TOOFLY NYC

Construction on my first home has officially started! I have to be focused on that project for the next 2-3 months but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to support our friend’s mural project in Quito this past weekend. Over 150 artist from Ecuador signed up to paint a very large wall at the parque Bicentenario. A huge park that was once Quito’s main airport. The city has grown so much that the airport had to move elsewhere and now there’s a large space in the middle of the city open for a new park design. In the meantime artists, food vendors, and locals are enjoying the open space to ride bikes, skateboard, run, play, and rock out events. The 1st ever Metallica concert was held there a few months ago and it was massssssive! It’s a great space for almost anything, and our organizer friend Luis, from NEURAL INDUSTRIAS CREATIVAS  hooked up with the city parks dept in Quito to rock a large mural in support of the growing demand for urban artists to have legal spaces to paint. When I first arrived to the motherland everything was chill here. You can paint walls in peace and rock a wall almost anywhere with the owners permission. In the last year however the last mayor put that shit on lock and now many street artists are getting fined over $300 and getting thrown in jail for a day for not having their permission given directly from the city. It’s has become more and more difficult to paint walls here. Making it harder for street artists to paint is bad move, because the urban arts culture in Ecuador will suffer, and the craft will not evolve properly. Without an urban arts culture to represent the country many young people will turn their energy elsewhere, most likely negative. It is very important for all artists in Ecuador at this time to come together now and attend these events, as well as city meetings. “LA PREVIA” held on Saturday August 30th is part of DETONARTE’S message to the new city officials of Quito to help support a large arts and culture movement happening all over the world. The new mayor (forget his name) came through to give a speech at the event, which showed us he’s in support. City meetings will be held in the next few weeks let’s see what happens. Till then we will make our voices heard! Gracias LUIS!!! <3

“FREE SPIRIT” Not enough equipment or paint or time to make this happen but one day I’ll rock it out in full detail..

teamed up with Splash from ALM crew…

Collaboration among artists helps us grow…

Young people have open places to enjoy live urban art they can relate to, music, and sunshine. The opportunity to “hang out” creates a space where they can build and be inspired to create.

hommie HTM with the graphic skillz + he’s an awesome “good vibes” soul.

“building” with folks from CUENCA – fun projects ahead…

EME ESE, finally met the artist that paints these graphic cows everywhere in Ecuador:)

Quito peeps! The best part about painting with all these guys is that they are all so nice and chill. Love that!

Finally met Apitatan, he paints everywhere! His stuff is pretty prominent, and he looks like his characters! We all do:)

It was a beautiful day to paint, ride bikes, stroll, and eat ceviche de chochos!

TOOFLY X SPLASH Collabo 2014 – gracias amigo! Letras y Characters always look good together:)

I forgot to smile…*smirk

TOOFLY.SPLASH.PAINT.APITATAN – photo by ALM

OK Ecuador…get your shit together so we can take it to the next level. We need paint, we need ladders, scaffolds, and most of all spaces to create beautiful murals to bring our people and barrios together to enjoy life. We work hard for it, and YES we are part of the solution for your “EL BUEN VIVIR” campaign.

Nos vemos el Jueves! Septiembre 4, 2014 Apuntesen! Si quieren ver cambios…

Save the Date! —-> Few & Far Women is gearing up for an all female art print show in Sacramento California next month at Sol Collective. Toofly goodies like stickers packs, totes, sketchbooks and more will also be available. More after the jump off! Type, and Flyer design by yours truly:)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Few and Far is an assemblage of women who beautify the streets.  In a shared commitment to creativity, education and social justice we draw, paint, skateboard and teach all over the globe. Street art is an international, visual language that ever evolves.  A mural is a story and each artist takes her turn in the telling. Using our gifts as totem makers, Few and Far’s reflection of the world is fantastic and distinctly feminine. By engaging our community in our narrative, we seek to foster young imagination, to help the neighborhood’s next generation recognize and channel their creative impulses.  This conversation between artistsand communities is an ongoing, global project to heal and bring together all peoples. 

Enjoy your last days of summer!  If your in Jersey City and want to cop a TOOFLY PRINT check out: “Ripe” an all female art exhibit at Freshly Baked Gallery. 383 Monmouth St, Jersey City, NJ, 07302

Hey folks! sorry I’ve been a little behind on my posts. I’m building my first home in the mothaland at last! more about that wonderful experience later. For now I want to let folks know about a few shows currently up in New York, New Jersey, and an all female print show coming up in Sacramento California next month. This week is your last chance to check out the “Brooklyn Queens Elite” (BQE) exhibit curated by my homegirl Yvette Hidalgo at PowerHouse Books! This Sunday, August 24th is the last day to view! Here’s some flicks of the show…

On view until Sunday August 24th at Powerhouse Books // 37 Main Street Brooklyn ( Dumbo ) F train to York St.

proud of my ladies! Grew up in the same hood, Corona Queens baby! Destined to meet and build creative worlds together.

