of the neighborhood.