TOOFLY NYC

I LOVE TO TRAVEL!!! Especially with my dearest family and friends. This year we had so much to celebrate that I decided to treat my mom to a vacation! One that she would absolutely love and we can visit various places like ruins, beach, cenotes, and more. It was a beautiful trip I love the Yucatan. I super enjoyed it with my two most adored people in the world.  Appreciate your loved ones!!! and your time on beautiful parts of the planet before its really all too late. Time waits for no-one.

HAPPY NEW YEAR BITCHES!!!!

Whoa! The year is about to come to end once more. What a year!!! I personally was having a great one until mercury retrograde knocked on my door. All good. Gotta take the good and the bad and make it work. I don’t like it when the reality of life rains on my parade. I work very hard to keep things in order as to avoid all conflict but sometimes it likes to mess with me. I decided to head down to Miami and see my friends and avoid it the bad vibes. Family dramas or conflicts are unavoidable in life unfortunately.  It’s a good thing I was in a rooftop pool with my friends when it all went down. The infamous e-mails where you let out all your feelings as raw as possible so it can drill into your family’s head that they suck. I swam it all away that day. Even the tears. No regrets. It needed to be said now or later It be that way sometimes right? — The good, the very good thing I do well for my own sanity is “LET GO” It’s an amazing trait to have. I personally can let things go much easier these days. I easily close doors on fucked up shit in life and move right on. I do not anything waste my time anymore. If it doesn’t work it doesn’t work. I know how short life is and how precious it is and unless its full of the good stuff I don’t need it.

Miami was the perfect place to be when dealing with the family drama. The sunshine, the water, my friends, the meals, the parties, the fun! I love to have fun. It makes me happy and it gives me peace. Anyways, at some point the family stuff works itself out. Or not? Either way each of us keeps pushing forward with what feels good what feels right and what truly matters. Everything else can fall back. Care less or care more where necessary to keep life in balance. That’s why my friends are my true family and always have been. Blood doesn’t mean a damn thing. It’s a good thing Art Basel was spent at one of my BFF’s home because it made even more sense who I need to be around. So yes, Art basel was cool for this reason and many more. I was not busy painting, or showcasing any work. It gave me time to spend with my dear friends, enjoy the simple things in life, and enjoy the moment. It was dope! I recommend everyone to check out Art Basel during December especially if you live in NY and need a break from the winter cold. A special shout out to all my hommies who made the trip there to link up and boogie, especially my BBF Mr. @LatinoLife who made our stay amazing!!! Every luxury you can imagine, was all that and more!

Wow! Designer Con this year was huge! I’ve never seen those very long lines before. It’s a good sign. This independent arts culture is growing. We’re out there and people love it! This year was particularly fun because The Ladies Love Project got an opportunity to set up shop with Crewest Studios. They sponsored 3 artists; Toofly, Ritzy P, and Nisha K Sembi from California. Our treo did a great job. It was the first time we had ever teamed up and we had a good time! Thank you everyone that came thru the booth to support and enjoy. Thank you Crewest Alex, and Scott and the entire staff for hooking up the booth this year! Good times.

Until next time!

And just like that it’s time to wrap up the year! 1st stop Los Angeles, CA — geared up and ready for the Ladies Love Project Pop-Up Shop sponsored by Crewest Studios. On Saturday November 9th we kick-off the DCON party at Escala in Korea Town. Everyone is invited!!! Ritzy P, myself, and Nisha K Sethi are teaming up to rock a fly booth with original works of art, live art, limited edition prints, gear, goodies, and much more. Follow our IG pages for the inside scoop and behind the scenes action. We will be at the Crewest Studios Booth #1708 for 2 days! Stop by and check us out. Press Release below.

During the #Grafiteras trip in Oakland I got word that our Crewest Studios locked down a few walls for our team to paint in Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. The timing couldn’t have been better! I was already in the states and client just had to make the flight switch. My schedule was open and ABC studios covered all expenses. Gotta love when those gigs come in because the hotels are fly, transport is taken care of, and you can work with quality materials and hire a your team. The mission to rock a fun, and colorful letter piece that captures the essence of the show and characters. Hip Hop is a huge element in the series #TheMayor and I drew from the culture that bred me. This was my second time in Atlanta a growing and booming city. I love how green it is too!  The heat not so much. Not too long ago my family moved here and I was so happy I got a chance to see them once job was complete. It was an awesome trip and job! —- Thank you ABC, Crewest Studios, Richie, Sean, and Paul for all your help on this wall. Shout out to The Mayor premieres October 3rd on ABC!

