Luminarias Series

The "Luminarias" series explores the impact of human connection, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of light—both literal and metaphorical.

Inspired by a therapeutic relationship with a young Mexican woman in a Chicago community mental health center, the series reflects on her journey.

This impoverished, illiterate woman had endured repeated, life-threatening abuse at the hands of her husband, arriving in the US seeking a better life, only to find herself overwhelmed by hardship and despair.

Initially withdrawn and reluctant to engage in psychotherapy, she offered little verbal communication. Ledesma’s own artistic process, sketching in my journal, became a form of processing the profound sadness and hopelessness she witnessed.

A breakthrough occurred when the woman unexpectedly smiled and announced she was leaving her husband, attributing her newfound strength to a statement Ledesma had made weeks prior.

This pivotal moment, where a simple phrase ignited a spark of hope and empowered her to escape an abusive situation, became the genesis of this series.