Olivia’s photos from back in the days have a lot of graffiti history from Corona, Queens don’t miss seeing them!!! Shout out to the peeps – THE NATURALS, THE OUTSIDERS and YKK.

Shout out to Angie LM Vasquez for the flicks! and to everyone who supported the fam on a lovely summer night in Dumbo Brooklyn.

It’s a small world! Eventually the kids from the 90’s all grown up and  destined to re-unite and celebrate true school style and native NY flava.

Now in it’s 5th year the Welling Court Mural Project organized by ADHOC.ORG is bigger and better than ever with over 127 walls this year! The rainy week drove my painting schedule crazy.  I would have liked to get the wall done in 2 days so I can enjoy the block party and take flicks but on Saturday morning I got up at the crack of dawn to get an early start. Luckily it all worked out. I got my wall done in just 8hrs, whew! My New York fam came thru to show love, and spend a lovely afternoon playing with their kids at the wall.  This event unlike many others is a family “community” event. I love that! Less “hipster hoopla”, noise, and hype. It feels relaxing, chill, and peaceful. Families, friends, and art lovers get to stroll around the neighborhood and admire the art in peace. There’s all kind of “street art” inspired events happening in NY and in various cities now which is great! Communities are down for us at last. I’ve been at it for over 20 years now and it’s finally starting to feel like the “Warriors of the Rainbow” – spoken in indigenous texts – have officially arrived <3 Thank you Allison, and Garrison Buxton for another wonderful Wellingcourt event, see you guys next year!

Thanks for the polaroid @leannav

Shout out to the Lexi Bella, Danielle , and Shiro for stopping by the wall. These aerosol ladies are going hard this year! Not mad. Hold it down:)

TOOFLY – Wellingcourt Mural Project , Astoria Queens NY 2014

My little Project Girlz <3 They’ll be ready in no time!

From Ecuador to New York to Ecuador and back! Every Spring and Fall:)

Bye Bye Toofly!

Thank you my beautiful New York Family! I LOVE YOU GUYS <3 See ya in November:)

As if this year’s trip to New York couldn’t get any better, and way more busy it was time to switch gears. I got an opportunity to work with Clairol Professional for the launch of their new hair coloring product “Flare” The mission to create a beautiful Toofly character piece inspired by the vibrant color of graffiti art. The piece was painted outdoors on a sunny day in Corona, Queens on a large 2-panel canvas. It was later installed in the new and improved Wella World Studio downtown Manhattan. The launch date was awesome! I prepared a slide presentation alongside celebrity color stylist Kiyah Wright who’s worked with artists like Mary J Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Tyra Banks, Kerri Washington and more. In my presentation I got a chance to talk about how graffiti inspired me to make street art and empower women through my work, as well as how our colorful graffiti culture as a whole in influencing trends in fashion, music, and art. The media that attended the event got a chance to tag up on the piece, take photos, and instagram the event #cpflarelaunch. It was a lovely afternoon, especially in between chats with event photographer Jon Simon about life in New York, life in Ecuador, and how our lives as working artists in this big city make it all worthwhile. I want to send a big thank you to Valentino for locking in me in for the gig, and Laura and Emily for working through the details in a timely matter to meet all deadlines, as well as my official art “Toofly Assistance Team” Richie Carrasco and Miguel. Working professionally is a big plus in order to take my work to the next level. I love it! Check out the process of this piece, and the colorful virbrant event flicks:)

Thank you www.modernsalon.com feature interview video post:)

Thank you Clairol Professional NYC team! and thank you Jon Simon Photography for the event photos!

Back from New York and ready to get these blog updates started! It was a busy busy trip this year. The NYC grind was in full effect. Shout out to everyone that came through to support the LLP crew this spring. It was a rainy windy day to start, but by the afternoon when most folks roll thru, the sunshine blessed us with a beautiful day. Just in time for the performances, and all our big supporters. This year the LLP team invited a few new vendors to join the creative art and designer crew. Check them out, they do beautiful handmade works! We love LOCAL, HANDMADE, and ORIGINAL CREATIONS. These guys fit right in. Aurora Barnes and Rhyme Factory did their thing, and DJ Enigma had us dancing for a bit to close out event. It was FUN!!! Besides the morning showers the Ladies Love Project Spring Pop-Up Shop this year was a success once more <3 Love to the crew and everyone who participated to the very end. We will be taking a break for Holiday this year, ( sad face ) but be sure to check our updates for 2015 as we revamp and prepare for something bigger! YOU KNOW HOW WE DO:)

RAIN OR SHINE!!! Ladies Love Project Spring Pop-Up Shop 2014 – Shout out to Samantha Morales for the beautiful flicks:)

LLP Crew fun every spring in the heart of the Lower East Side <3

The Toofly booth of new goodies was a success! THANK YOU TF supporters.

