July Artist of the Month: ONESEVENNINE
Growing up in Seattle in the 90s, I remember sitting in the backseat of my family's van as we drove past splashes of art on the freeway. I would always wonder how in the names did that get there and who did it? I am not talking about tagging or grafitti which have their own unique artistic value, but eye catching vibrant murals on the side of a bridge or walls of buildings. I cherished these memories, I soaked them in. So why is it when our children decide to draw on the walls with their crayons, most parents respond in frustration instead of embracing this form of self-expression? We really should just hand them some paint brushes and let them use the walls as their canvas. Let them have a blast and take some photographs to honor the memories!
Our artist of the month, Onesevennine also known as Angelina V., shares with us that this is exactly how her journey began. I found Angelina's art through her sister, Claudia's instagram feed. The first piece that made me go "Wow, that's so awesome!" was actually a pair of painted converse that sparked my interest in her work which then led me to start following Onesevennine's Instagram account. As a fellow Seattlite, Onesevenine's creations make me miss and love the Pacific Northwest even more. Driving around Seattle, you will see her signature murals that will stop you in your tracks. Onesevennine is well known in Seattle's art community. She recently received some recognization from Seattle PI and was interviewed by Xavier Lopez. Xavier states,
"I must admit that I have been a big fan of your work for many years, watching you grow and evolve ...".
I suggest if you are ever in Seattle to keep an eye out for Onesevennine's street art, you won't regret it. As with any of my featured artist on Emerald City Swag, I reached out to Angelina, because her art captured something within me that left me in awe. Art should express important ideas and feelings; it is what 's beautiful to you. It was a pleasure interviewing Onesevennine and being able to steal some time away from her busy schedule to share her passion with us. Thanks Angelina!
Smile: What is your name/artist name, tell the readers where you are from, and where did you grow up?
ONESEVENNINE: My name is Angelina V. but I go by the artist name 179. The way I explain this in my presentations is wanting a name that has no preconceptions. I want my art to speak for itself. When people see my name Angelina Villalobos you can already make assumptions about me based on my gender and my ethnic and cultural background. And then I ask the question ‘how many times have you had someone judge you based on assumptions only skin deep?’ It rarely ever feels good. I would like people to view my art with no preconceptions of the artist themselves, only the art should speak for itself.
Smile: How do you describe your art and where does your inspiration come from?
ONESEVENNINE: I am inspired by so many things! When I first started drawing it was comics and cartoons. It then became anime and gang graffiti. When I discovered Hip Hop it took graffiti to the next level, that I didn’t need to be a gangster to prove my Mexicanness or ability to to be strong. Hip Hop allowed me to travel the city to breakdance battles and meet like minds. From there it then became a journey of self awareness. While I don’t want people to judge my art based on who I am, the work will be a reflection. There are elements of Mexican folk art, Tibetan and Japanese religion, Northwest Native American linework and fairy tales. It’s what I call indicatively Seattle. I am a visual reference to the collection of people living here.
ONESEVENNINE: My first piece I created was inspired by my little sister Claudia who’s inspired me in so many ways it’s incalculable. She decided to draw with crayon on our bedroom walls when we were very small. When we got in trouble she moved on to sports and it became a fascination with me to continue crayon in hand to create art.
Smile: If you could pick one place where your work could be shown, where would it be?
ONESEVENNINE: Anywhere public. Because I grew up in an activist environment it’s been instilled in me a duty and responsibility to my community. If I’m going to pursue public art I am therefore a public servant. I want art to always be accessible to the public. As I grow older I just want to paint bigger.
ONESEVENNINE: I manage projects such as art shows and live paintings which center around contemporary street art. I help connect artists to organizations and vice versa. I’m kind of like a safety pin of sorts.
ONESEVENNINE: I was formally educated as graphic designer. The issue that arose after I graduated is the stagnation at the computer. Meaning I wanted to move around, to not be in front of a screen hours on end. When I paint at home it’s a mediation. I definitely enjoy the painting process a lot more.
ONESEVENNINE: I always favor my most recent as it’s a testament to my progression. The latest 7th & Cherry building has been one of the largest I’ve done solo (so far). I feel I’ve also been fortunate to have such great organizations such as Punk Rock Flea Market offer me fun opportunities to paint and organize.
Smile: That's great to hear! I'm excited to see more and more of your work. Do you have any artist (past or present) that you admire and why?
ONESEVENNINE: My momma just asked me this. Her guess was Frida Kahlo (who coincidently also shares the recent July 6th birthday with me). I do admire her passion and testament to always be true to herself. I’m big on self reflection and always taking the time to connect with my identity. I feel although she had a turbulent life she was able to maintain strength was because of her self awareness.
Smile: Yes! Frida is inspiring. Although some might find some of her art somewhat "disturbing", I see beauty in it, because in life you experience both good and bad. Frida was able to express both in her paintings. What is your biggest accomplishment as an artist so far?
ONESEVENNINE: The fact that I have a fan base. This is so amazing to me. There are people who recognize my work from a mile away and will message me and be proud. It makes ME proud! I have families who all collect pieces of mine each in their homes. That is powerful to me. I appreciate the love and support they show, their understanding and their individual interpretation of the art I do is a level I will never be able to comprehend (even as the creator) because it’s their personal connection. Again, it’s amazing.
Smile: That is amazing, but not surprising. I love when artist are able to get this positive exposure and recognition. This is why I feature artist on Emerald City Swag and share their success through all my social media outlets. I am never paid or bought in anyway. It's a personal connection I have with the work you do and my need to share it with as many people as possible. Anyways, any big events coming up that we should know about?
ONESEVENNINE: I had a very busy summer so far. Right now I don’t have plans and focusing on organizing myself for the next wave of events.
ONESEVENNINE: I very much adore working with TheyDrift a duo Ksra and Carlos Aguilar. I feel we’re a great balance of fun and technical talent. We all collaborate well. I own several of their collective and individual pieces personally. I would definitely check them out IG: @TheyDrift
Smile: Thanks! I'll be happy to check them out. Last questions, where can we find your art work to purchase? And is there anything else you would like the audience to know?
ONESEVENNINE: I try to keep my Big Cartel shop up to date with illustrations, paintings and prints. You may visit it here; http://onesevennine.bigcartel.com/
Thank you for the interview!
Smile: Onesevennine, it is so nice meeting you and I am glad that we are able to feature your work this month. I look forward to seeing more of your art and best to you and your future.
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Seattle Artist, Onesevennine
All images in the above post belong to the artist, please respect copy right laws. Click on the images to visit Angelina's shop. Thank you.
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