TOOFLY NYC

“Of Women by Women” group exhibition curated by Wendy Horwitz at The Storefront Project gallery in the Lower East side. Dec 12 – Dec 22, 2019

“NY State of Mind” Acryilic on NYC metal street sign, 2017

After the Talking Walls mural festival in Charlotte, I had the opportunity to dip into NY for 2 weeks. I was invited to work on a gallery installation for the #Bormix group exhibition entitled “Sierra / Costa” in the heart of The Lower East Side. The neighborhood is going through another big change these days, luckily The Clemente continues to hold on as one of the few places left where we can celebrate our culture on the walls, in theater, and on the dance floor. If you missed the opening you still have time to view the exhibit! It will be on view until November 30th. Special shout out to Anthony Limongi for the recommendation to take part in this project, and for my homie Tanya Cuevas to pass on the good word about my work. I enjoyed working on this mural with my cousin / assistants help @mistadrumin who came thru with the photography. It’s been a nice journey illustrating, painting, and creating murals of the “Love Warrior” series from north to south. I have been pouring my heart and soul on it since 2012, and ready for that full circle moment coming up. I’m currently looking to showcase the entire collection in a solo exhibit soon! stay tuned…

“Free Spirit Remix” for Bormix, The Clemente 2019

Native Soul 27″X30″ Acrylic on Canvas – Available. Inquiries: tooflynyc@gmail.com

I come from the “Sierra” a region along the belt of the andes mountains with valleys, rivers, and rich fertile soil for agriculture to last lifetimes. Ecuador is by the equator and near the Amazon where wildlife thrives in a harmonious eco-system. We have Costa as well but the eternal spring like weather in the Sierra is my home. Where my ancestors and the Inca Empire ruled. Where my roots were pulled from during migration in the 80’s. I’m slowly finding my way back to tell the story and reconnect with the other half of who I am… 

Thank you NY! See ya in 2020.

our 1st @LadiesLoveProject #FunkyFreshNY Exhibit and 1 Day Pop-Up Shop. We are happy to have held it at @Bierwax in Prospect Heights Brooklyn aka Fort Green. Why they are changing the names of NYC neighborhoods? – it’s no surprise to most. Anyway the  location had a beautiful outdoor patio for a sufficient amount of vendors, and an indoor cozy space to hang artwork. Latino owner, Chris Maestro, his wife, and team welcomed us with open arms and made the event super smooth experience. @Ylove57 a long time friend and supporter of the Toofly “ideas” teamed up as the point person for the art sales. We had worked together in the past on Younity exhibitions and her assistance was very helpful. Together we hashed out the details to push the event to new heights. The Ladies Love Project is a growing idea that evolves with time. It flows to the beat of NY. Each year we team up with different artists, artisans, designers, and and staff to see what kind of flava they can add to the event. It is carefully curated to bridge the gap between established talent, and up and coming talent. We are known to head into different neighborhoods as much as possible to discover different parts of our city. We like to be all inclusive with the folks we build with because representation matters. Everyone is welcome at LLP as long as you are serious about your craft and message to the world. Locations are our biggest hurdle each year, but somehow we manage to partner with spaces and orgz. Sometimes a community space will charge us an arm and a leg with no care for our project, and sometimes they will allow us to pop-in and do what we do best with full support. Every year is a different experience, and we try everything to see what works and what doesn’t. It’s the best way to create. As an independent, and self sustainable project we have had our ups and downs. The journey to curate arts and culture events in NY, LA, and other cities to represent who we are continues. CULTURE IS OUR POWER it is OUR LEGACY to this ever changing “New, New York”. Thank you ALL for pulling thru, and making the troop to Brooklyn. Your support for the LLP project means a lot to all of us. We are heading into our 10Yr anniversary in 2020 and will be planning something special. Look out!!!

More flicks coming soon…

In case you missed it! — The “Presence” exhibition curated by @artbygiawill showcase from July 24-Aug 18th @artspaceps109 @hiartsnyc gallery Hours Tues-Fri 12-5PM / 215 East 99st. 6 Train to 96st. Collect, appreciate, and enjoy the women contemporary artists of today!