Hoodies sold out, but new ones coming this fall stay tuned.

Shout out to publisher Yoav from OUTDOOR GALLERY NYC Book. I finally got to sign his copy:)

Toofly / Love Warrior steez ” Staying True”

LIL EGO Fly as ever! Fashion and Lil Kids gear.

Vanilla Medallions Rock’n it! Her new handmade caps are dope!

Besos Not Bombs – gotta love the name!

Molly Hein with some new handmade cards:)

Wonder Lee the life of the party! Good Times:) We must hang more…

Shout out to my hommie Yvey for holding down the TF booth! and for all the peeps tweeting away event flicks. Go team!

We have lot’s more flicks of our vendors be sure to check out our facebook page here —> LLP SP/2014

Circa 95, Aurora Barnes and Rhyme Factory did their thing!

FUN IN THE SUN NOW AND FOREVER with my bestie <3

Beautiful People, Beauitful families

THANK YOU NEW YORK!!! We’ll be back bigger and doper than ever in 2015!

Confirmed to paint at this years Wellingcourt Mural Project in Astoria Queens. See you there!!!

5th Annual Welling Court Mural Project - BLOCK PARTY JUNE 14th! Astoria Queens, NYC

70+ artists from around the world painting 100+ spots!

Now it is 5th year, the Welling Court Mural Project began when the community of Welling Court in Queens, New York asked Ad Hoc Art to help them spruce up their neighborhood in 2009. Ad Hoc Art enthusiastically rose to the occasion in May 2010 organizing a project fitting for the diverse and energetic inhabitants. Each year after, Ad Hoc assembled a spectacular crew of legendary and groundbreaking artists spanning more than 50 years of activity to transform the neighborhood into a 24/7 street-level gallery and public art experience.

Renowned artists with deep roots in the movements have created site-specific works for this project. This new array of visual experiences provides fresh contexts for how people working, visiting, and living in this diverse cultural gem of Queens think about and interact with their environment. Bringing art from around the world directly to the heart of this community and NYC, the project has received remarkable support and interest as it grows more vibrant with each wall, artist, and enthusiast that comes on board.

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I’ve been invited to participate in the Art Wynwood International Contemporary Art Fair in Miami this year. More info coming soon…

Art Wynwood 2014 will feature 70 international galleries presenting emerging, cutting edge, contemporary and modern works and will have its own distinct identity and design. A unique feature is the highlight of street art, murals, pop surrealism and other genres from the contemporary underground movement. Art Wynwood is perfectly positioned to further the growing worldwide recognition of this movement by providing the enthusiast and seasoned art world traveler alike a distinctive opportunity to explore, learn and collect one of the most significant art movements of our time.

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Sneak Peek!

TOOFLY street works make an appearance on a new book dropping soon! —-> OUTDOOR GALLERY NEW YORK CITY by Yoav Litvin documents the vibrant and diverse street art of New York City. Because outdoor art is ephemeral and constantly changing, it is necessarily current and relevant. Outdoor Gallery pays tribute to this dynamic and countercultural artform. The book features 100s of pieces of art by 46 different artists. The photographed works are accompanied by the artists’ thoughts on New York, the current state of street art, the future of this dynamic medium, and their own work and processes.

Some of the artists profiled in Outdoor Gallery- New York City include: Toofly, Roycer, Shiro, Free5, Cern, Sofia Maldonado, Bishop203, ChrisRWK, The Yok, Sheryo, and more. Books will be available at the MOMA, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Guggenheim Museum.

EXHIBITION & BOOK LAUNCH
February 22nd – March 1st 2014
17 Frost St. Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Opening: february 22nd 6-11PM

Back from Miami! I have so much to share with ya’ll. But First —-> FEW & FAR @ART BASEL MIAMI 2013!

