Artist Feature: Eden Sanchez

This week's Artist Feature is on the lovely, Eden Sanchez. She is originally from Long Beach, California and is known for her contemporary and abstract paintings. She participated in the Nasty Women Art Exhibition and displayed some of her art pieces at Picture Perfect Gallery in Lancaster, two months ago. I had the opportunity to interview Eden and learn more about her paintings. Read all about it below!  

Fatima Alliyani: When did you start painting?

Eden Sanchez: All my life. I didn't want dolls, I wanted art and school supplies. Not many people knew that I painted. It took me up until a few months back to muster up the courage to show my art to the world. There's very much emotion and feeling in a lot of my work that I put in that basically use to make me feel vulnerable if I showed it.  

FA: How would you describe yourself as an artist?

ES: As an artist, I am able to see life and experiences through different eyes which if very difficult for me to describe. My artwork tends to carry a message and is a way for me to speak out on issues that affect us all. 


FA: Where is your favorite place to paint and what inspires you? 

ES: I paint 95.7% of the time in my studio. Everything inspires me; life, death, the unknown, events, experiences, emotions, etc.

FA: Why do you paint or create art? 

ES: I can't help myself. Most of the time it's because I have something to say. As cliche as it may sound, art is how I express myself. That's why I love abstract art! It's all about pure energy and raw emotion. Letting go. It gives me a chance to escape into another realm.

FA: I saw that you participated in the Nasty Women Art Exhibition, tell me about that?

ES: It was a great pleasure to participate in this movement alongside with hundreds of artists across the nation with a very big and important message. Don't mess with women and don't mess with anybody else's lives for that matter! 

FA: When you're not painting or doing artsy thangs, what are you up to?

ES: I enjoy hiking and reading but I love looking for new things to try, especially food!

FA: Are there any projects that you're currently working on or any upcoming art shows?
ES: I'm currently working on a new series. Coming soon!

FA: Where can people find your work?

ES: I currently have a few pieces showing in Lancaster, CA at the Picture Perfect Gallery until February 28th. 


Some of her artwork!

"Creator"

"Woman Almighty"

"Cosmic Dreams & Golden Wings"

"Untitled"

"Astral Traveler"

A quick thanks to Eden for letting me feature you on my blog and for letting me use your photos! 

If you want to see more of Eden's artwork follow her on Instagram @artworldofeden!

Until next time,
Fati <3

Artist Feature: RL Soul

It's been a while since I have done an artist spotlight but I am happy to get back at it again. This week I am featuring one of my good friends from my hometown of Santa Monica, California. Her name is Raven L. Cole also known as her poet name, RL Soul. 

She is an up and coming artist, poet, and writer and is based in Los Angeles, California. She recently shared with me that she came out with a book called, "Bruises Heal & Again We Feel." It's poetry book that brings together her personal writing as well as personal experiences of finding self-love and acceptance. I had the opportunity to interview her and get to know more about her book and how she got started. Read about it below!

Fatima Alliyani: I see that you came out with your new book called, 'Bruises Heal & Again We Feel.' Congratulations! How do you feel?

Raven L Cole: "I feel accomplished. It's been a long time coming; it's something I always wanted to do and I did it ALL on my own; so I feel amazing."

FA: Can you tell me a little bit about it?

RLC: "The book is about bruising, healing, and again feeling. What that means [is that] we all go through times of hurt, whether this hurt is brought on by a break-up or even by self-infliction (negative thoughts, pessimistic thought, depression, feelings of being alone). The book goes into the healing process: healing oneself, healing another, learning to let go and giving yourself time to heal. 

When we are going through moments, sometimes we wish we couldn't feel. So the last part is about trusting yourself enough to feel again-whether in love, in taking risks, in learning to love yourself again."

FA: Who or what inspired you to create your own book? Do you have any favorite artists, writers, etc.?

RLC: "I've been writing since middle school. It's always been a dream of mine to publish a book of my poetry. I enjoy artists who empower others with their words---I love Warsan Shire, Sarah Kay, Reyna Biddy, Lang Leav, Noor Shirazie, and Tyler Knott Gregson."

FA: Is there a certain poem/passage that is your favorite?

RLC: "I Love Myself Because...", "Abyss of You", and "Live to Exist."

FA: How long was the process like? Did you have any difficulty while putting it together?

RLC: "I began the process in the summer. I had planned to release it before Christmas, but getting the right measurements for the cover was difficult, had to re-do it multiple times."

FA: Is this book for everyone?