Grafiteras opening day! Dime and I put some good work on this event and the space was perfect to display our works, rock a collaborative installation, set-up shop, and invite young people for a workshop the next day. We had a great time! I looooooved seeing my Oakland friends, and meeting new ones. Our guests truly enjoyed the exhibit, and the space. These are the kind of gallery exhibits I enjoy the most where it feels like a community vibe and genuine appreciation for what we do as artists, and how we represent our people. Breakdancers and all! Check out the flicks a big thank you to everyone who was involved in making it happen. Exhibition runs thru October 1st! Don’t miss it. #Grafiteras

THANK YOU OAKLAND!

Oakland, California 2017! — I returned. I love Oakland mostly because folks there are like folks in NY. They show LOVE. Arrived at my 10 day residency ready to rock with homegirl Dime. Dime and I met back in 2009? I forget. I was invited to paint with Meme of Few & Far at their very first wall and Dime rolled by to meet us. I checked out her work and got her down on the wall along with Agana. Every time we had a Few & Far wall Dime and I tried to collaborate. We always felt our styles worked great together + we connected right away because of our latin roots. Dime has a sharp classic graffiti lettering style that goes really well with the Toofly flows and characters. Dime had an opportunity to curate a show at East Side Arts Alliance new gallery space and worked to get the grant. So grateful! it helped cover all our expenses and stipends. Thank you Dime! Thank you East Art Alliance! We rocked a beautiful exhibition, installation, workshop and pop-up event entitled “Grafiteras” Check it out!

((( CHECK OUT THE VIDEO ))) by Stevie Sanchez

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GRAFITERAS

July 18th, 2017 OAKLAND, CA — On Friday August 18th, 6-10pm famed graffiti and street artists Toofly (NYC), and Dime (OAKLAND) team up for GRAFITERAS, a collaborative exhibition, installation, pop-up, and art workshop all in one. GRAFITERAS will be held at EastSide Arts Alliance & Cultural Center, a grassroots organization of third world artists, cultural workers, and community organizers of color.

GRAFITERAS is a multi dimensional exhibition that seeks to connect and build bridges between Raza artists from the east coast and west coast. Both artists exemplify sisterhood, latinidad, graffiti and have served as vital agents of influence for legions of women driven to rise in today’s art world.

Both women were raised in the tumultuous 90s era. Toofly hails from Corona, Queens NY, Dime from Oakland, California. As young graffiti artists they made their mark in a male dominated graffiti scene. The challenges of being immigrant and brown women did not deter their journey of self-discovery. In fact, it influenced the trailblazing art they create today. They were determined with mucho corazon which comes from instinctual feelings of love and community. Through their art, they not only represent themselves but the dreams, ideals and instincts of women, particularly Raza women.

Over the years they have carved out an important artistic space at the intersection of street graffiti, murals, and exhibitions—on their own terms, staying true to their roots and love for community. Eventually, the forces of the universe brought them together as grafiteras.

To be “Latina” or to be “Raza” in America means you celebrate two or more cultures through language, art, cultural traditions, music, and food. As daughters of families who at one point migrated to the states in search of greater opportunity and economic security, both women understand the power of their art in telling the story of immigrant families. In the face of struggle in a country of institutionalized racism, racial profiling, and an anti-immigrant legal systems, Toofly and Dime respond with art that uplifts, engages and promotes the inclusion of their communities. They have faced racism, and discrimination and so have their family members and peers. It is part of their lives and what gives them a thick skin in the face of adversity. This is what makes women strong, what makes them warriors. They are part of a growing generation of people of color who stand up for what they believe in and will weaponize their art to share their truths. Resistance is part of their culture, it’s in their blood.

Today, “Latina Americanas” like Toofly and Dime, are also spreading their craft into the broader society as educators, designers, educators, and community organizers. It has become the path of self determination for women artists who hold the roles of mothers, daughters, sisters, and aspiring professional storytellers. As grafiteras they have a complex story that speaks volumes of the strength and love that is needed to inspire and move society. GRAFITERAS is a powerful initiation to the complexity of what it’s like to grow up in America, and how Raza and many other cultures find a way to stand up, rise, and shine through it all.

Join us! Let’s celebrate women artists today who are the rainbow warriors of the new world.

