12/07/2018
'ONE'S OWN SELF' Here is the Article from the Greensboro News and Record June 6, 2014
"Dori Jalazo is re-eleasing "One's Own Self" a children's book she wrote and illustrated.
LYNN HEY/News & Record
GREENSBORO— Dori Jalazo, a Greensboro artist and author, is re-releasing her book, "One's Own Self."
Although labeled a children's book, Jalazo says the book is for anyone who needs a little love and hope.
And after dealing with illness in her own life, that includes the author, too.
Written and illustrated by Jalazo, the book tells the story of a child named One and his search for love and acceptance.
Jalazo will hold a book signing and reading of "One's Own Self' at 10 a.m. Saturday at Scuppernong Books. Guests can draw or write feelings in response to the reading, and accompanying items such as ceramic hanging stars, note cards, giclee prints and T-shirts will be for sale.
"I didn't change it; I'm just reintroduc-
ing it to a larger audience," Jalazo, 63, said of the book. "I hope this book brings healing or takes readers on another step in their life journey."
Jalazo's own journey to creating this book, which she originally self-published in 2001, is full of valleys, twists and turns.
Born with a club foot, Jalazo had her right leg amputated below the knee when she was 4.
"There was no one to tell me after the amputation (that) it would be OK and the pain would go away," Jalazo said. "My parents didn't see us (she and her two siblings) as people, and we were told growing up to not speak or be heard."
That lack of affection led to a rough childhood. Art and writing were Jalazo's refuge, but her parents had other ideas for her future.
They expected her to become a lawyer, but Jalazo quit a semester short of finishing law school.
She married Paul Jalazo her junior year and decided to act on her love of art and take some graphic design courses.
"The art was just what I had to do," Jalazo said.
Jalazo went through years of therapy and eventually made peace with her parents, but the scars ran deep. She was diagnosed and treated for post-traumatic stress disorder.
"It took me awhile to like myself," she said.
Through the years, she dabbled in watercolors, oil painting and three-dimensional pieces.
"My art at first was dark," she said.
The birth of her two children changed her in a positive way.
"Having that first child, my heart blew open," she said. "It was the happiest, most wonderful moment. And raising my kids filled my heart."
Her art flourished, and her work was shown in public and private collections throughout the world. Her husband, a tax attorney, supported her through all the ups and downs.
During a period of almost 10 years, she wrote "One's Own Self," finally sharing her journey publicly. The book sold well, and she received numerous letters from children, teens and adults who were touched by "One's Own Self."
The book was even adapted as a play, presented at the Broach Theater in Greensboro.
About eight years ago, Jalazo started having health problems. After several years, she was finally diagnosed with a gene mutation that left her depressed and exhausted, often unable to get out of bed.
"It was kind of like being a kid again, not knowing if I would get better," she said. "I was reprocessing the pain of not having been loved."
She progressively did get better and started working in clay again about two years ago, filling her house and studio with beautiful, emotional sculptures and paintings.
That emotional and physical journey later in life, battling her way back again, led her to decide to reintroduce "One's Own Self."
"I knew this book had to come back out again," Jalazo said. "It's really not just a children's book but a book for all ages, one that I hope gives people hope and help. Things do get better."
Patti Hazlett, a student from Greensboro Day School who interned with Jalazo during May, summed up the book.
'"One's Own Self is there to help anyone who is a little lost on their journey through life," Hazlett said.
Jalazo continues to create sculptures and write, as well as paint and do collage pieces in her home studio.
As to what's in store for the future, she's not sure, though she knows it will involve art. "I'm percolating, trying to figure it all out," she said.
Most importantly, she's truly enjoying her art and life and leaving the past in the past.
"It's because of my childhood that I am who I am, and that's OK because I like who I've become," Jalazo said."
You can find the original article here: https://www.greensboro.com/one-s-own-self/article_be9f0e12-2ebd-5e08-943c-b66ab8cf5f54.html
