The aesthetic of funk

"This is my message to the community.  We can create currency from anything we apply our creativity to." 
Xenobia Bailey is another artist I discovered via Etsy videos. 
What an amazing woman.

Artist Discovered: Nancy Hom

I alluded to a wonderful moment at the Autry's California's Designing Women exhibit last week.   All in all it was a wonderful show and I loved getting a chance to see an exhibit devoted to the cutting edge craft of women in the Golden State.

One artist's story really spoke to me (many artists were profiled via short videos).  Nancy Hom is a Northern California artist, community leader, and writer who creates screen prints and sculptures, amongst other forms of expression.  I was listening to her interview and was touched by the way she described herself -- as an artist for the community, a servant artist who takes the joys, struggles, and experiences of the people around her and tells their stories via bold graphics.  She also shared about her working class poor immigrant family background and her focus on themes centered on the feminine, on compassion, and on mothers and children.

Image via here.

The feminine hand in craft

I've been a fan of Tanya Aguiniga for the longest time.  I love her resourcefulness, and that she uses her background growing up in Tijuana to influence her design philosophy and craft.  I also love that she creates things that reflect the feminine hand--that she embraces texture and warmth.  Yet, at the same time her work reflects strength, resourcefulness, and industriousness (all feminine characteristics as well).  I want to learn how to use power tools!

In her studio.

Wearing her rope jewelry.

Beautiful

1. Trensa 2 by Pola Lopez
2. She Plays the Jarana Jarocho by Sonia Romero

Good things happening at Ave. 50 Studio in Highland Park.