As part of a 10 day artist residency, Toofly who visits from Ecuador, will host a #TooflyWorkshop on August 19th, 2017 at EastSide Arts Alliance from 12pm-3pm. Limited space. Registration required. Sign-Up: tallertercermundo@gmail.com

###

TOOFLY

Maria Castillo known as “TOOFLY” is an international Ecuadorian/NYC artist, curator, and social entrepreneur. Recognized in the early 90’s for her hard and fluid character style, she gained popularity as one of the few females excelling beyond her peers in the male-dominated graffiti scene. Founder of female arts collectives, like; YOUNITY, LADIES LOVE PROJECT, and PROJECT GIRLZ. TOOFLY is a full time artist and runs her own independent art & design company; STAY TRU, where she consults, designs, and develops a variety of arts & culture events, as well as workshops. Her work has exhibited at many venues such as the Bronx Museum of Art, CAC; Contemporary Museum of Ecuador, and can be found on public walls internationally. TOOFLY is featured across media outlets like Graffiti Women, Outdoor Gallery, Juxtapoz, and Latina Magazine.

www.tooflynyc.com

DIME

Leslie Lopez, known as “DIME” is a Xicana Graffiti Writer, Educator, and first generation Mexican-American born and raised in East Oakland. DIME, A lifelong artist carrying on intergenerational traditions of cultural and spiritual resistance in her family began painting graffiti as a young teenager. Through her politicalization within the Xicana Movement and Oakland’s Eastside Arts Alliance she developed into a educator, organizer and public artist for community empowerment, healing, and self determination. Being one of the few women writers of her generation in Oakland, Dime developed a strong bond with the new rising generation of young women and used it as an opportunity to build a sisterhood and mentorship through a course she developed and taught to Middle School and High School young women called SHE’Rose. DIME is part of the EASTSide Arts Alliance Cultural Center. A member of BSK, Bomb Squad Kingz, one of the first graffiti crews in Oakland, Ca. put together by Style, Phresh, and West who were part of the first dozen of original graffers of Oakland to ever put paint on the walls of the city in the early 80’s. She is also part of Few and Far Women since it Originated in Oakland in 2011 it’s a collective of women artist, skaters, and photographers from around the world. DIME has worked collaboratively as part of Xochitlceive Collective and as an apprentice with Jesus Barraza from Dignidad Rebelde. Her collaborations are painted with youth and are seen in walls all around the city and beyond, including in marches and rallies reaching an intergenerational audience. Her work bridges graffiti and fine arts, as a muralist, printmaker, and mentor passing down teachings of her ancestors to all generations. Her passion and goal is to use art not only as a tool for social justice but as a tool for violence prevention, to reach young people, and entire communities and use art and Muralismo to cope, create change and empower.

www.lesliedimelopez.com

EASTSIDE ARTS ALLIANCE ( Gallery )

The EastSide Arts Alliance & Cultural Center presents free youth art classes, cultural programming, public art projects, ongoing gallery exhibitions, community town halls, and the annual Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival. We work with numerous organizations and community groups to present hundreds of events every year.

www.eastsideartsalliance.org

The Mexico City Trip is a wrap! —- I want to give a special shout out to hommie Daniel, curator of Gama Gallery, and street art projects in El DF. I met Daniel at Latido Americano in Peru last year and we talked about the possibility of working together next time I was in Mexico. I had been to the beautiful beaches and towns of Tulum, as well as Playa del Carmen/Cancun etc, but I had never visited any other part of Mexico. Gama gallery was now eight months old and it felt like the perfect time to pack and go! The gallery has been running successful workshops with various illustrators and designers since late last fall and the arts community has caught on to the amazing talent coming out of Gama. During our trip it got a chance to team up with Alianza Francesa of Mexico and schedule us in to do presentations alongside Pablito Zago who was invited form France.  “Residencia” was born – a group exhibition with local and international traveling artists. It’s where it’s at, and I’m am loving the idea.

Sending lot’s of love to my friend DJ Ski-Hi from NYC who I learned is living in Mexico City with his wife who hosted me for two weeks in their beautiful home. THANK YOU!