Big ups to Alexandra Henry and the team of photographers and videographers who came through to shoot the crew process. We had a lot of fun on this wall even after all the mix ups with locking down the right wall. Our Few & Far 2013 Miami wall almost didn’t happen. Fortunately we had a wonderful team this year and we got it together in a matter of weeks. Thank you all for making it happen on all fronts! Few & Far “Warrior Women” is in full effect in Miami folks —> 375 NW 24st between 4th & 5th aves. We dedicate our wall to an amazing human being, and wonderful man who passed away the day we started painting the wall; Nelson Madela <3

“IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE UNTIL IT’S DONE” – Nelson Mandela 

photography by Alexandra Henry ©2013 

Want to extend a big thank you to Eric the owner of this wall at 375 NW 24st. He has an amazing warehouse. Wish we would have had enough time to build. Thanks for the cold cold beers Eric!  Photo by ©Toofly ©2013

Glad we moved from our original wall location to a much bigger one so we can all fit and re-conceptualize. Photo by Alexandra Henry ©2013

Photo by Alexandra Henry ©2013

Happy we finally started! Photo by Alexandra Henry ©2013

kaz’s Pitt on guard for for our materials <3

Photo by Alexandra Henry ©2013

Shout out to Christina Isabela Rivera for helping me rock the halo, heart, and fills on my character and taking some dope fish eye lenz flicks of the crew. Your a lovely woman! Your energy was on point with the crew thank you sOOOooooo much!!!!

Photo by Alexandra Henry ©2013

Shout out to all our hommies that stopped by the wall to support <3 Percy, Dj Crykit, Tania Cuevas, Cubannie Links, and DJ Jasmine Solano <3

I was all work and no play the first few days while my buds were out and about the basel events. Luckily we squeezed in some quality time towards the end of our crew trip. LOVE YOU GUYS!!! <3 Thank you for the transport scoops, pool dip fun , beach chillax, and quesadillas!

DAY 2 let’s get to work!

Photo by Jaime Gonzales ©2013 spaced out catching a black book and lost my cell! ahhhhh!

Photo by Martha Cooper ©2013 Thank you Martha for always supporting the ladies since day 1!

Photo by ©Agana 2013

Photo by Christina Isabela Rivera ©2013

STRONG WOMEN. SISTERHOOD. WARRIOR WOMEN. LOVE. FREEDOM. Each of us found a way to connect our works and collaborate on things we believe in and spread our messages in a collective voice <3

DJ Agana (SF) Photo by Christina Isabela Rivera ©2013 – so much love for DJ Agana! Such a beautiful person. Always there for the crew extending her efforts in all areas. Love ya girl!

Ursula X Young (SF) Photo by Christina Isabela Rivera ©2013 – Great meeting Ursula X Young at last. Her brush work and characters are  lovely! Hippies 4Ever <3

Few & Far welcomes Kazilla to the Few & far team. Thanks for all your hard work lady! Your super FUN!!! good times. Photo by Dj Gana ©2013

Photo by Agana ©2013

Deity (LA) Photo by Christina Isabela Rivera ©2013 – Shout out to Deity for coming thru for the crew on the transport and crew love on this trip. First time rock’n with the Few & Far ladies. Great job sistah. Chicana’s Rock!

Photo by Alexandra Henry ©2013 Follow the entire team! —> www.fewandfarwomen.com

Shout out to IRONLAK for sponsoring the Few & Far wall this year. THANK YOU!

Kazilla ( MIA) Photo by Alexandra Henry ©2013

Big ups to Kazilla for locking down a beautiful wall for the Few & Far ladies to rock. Thank you Kaz!!!

Few & Far Art Basel miami, 2013 – Photo by ©Toofly ©2013

Few & Far Art Basel Miami 2013. Photo by Alexandra Henry ©2013

TOOFLY X AGANA collabo…

Photo by Alexandra Henry ©2013

XOXO MIAMI! Till next time <3 

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Hello World! Finally have a chance to update all my photos from Love Warrior showcase. I’m happy all the pieces I have been working on in the last few years finally came together as a complete series. I wanted this showcase to be intimate, and to be shared among all the people that support and care about my work. There is something special that happens when you can share ideas that are about emotion, about culture, and about things that are hard to describe in words sometimes. People’s faces light up, they smile, they wonder…but no words come out. There is no need to because “feeling” is really what it’s all about. Love Warrior is for the lover, and for the fighter. Each one knows what that truly means to them. Thank you for making the connection and sharing that space with me:)

“Love Warrior” showcase runs through November 21st, 2013 – January 21st, 2014.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 1-9PM   (718)-782-9373
Fresthetic 552 Grand St, Brooklyn NY 11211. L train to Lorimer, or G train to Metropolitan Ave. 

