Artist of the Week: Christina Angelina

Christina Angelina

For local street artisan, Christina Angelina, size is no obstacle when creating an art piece. Whether she is painting a small canvas at an art event or giving a new face to an old building, she is not afraid to go big and bold!

Originally from Venice, California, Christina Angelina (also known as StarFighter) is known for her massive visuals that conceptualize her life experiences, spirituality, and creativity into one giant piece. She is also known for her wheat-paste drawings on city walls. As her passion for art has grown through the years it continues to amaze us, making us wonder what she will come up with next!

Here's an exclusive interview with the one and only Christina Angelina:

Me: Who or what got you into street art/painting? How long have you been doing it?
Christina: I've been into it since I was a teenager. I started noticing work on walls in New York. I started wheat pasting, intricately cutting drawings onto city walls & it grew from there. 

Me: Is there a certain meaning/message/theme behind your characters?
Christina: Strength, hope, soul, infinite. Life is so short and as humans we have these experiences and connections that are so special. I focus on the love that I have been fortunate enough to experience in this life and connect to the beauty of those experiences when I create my paintings. 

Me: How long does it take to complete a piece?
Christina: It takes about 1 day to 2 weeks depending on the piece. It's hard work; long days with little rest.

Me: From the places that you have traveled and painted, what has been the most memorable?
Christina: That's a difficult questions to answer...I have loved each one. I think Palm Springs and the Salton Sea have been my favorites, both because the people were so incredibly generous & grateful and because the places themselves created such unique experiences. 

I love the desert & warm weather. The Salton Sea is such a special/odd/unique place. From the bones of dead fish littered from shore to shore, to the smell of sulfur/salt in the air, to the desolate/abandoned/beautiful aesthetic of the place.The people who own and operate 86 Meat & Liquor (the building Fin & I painted on) were amazing and so kind.  

Palm Springs was also an incredible experience because Donovan & Molly (the owners of Bar) were also incredibly generous & have become amazing friends.  The controversy that surrounded that mural was so interesting.  [Since] Palm Springs is such a small town, there [was] people that loved it & people who wanted it removed. So far, it has been allowed to stay...

Me: What are some of the struggles that you have faced as an artist? Do you still face them today?

Christina: There have been many, but I have also been extremely fortunate in many ways.  It's a lonely profession where I have had to rely on my belief; in myself and my ideas to propel my work.  It's not a "safe & secure" choice, or at least that's what I've been told.  It's also male dominated, so it has required perseverance, focus, & self love.  I have also had to fight for my rights in many situations to be treated properly. Some people are great, but there are others out there that think they can take advantage of artists.  I am also sober & vegan so that my mind & body can be as clear as possible. 

Me: What inspires you to continue doing what you are doing?
Christina: I love what I do.  I love everything about it. The experience of doing what I'm doing is exactly what keeps me inspired.  Meeting people at the walls that I'm painting, hearing their stories, seeing that, what I love is inspiring them.

Me: Where can people find your art work? & Have you collaborated with other artists? 
Christina: You can find my work in cities all over North & South America and a few places in Europe.  My Instagram & Facebook are the easiest ways to access my work.  I have collaborated with several other artists, most recently my friend Fin Dac, also Gianni Arone, Hans Walor, John Park & many others.

Big T H A N K S  to Christina Angelina for this awesome interview! If you are in Downtown Las Vegas, Palm Springs, or if you went to Coachella 2014 don't forget to check out Christina Angelina's latest murals!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelina.christina
Instagram: http://instagram.com/starfightera
Website: http://www.christinaangelina.com

*photos courtesy of Christina Angelina

I hope everyone is inspired as much as I am!

From LA, With Luv
Fati <3

Artist of the Week:

(Photo courtesy of Pep Williams)

::Sand One:: 

Sand One is taking the City of Angels by storm. Born and raised in East Los Angeles, California, she is recognized for her signature creations of cartoon-y like characters with voluminous eyelashes and luscious lips known as her 'Sand Chickz'. 

Through much inspiration and imagination this local female artist is breaking the boundaries of a male-dominated field and bringing some sass to the world of street art. 

'Los Angeles, California, where the cutest She-Thugs are born"- Sand One.

(Courtesy of Sand One)

Me: How old were you when you did your first piece?

Sand: I was 19 when I began painting these long lashed cartoons. First they were hymn sized and now they have become giants full of ambition.

Me: What inspired you to create your 'Sand Chickz' pieces?

Sand: I love big, big dreams, bigger than you imagined. I love challenges. If it's not easy for me to have, I want it. My art has opened doors to a world full of opportunities, in which the only obstacle is me against my imagination and drive. I want to leave a mark in society with my women by uplifting women through my art.

Me: Were you always into graffiti growing up?

Sand: I liked it. I have always paved my own floors. I am creating and opening new horizons in my life. I have chosen to be an artist, inspired by the street satire, graffiti rules and beliefs, yet driven by my womanhood and my need to express what I feel every day of my life through my art.

(Courtesy of Sand One)

Me: You don't really see a lot of female graffiti writers out there and I find it really inspiring and empowering to see women doing things that we normally see guys doing, how does that make you feel?

Sand: I am just an artist, a dreamer, a woman in the search of my righteous place in life. I simply do what I feel is right in a world full of sheeps and wolves. Women need to rise above men and claim their place in life. The era wife material is over. I see men the way they see women. We are equal. Now we must question their capabilities to be among us women. 

Me: What are some of the struggles that you've faced to getting where you are now? Do you still face those struggles today?

Sand:  I have no struggles. I am thankful for each and every rock I have kicked out of my way. I think as a dreamer.You can imagine your own faith and create it. Art is the highest form of hope.

Me: What message do you hope to send/spread with your art?

Sand: Follow your dreams. Life will give you what you seek for. Whatever it is you wish to be Fuckin' do it!! Stop being a cry baby and get your ass up and run! 

For more about Sand, check out her website:  www.sandoner.com 

Follow her on Instagram: Sandoner

Facebook: :SandOne:

(Courtesy of Sand)

(Courtesy of Sand)

(Courtesy of Sand)

A big shout out and thanks to Sand for this interview! Keep on doing your thang! Que Viva la Mujer!

From LA, With Luv

Fati <3