#BLMSeattleMural: A
I had the immense honor of painting alongside some of the most beautiful artists & souls in Seattle. See below for artists + their corresponding letters. Having the message of Black Live Matter as an interactive art piece helps share this message at a global level. Accountability still needs to happen with serious assessments to the judicial system, our use of force in policing, & equity in our communities, specifically our Black. Creating this piece helps raise awareness so we can no longer use naïveté as an excuse. These conversations need to happen & I think it's especially vital we nurture the youth to understand them in the NOW. Currently we are forming a collective called Vivid Matter Collective and look forward to continuing the momentum of art, resilience, love and support that came from this project.
You may purchase my letter on shop179.com below;
What is your name?
My name is Angelina Villalobos Soto, my artist superhero name is 179.
Where do you live?
I was born and raised in Seattle Washington. Seattle has been integral to developing the style I am now known for.
What do you do?
I’m an artist and muralist engaging my community in mindful art installations and projects.
How old are you?
I lost count after 30.
ABOUT MY LETTER
When did you take this?
We took this photo yesterday after completing the letter A. I painted this with my sister Claudia, her daughter Gabba (12), and my bonus (step) daughter Mercedes (17). They were integral in the process and I’m so proud they were involved. In my work it’s vital that we engage youth and nurture their awareness of how they see themselves in relation to the rest of the world.
How long did it take to paint the letter?
We got here around noon. The girls helped prep the letters for the other artists since it rained that morning while we got paint set up. We then came together to add layers of color to create movement. Mercedes helped guard the site’s paint and supplies while Gabba and Claudia assisted painting my letter. I am so proud of their work as volunteers and truly think they will carry this experience for the rest of their lives.
When did you do it?
I took the photo the same day we completed the mural. It was immensely humbling to be around so many talented artists and creative minds. With every revolution there’s an art movement coinciding and it fulfils me to be a part of that movement. Seattle truly shined yesterday.
How did you get involved? How were you selected to do a letter?
I was asked by the organizers if I would participate. I was immensely honored as the roster of artists is outstanding. Some of the artists I’ve worked with on other projects before and the new ones I met I’m in awe of. I believe I was selected based on my past work in the community and knowing the mission of my programming. I am so appreciative of the support Seattle and the Capitol Hill neighborhood has shown us. Having the message of Black Live Matter as an interactive art piece helps share this message at a global level. Accountability still needs to happen with serious assessments to the judicial system, our use of force in policing, and equity in our communities. Having this message as art helps raise awareness so we can no longer use naïveté as an excuse.
Tell me about your painting? Why did you choose that for the letter?
I chose the letter A as it’s the beginning of the alphabet and my first name. It was really important for me to paint the green growing vines that I’m known for because The Pacific Northwest has so heavily influenced the style I’ve developed. I also look at the growing and organic shapes as a metaphor for personal growth. Right now it’s important we amplify Black voices, that we learn how we can be better allies, and we can challenge ourselves to grow.
For this letter specifically we brought our mom’s ashes who passed away in 2015. Claudia and I bring her everywhere we travel, specifically if it’s to paint a mural. She was so passionate about her love of Seattle and for standing up for what was right. We are 2nd generation Mexican American and we grew up standing up for immigration rights, women’s rights, and the right to choose; mom instilled in us such a sense of integrity that drives us to use our talents to initiate the change we want to see in the world. We added her ashes to her favorite color; chartreuse as a memorial to all of the people who came before us, that paved the way for our activism so that this generation and the one after us will continue the work of social change. It makes me so proud that I can say 3 generations of women from my family were present for this project.
Why did you decide to paint this?
I’m always motivated to lead by example. Specifically for my family, I want my bonus daughter and niece to understand they don’t have to wait for someone else to take charge or to be the first, that they have all they need within themselves.
LIST OF ARTISTS
B - @kimishaturner
L - @perrypaints
A - @onesevennine
C - @thecurlynugget
K - @thesoufender
L - @drakesignanddesign
I - @stattheartist
V - @aohamer
E - @barryjohnson.co
S - @snekeism
M - @moses_sun + more
A - @artbreakerbt
TT - @tdubcustoms
E - @future_crystals
R - @thekingfroshow & @artvaultseattle