FROZEN. Acrylic on Cardboard Installation.

Corazon. Acrylic on Canvas.

Dream Catcher. Acrylic on Cardboard

If you are interested in a price list via e-mail with images of work available please send us a message at: info@tooflynyc.com

Original Sketches $300+ (Framed)

Shout out to Jenny for the support. Proud owner of “In Too Deep” Acrylic on Cardboard.

SOLD!

Limited edition “Love Warrior” T’s and Hoodies.

Thank you “love Warrior” crew! It’s always nice to have a wonderful team down to make it happen on all fronts.

Thank you Jill de Bushwick for spinning Funk, hip Hop, and Rock N’ Roll. Jill de Bushwick is a true Williamsburg local.

Thank you Millie and Lillie for holding it down on the Coquito and introducing us to Blu-Quito so yummy! Millie is a true Williamsburg local.

Mi Isla Coquito.

Shout out to Michael Shawn Cordero. Friend, and Fresthetic shop owner. Hommie for years making it happen in BK! Mikey is a true Williamsburg local. 

Love and thanks to all my hommies <3

There is still a chance to view and purchase Toofly prints, and Toofly goodies for the holidays.

“Love Warrior” showcase runs through November 21st, 2013 – January 21st, 2014.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 1-9PM   (718)-782-9373
Fresthetic 552 Grand St, Brooklyn NY 11211. L train to Lorimer, or G train to Metropolitan Ave.

The Ladies Love Project Holiday Pop-Up Shop Re-Cap flicks are still in the works, but here are a few of my faves! I snuck in a few flicks in between vending, building, and making sure we did not blow out any more outlets. Ah!  Samantha Morales will have her images up soon. I know they are gonna be AWESOME. Our photobooth rocked this year, happy we have Sam on board, and thankful Karla came thru as well to give us a hand. Thank you all for supporting the LLP Holiday Pop-Up Shop!!! The event and the crew is growing and getting tight. YAY!!!

TOOFLY NABS BROOKLYN FOR FALL SHOWCASE!

Renowned Street Artist TOOFLY Debuts the “LOVE WARRIOR” Showcase at Brooklyn’s Fresthetic Gallery

BROOKLYN, New York—October 21st, 2013—A month from now, world renowned female graffiti artist, designer, and activist, Maria “TOOFLY” Castillo will unveil her LOVE WARRIOR series at Bushwick’s own Fresthetic Gallery on Thursday, November 21, 2013. The community is abuzz about TOOFLY; thus making her opening an anticipated yet intimate art celebration in Brooklyn. Held from 6PM to 10PM, arts enthusiasts, tastemakers, press and friends will get to view five years of existing and new works by TOOFLY, admiring a palpable presence of feminine power immersed in the spiritual. The mixed media artist livens up recycled materials with handstyles, fierce women, and native patterns to tap back into her “roots”.

LOVE WARRIOR is a new direction of work for TOOFLY. The series, started a few years ago, boasts images of sensual, strong, indigenous women painted in gray tones, decorated with warrior markings to describe the deep reserves of strength women inherit from their ancestors and experiences.

Thus, it appears that the artist’s infamous “New York City graffiti-girl” character illustration, a staple for galleries, walls and some notable global brands, has matured. This is in part due to living in both North and South America, where TOOFLY explores art, feminism and spirituality from a different perspective—one deeply rooted in her Ecuadorian heritage that marries her upbringing on the streets of New York City.

With that, the “back to your roots” message emerges in the LOVE WARRIOR series, with the use of recycled materials as an added element. It’s an ode to a simpler time when powerful art in New York was created on typically discarded items and urban surfaces. Yet, LOVE WARRIOR isn’t about wildstyle; it’s paying homage to forgotten indigenous cultures in a technologically obsessed world. Still, technology’s loss is TOOFLY’s gain as she captures the depth of women on paper, canvas, wood, and cardboard materials discovered on New York City streets. The show’s attendees will experience a cultural mixed media experience through native designs, religious iconography, and graffiti marks as each woman depicts a story. Classic handstyles lay a finishing touch on these amazing works, emitting cryptic wisdom such as  “Grow in Silence,” “Respect,” and her most admired piece, “WHAT WE LOVE WE GROW TO RESEMBLE.”

“This new series taps into the soul’s purpose to love, create, and become free,” says TOOFLY while sketching new works. Just before finishing she adds–“artists can’t afford to lose our legacy at the expense of commodification”. Those of us in touch with our hearts know it’s time to go back to our roots. For me, that foundation is love.”

Images of a few works to be displayed can be seen here and here.

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