RLC: "I would say I think the book is for anyone who has been hurt, but learned to heal. And also, for anyone who has experienced the euphoria feelings of love."

FA: Are you currently working on any projects? Where can readers find your book and follow you to see other poetry pieces?

RLC: "Right now, I am getting back into calligraphy and focusing on my street photography. I will be posting new poems on my art page. You can follow me on my social media at: @aspire2nspire on Instagram and my book can be purchased on Amazon. Link is also in bio on my Instagram page." 

Just as mentioned above, if you're interested in seeing what other projects or poems Raven is working on, don't forget to follow her on Instagram and don't forget to purchase your own copy of her book. Many thanks to Raven for the photo and for answering the interview questions!

Until next time,

Fati <3

Artist Feature:

I am excited to present to you this month's Artist Feature!  She is a local artist and designer based in Los Angeles, CA and is inspired by space, feminism, and other cool things! 

I present to you all....

Robin Eisenberg

I found out about Robin through Instagram. I had been browsing through my Instagram feed when I found a picture of one of her alien characters. I was so amazed by the bright colors that I clicked onto her Instagram profile to see what other cool things she had. All I could think of was, "Woah! That's pretty cool!"  Check out my interview with Robin below! Enjoy!

Fatima Alliyani: How long have you been drawing/designing for?

Robin Eisenberg: Since I can remember. I've been drawing (mainly elves and dragons as a kid...) but I started drawing full-time a few years ago.

FA: Did you always want to be an artist? Who or what impacted you?

RE: I definitely always wanted to find a way to work and be creative at the same time. I went through different points where I was trying to make music, or be a writer, but drawing was always a constant. I guess in the end I just gave in and was like "OK I'LL TRY BEING AN ARTIST EVEN THOUGH I'M REALLY KINDA SCARED" and it ended up working out the best out of all the things I tried.

FA: Did you go to school for design or was it more self-taught?

RE: Definitely more self-taught! My mom had a degree in art and I grew up in a really creative environment which was amazing. I've been drawing for as long as I can remember. I was obsessed with fantasy novels growing up. I loved the illustrated covers! So I would draw a lot of dragons and elves and other weird, magical things all the time. I did start a minor in art while I was in college, but ended up majoring in English. Then spent most of my time drawing instead of studying. Haha.

FA: So I was browsing through your website and I was really brought in by all the bright colors and just the overall uniqueness of your characters. Tell me more about them!

RE: Thank you so much! I've always been obsessed with people-watching and also with space and aliens. I think my drawings just combine all the things I love [like] space, people, weird colors, sex, food, music, dogs, cities, and beaches, etc.

FA: What are some thing(s) you found difficult in the "create an design" process?

RE: Sometimes it can be frustrating when you find yourself feeling restless with your own work and wanting to re-invent yourself. It's way more fun to always be excited by your own work so when you hit a point where you're starting to get bored of your own stuff, you know it's time for a change of some kind. 

FA: I know LA brings out a mix of different artists and creates this giant arts culture, how do you distinguish yourself from other artists?

RE: I don't really think too much about trying to distinguish myself, to be honest. I just try my best to do whatever makes me feel excited and original. I always feel like if I'm thinking too much about other people's work and where I fit in, it's just distracting me from the more important (and more fun) aspect of being an artist.

FA: When you're not drawing, what are you usually doing?

RE: Driving around California, searching for the best boba in LA, reading in bed, or petting a dog somewhere.

FA: Are there any projects/collaborations that you are currently working on?

RE: I'm working on a super fun project with @fatjunkieshop! I don't wanna give it away but I'm really excited. I'm also starting to look into making clothes so we'll see how that goes! Exciting (and also scary again haha).

FA: Random Question- If one of your friends were to look inside your bag, what would they most likely find?

RE: A boba straw,. Gum wrappers, Business cards. 

FA: Lastly, are there any word of wisdom you want to share for those who are interested in pursuing design or art?

RE: Try to me motivated by the success of others instead of wasting time being jealous or spiteful. Focus on yourself and building up your own radness instead of dwelling on what you don't have or what you're not doing.

. 

Check out more of Robin's pins, patches, and designs on her website and don't forget follow her on social media for upcoming collaborations and some rad apparel!

Website: http://robineisenberg.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robineisenbergdraws

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robineisenberg/

A quick shout out to Robin, thanks for letting me feature you on my blog and allowing me to use some of your photos! Much appreciated.

Until next time,

Fati <3

*Photos courtesy of Robin Eisenber and Google