Understory Artist And Residence
My Office for the Day is a blog dedicated to sharing the art making process through my projects, murals, and community partnerships. While it’s mostly free, I also offer paid subscriptions that support my creative journey. Learn more here: In the Studio.
During my Understory residency, I'll engage participants in exploring the intersection of color, storytelling, and community through interactive activities, painting, and dialogue, fostering creativity under the canopy of the Amazon Spheres 🌱.
I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be setting up shop in the vibrant Understory beneath the magnificent Amazon Spheres for the next few months, where I'll spend several days each week immersed in painting, drawing, and engaging with visitors through colorful exploration exercises. As someone who embraces color in a bold and distinctive manner, I firmly believe in its power to narrate stories and evoke emotions. Sometimes, the complexities of words pale in comparison to the simplicity of two hues – like lime green and neon pink, which, for me, encapsulate the essence of falling in love. This incredible opportunity allows me to share my unique perspective on color with others. So, why not swing by and join me for a colorful adventure?
Understory Hours
● Spheres operating hours are Tue.-Sat. 10:00 AM PST – 6:00 PM PST
● Open 1st and 3rd of each month for Public Saturdays
Artist Weekly Understory Hours:
Angelina Villalobos:
Wednesdays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Fridays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
1st Public Saturday of Each Month 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Residency from April 16th - June 29th, 2024
about the artist:
My work is inspired by a quote from local DJ Gabe Teodros, 'If a tree can't grow there, I can't grow there,' which highlights the struggle of flourishing in challenging environments. Often, my art portrays nature and animals thriving amidst manmade surroundings such as industrial areas and urban landscapes, where the natural order might be overlooked. I achieve this by fluidly incorporating colors, selecting palettes from the surrounding area, and experimenting with shades, complimentary colors, and my favorite, neons! My figurative work encourages the imagination, envisioning concepts like how a wolf might appear in a fantastical technicolor dream. My goal is to continually experiment and play with shapes and colors, aiming to bring elements of the outside world into my art.
about the residency:
During my residency at Understory, I'm delving into the fascinating realm of color and circles, and I'd love for you to be a part of it. Together, we'll explore how colors can evoke emotions and memories, translating them into captivating works of art. We'll create color palettes inspired by your unique stories and experiences, documenting our creative journey along the way. Join in activities like Mood Circles where we’ll paint with watercolors the palette we selected and Project Postcards to preserve our shared experiences. And if you're keen, I'll host some casual artist talks and paint workshops where we can discuss mural making and dive into color theory. So let's blend creativity with professionalism and make some colorful memories at the Amazon Spheres!
Understory is an ever-changing destination where visitors are invited to learn and be curious about the connections between biophilic art, technology, engineering, and design.
The Spheres were created to reconnect people to nature through biophilic design and provide a space to take in the positive effects of exposure to nature, like increasing creativity and reducing mental fatigue. Each plant inside The Spheres was chosen from the Amazon Plant Collection and is expertly cared for by members of Amazon Horticulture.
Special thanks to NINE dot ARTS for the curation and trust in me for this residency. We believe that how we experience a space influences how we interact with it. Experiences shape the way we… inhabit, uplift, care for, take pride in, preserve, and evolve…our neighborhoods, communities, and cities. That’s why NINE dot ARTS leverages art and culture to transform spaces into one-of-a-kind experiences that bring value to developers and make a positive social impact. Creative placemaking that boosts business and builds community?
And in my 179 fashion, I’ve created a playlist based on the last 17 songs 🎶 in my IG posts for you to listen to on your commute to seeing me. Please enjoy!
Stay connected with my artistic journey through various social media platforms! Follow my Instagram stories for an inside look into the daily life of my studio and witness its evolution as I settle into the creative groove. Keep an eye out for exclusive pieces available for purchase directly on IG – if something catches your eye, don't hesitate to make it yours! For captivating time-lapses and exciting reveals, find me on TikTok. While I'm working on getting my online store up and running smoothly, Facebook will be your go-to for comprehensive updates, event reservations, and easy access to all things related to my residency. I understand that social media can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I strive to maximize each platform's potential to keep you engaged and informed.
Additionally, join me and my studio assistant, Loubaba Boury, for live sessions, where we'll share insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and more. And for those who are part of 'In the Studio,' our exclusive creative family, you and a guest are invited to enjoy a personal tour, receive insider updates on the space, and early access to special events. As a member, you'll also enjoy the perks associated with our daily programming, while providing crucial support for the community initiatives I champion. Thank you for being a part of this journey – your support means the world to me!
My 2024 resolution was to focus more on my personal art and this residency is the answer to that resolution. I am forever grateful to the universe connecting me to all the wonderful people that made this happen ✌️.
In Color We Trust,
Angelina 179 Villalobos Soto
