Chinese New Year meals are full of symbolism and tradition. Recipes are passed down from generation to generation, varying by region and even between families. Selecting meaningful dishes will help usher in the new year full of good luck and good fortune. Lucky California is passionate about food and how it brings people together and connects us all to each other.
The Lucky Feast ox design illustrates ingredients commonly seen and used in the New Year meal as well as everyday life. The shrimp represents liveliness, happiness, and good fortune. Dumplings symbolize wealth due to their resemblance to ingots, an old Chinese currency. Tofu is for the fulfillment of wealth and happiness while mushrooms are for longevity. Never left off the dinner table is a hot pot of tea to wash down the delicious meal, but also to pay respects to the elders.
Lucky California has been a long time supporter of the Chinese New Year Festival and Parade and has chosen to support the YMCA of San Francisco – Chinatown to be the recipient of the proceeds of this Ox.
Artist Bio: Eduardo Valadez Arenas
Eduardo Valadez Arenas is a Mexican-American Artist from Mexico City by way of the Coachella Valley. He is currently residing and working in the Bay area. His artworks echo diaspora, his Mexican-American heritage, and the influences of California pop culture. His mixed-media works on paper and handmade panels contain elements of cartoon illustrations, sign painting, traditional printmaking techniques, and street art.
Outside of the studio, his work as an educator has led to collaborations with art-based organizations like Kala Arts Institute, Ryse Youth Center, Riverside Museum of Photography, Oakland School for the Arts, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and La Cocina.
Eduardo has also worked with The Parade Guys on various parades including many years for the Chinese New Year parade. His contributions have included painting and building art and structures for the many floats as well as parade-day event support.
While designing this piece Eduardo shares, “for this one, I wanted to use non-traditional colors and have it be a more playful design. We are in a time of great stress and art that is fun can be very healing for people so I like to take opportunities to bring a smile to people’s faces through my work.”
For more of Eduardo’s work, follow him at https://www.instagram.com/lacocinaloca/
Learn more about the Ox on Parade and don’t forget to enter our photo contest. From February 3 – March 14, snap a picture of you and the Ox, tag us @chineseparade, and use the hashtag #oxonparade. It’s that simple! See official rules here.