Great meeting you Pablito! Hope to see you in France one day:)

I’m a little backed up again on posts guys! Had a hectic schedule this fall, but no complaints. I enjoyed myself. This year I made a quick stop in Los Angeles, for my “Love Warrior Print & Pop-Up” held at Open Space LA. Now that the series is 90% complete, I’m packing them up and taking them to every city I visit. Man One from Crewest Studios and I got a chance to co-curate and also make time for some Designer Con action. Alex and I worked great together. I was happy we had the time to build and relate to a ton of things going on in the art world. Spaces are hard to come by sometimes, but Open Space LA had the perfect size brick wall to hang my latest series. I had a hard time keeping them up on the wall, but that’s ok. Who would of known puddy would be such hell!!! –  Oh well, at least they held up as long as they could enough for folks to check them out, and connect. That’s what’s important, and why DJ Synapse and I went on for long hours on deep conversations about the world. Ha ha! I’m all about that kind of atmosphere, and cozy vibe. Open Space was a nice space to invite my NY/LA friends to kick-it and for Synapse to spin. The fairfax strip is chill, a little too much mens street wear for one street but cool for a weekend pop-up. Shout out to our friends Tried & True, and FCNY for holding it down for all the fellas. I guess the ladies can rock the gear in smalls and mediums till a ladies street brand pop-up! Till then supporting your homegirls when we are in town rocks. Thank you for the print love Ricky! — mad love to our new and true school LA friends; ManOne, Scott, Open Space LA, Dj Synapse, Ritzy, Kano, Ricky, Drew, Tried & True hommies, One 9, Cynthia Kelley, and everyone who came thru to show love and support. I’ll be back for round 3 next November!

@alfienumeric Thanks for the interview and canvas love!

NEW PRINT RELEASE —-> “Moon Flower” 16″X16″ Giclee Ed. of 25

THANK YOU NY/LA!

I’m ready for fall! This year I decided to head back to Cali. It’s been a minute since I took a trip to the westside, and visited my friends and family. As much as I love New York every now and then you gotta switch things up. The world is really big, and the more I create new prints, and designs the more I want to visit other places to exhibit them. It’s easier to pack and go these days, especially if you have the time and means to make it happen. #WHYNOT I say. Today, many artists can travel anywhere they want because all you need is a pencil and paper to create just about anything your little heart desires. “Visualization” is key. All you gotta do is show up to that life! aka pop-up:) There’s a ton of cities across the globe where we can showcase artwork, paint murals, and build/network with the local community. Indefinitely if your about it on the really real your ART becomes your LIFE. That’s how we livin’ ya’ll! – see you soon LA.

Press Release Coming Soon!

The #LoveWarrior art print exhibition this summer was lovely!!! THANK YOU NEW YORK. I am very happy I teamed up with @MyPlasticHeart to introduce ::: ALL ::: of my new print works. I’ve been working on the series since 2012. It has been a long process. One that materialized from new found love, and timeless freedom to create. The dedicated work ethic is in all of us if we can take it seriously. Sometimes it’s years before your next “heart felt” experience…when it hit’s you, you have to ride that wave of  bliss all the way to the end. Folks…this is not pop art, or an urban art style almost anyone can replicate using technology, high contrast photo icons, and splattered paint with graffiti tags. Anyone bored of that yet? – This, and other reasons why the illustrations in this series spotlight something completely new to bring ya’ll back to what original works of art look, and feel like. Honestly, we need it. Freedom Dreamer, Mas Amor, Free Spirit and the rest of the series are meant to be “felt” by the human heart, and vibrate back. Screens divide many of us these days, it’s nice that we can re-connect live and direct. For those of you who can appreciate all of what I am talking about in this post ((( Thank You ))) I refuse to compromise to anything else. Your attendance at the opening meant a lot to me for all these reasons and more. I am not in New York as often, and in time it will be less and less. From now on each event, workshop, exhibit, wall, or pop-up will be organized with special care so that we can meet once again as a creative family. WE BUILT THIS CITY!!! — Shout out to the beautiful, and diverse group of individuals who took part in the #lovewarrior experience.

In case you missed it —-> here’s a few photos by Alexandra Henry and TF. Video by Nancy Burneo coming soon!!! Once we get that the post will be complete.

My Plastic Heart <3

Shout out to the #lovewarrior team! @CraftyCocktales ladies for the michelada dinks, Yvey & Ana for holding down the pop-up shop corner, and Alexandra Henry and Nancy Burneo for documenting the event. Big ups to My Plastic Heart too! for a smooth and fun experience at the gallery/shop. To all my friends, and family, as well as the supporters of my work love and huggggggz! See ya in the fall for the year+holiday wrap up <3

SAVE THE DATE! – Press Release coming soon…

“Native Soul” One of my first sketch/ink drawings that set off the “Love Warrior” series…

The original ink drawing was damaged by my ice tray ( bad habit ) but I scanned and cleaned it up in photoshop to save the digital image.

