In about 1992 I bought a two storied old warehouse in downtown San Antonio. I renovated it into artist’s studios for myself and 6-8 other artists. We all had places to work and an alternative exhibition space where we had exhibitions. I named the studio  “Rrose Amarillo” which had layered meanings for me.

First, I was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas (I rose in Amarillo). Second, the spelling Rrose Amarillo refers to the female  persona, Rrose Selavy, adopted by the artist, Marcel Duchamp in the early part of the 19th century.  Duchamp has always been a hero of mine. And finally, there is the reference to Emily Morgan, a slave/mistress/mulatto spy for the Texans during the Texas revolution for freedom from Mexico. (mulattos were called yellows)  In the legend, Emily kept  General Santa Anna “occupied” and sent word to Sam Houston of his whereabouts.  This greatly facilitated the Texas victory at the battle of San Jacinto and the ultimately the freedom and independence of the State of Texas. She is generally referred to as the “Yellow Rose of Texas” (rose amarillo).