I made a 16″X 16″ black & white giclee print that many loved and went on to become a limited line of totes at the pop-up shops held in summer and Holiday. The print is available on the shop ( limited QTY ) —> www.tooflynyc.com/shop $100.00US – ships worldwide.

Because April is a super rainy month in Ecuador, I decided it was the perfect time to start painting! I can’t go outside my patio much to soak up some sunshine and care for my garden. I’m indoors with music, paint, and an array of illustrations that are ready to bloom. Construction of my art studio is on hold for now so I set up a little corner in my office to rock. I can’t wait to have a whole floor dedicated to my paintings! I get excited when I think about it. When it’s ready I will go BIG YEO! Until then Native Soul, and the entire LOVE WARRIOR series will take form day by day. Will this become a print by June’s “Love Warrior Art Print Exhibit ” at my Plastic Heart ??? not sure…follow IG! and save the date JUNE 24th NYC!!!

Follow the process on IG: @TOOFLY_NYC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2014

PRESS CONTACT: E: Blanche.cote@gmail.com / 718.877.6082

TOOFLY HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP COMES TO BROOKLYN!

Renowned Street Artist TOOFLY Hosts Solo Pop-Up at Rebelution Ink Boutique and Gallery

BROOKLYN, New York—October 21st, 2014—After a successful three-year run with the Ladies Love Project Pop-Up Shop (LLP), New York’s beloved street artist, designer, and entrepreneur, Maria “TOOFLY” Castillo will host her first solo TOOFLY Holiday Pop-Up Shop at the trendy Williamsburg boutique, Rebelution Ink.

The popular boutique and art gallery will play host on Friday, November 21, 2014 from 6PM to 10PM and Saturday, November 22, 2014 from 12PM to 8PM to graffiti enthusiasts, fashionistas, and the Brooklyn community. All will get a chance to view select paintings by TOOFLY as well as shop her highly sought-after, handcrafted goods. Fellow street artist Shiro, who hails from Japan, will make a special guest appearance on Saturday from 3PM to 6PM to celebrate the unveiling of new art print releases ($35-$75).

With TOOFLY’s signature style, shoppers can find the perfect holiday gift to spruce up any home, office or wardrobe. At a time when women’s rights are at the forefront of today’s headlines, the mixed media artist has gradually increased her collection by adding an array of illustrations capturing fierce indigenous women. Such works embody the palpable presence of feminine power and creativity. The same can be said of the women who grace her t-shirt, hoodies, tote bags, and sketchbooks as sold at the TOOFLY HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP. Attendees will experience a colorful, culturally rich world with an opportunity to sweep up a special TOOFLY tote bag valued at $50.00. Teatulia Organic Teas will be serving warm drinks alongside JC’s Sidewalk Cafe with special treats. There will be Hip Hop, Rock, and Funk playing throughout the two days to help usher in good tidings for the holidays and build community spirit.

As an added bonus to what will be a rocking event, both SHIRO & TOOFLY will kick-off black book signing–a graffiti ritual with roots in nostalgic New York, where artists reverently swap black books to collect drawings or catch “tags.” With live artwork, funky clothing and collectible designs by TOOFLY, this two-day event is not to be missed!

“Having the TOOFLY HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn is dope!” says Randy Quilles, owner of Rebelution Ink. “TOOFLY’s work honors the ‘true school’ New York vibe and her recent re-connection to her latin roots demonstrates a unique progression of her artistry.”

TOOFLY will be available for interviews prior to, during and after the holiday event to discuss the changing landscape of street art in direct relation to changing communities.

Read more

The customized Brooklyn Tower Kit –  by some really dope illustrators, graffiti artists, and toy designers will be on display on November 1st 2014 in the heart of the Lower East Side! The Boundless Brooklyn exhibit ” The Art of the Tag ” at My Plastic Heart is going to be a pretty cool show. I don’t do many custom works anymore, but sometimes some are too cool to pass up. Love my tower! Be sure to check it out TOOFLY, MARKA27, KANO, ROYCE BANNON, MATT SIREN, and more!