Sean is working on a video of the piece, you tube link soon!

#Represent #TheMayor

The job perks. After them long and hot days at the wall hitting the pool was a must! The Marriott hotel was amazing!

Last time I was in Atlanta I flew in did a job and flew out. I did not get a chance to check out the street art scene. Once job was approved I hit the streets in search of walls, Atlanta has some great spots! Would love to return and paint at one of their festivals.

Thank you Atlanta! Thank you family! Till next time…

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!

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

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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 happy I got a chance to paint a collaboration wall with Pablito Zago during our trip to when Mexico City. So glad it worked out! Thanks to Gamma Gallery curators, and their friends at Muro and Hidroarte we made it happen. The wall took three days to produce and it’s one of my favorite mural collaborations I have done lately. Once I had the dimensions of the wall and a free day to soak in inspiration from the Anthropology Museum I was good. I spent a few hours at the park sketching and came up with an image that I felt motivated to paint. Many of my pieces are from my imagination, and feelings I want to express. I was inspired by a painting I saw at the museum that had women of different cultures by Jorge Camarena. Wow! Amazing artist, I am super behind in learning about his work.  I was blown away by the rock sculptures, and details in the artifacts. The museum was mega dope! #1 spot to visit in el DF. Because I like to paint strong empowering female images I try and take the opportunity to explore something new with each one. Mexican art, history, and culture is hands down my top 5 and I wanted to bring a little of it of everything I fell in love with from the museum into the piece. Art inspires art, and the more I learn and travel the closer I am to creating my new works. If you want to visit the wall it is located in: MetroBus parada EL COYOL

Shout out to Pablito Zago for being mega cool and chill on the collaboration. Our work is different but both love to interact with the people that come up to as when we paint. It makes us happy to talk to them, especially the kids who said things like eso esta chido!

THANK YOU MEXICO CITY!

Aerosoles Cruzados / Alianza Francesa de Mexico

DESIGNER CON 2016. This is my second time attending and I love it! mostly because I get to see some of my cali friends + there is so much to see in one huge convention center it’s awesome. This year Crewest Studios took on a lot of the production and set up a big booth for the artists invited. I got a chance to set up my goods, and hang with the the entire team. Crewest took care of all of us, curated panels, and set it off with the Secret Walls live art VIP after party event with guest DJ Z-Trip. The place was packed! and I finally got a chance to dance. One of my favorite ways to celebrate during my trips. With the Toofly pop-up in the mix, print signings, live art, and panels like “Latinos in Contemporary Art” I was a happy TF. Saturday Kano and I rocked the Secret Walls art battle alongside other artists, as well as hommie DJ Synapse, and host Mishka. When it was all over we all danced like crazy to the ill Z-trip set. WOW! I’m a fan. It was dope! Best part of it all was that we were all in good company, and happy people once the open bar took over. Shout to Marka, Liza, Upendo, Ritzy, Kano, and the rest of the LA crew peeps. Good times! A memorable and fun night indeed.

PODCAST LINK —–> Adventures in Design with Mike Brickey

LA / NY Connect!

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!

That’s right, a #QuitoArtsWalk! There is none, so Erin Yoshi and the Trust Your Struggle crew got together and hooked it up in 1 DAY. It’s arts month in Quito, Ecuador ( AUGUST ) and the city spreads the word on Talleres Abiertos De Quito. I think it’s a great idea to have open studios by artists for public view, but once a year tho? If we’re gonna build a strong”all inclusive” arts community you gotta do it yourself. That means organize local crews, shops, and artists of all angles to come together for the cause. Professionals, youth, kids, families, even the older folk who love to water color down the block. We’re here to spread that creative love, and good vibes with others who are down. A foundation for local economies starts with each of us, and that means “manos a la obra” mentality. It’s how we do, and how it’s done here when it’s time to clean up a street, build a house, or rock a food garden. The historic center of Quito is an amazing place with streets like calle Junin and others like La Ronda providing spaces for the artists to take over public space. Is it safe? Yes, but sometimes the cops fuck with us/them. Harassing an artist using a spray can to create, or an artesano setting up shop on the floor to make a living is not cool. So we’re out here trying to create a safe space for them too, because art it not only for an elite class with fancy galleries and glossy pamphlets. We’re independent, and rep the streets where the heart and soul of people lives.

Collaboration with Trust Your Struggle Collective, Toofly, Alm Crew, and Sirka.

  

Gracias a todos!

Heading to Peru tomorrow! – Happy for the invitation to participate in #LatidoAmericano’s festival for the next 15 days. It’s going to be HOT. Literally…summer weather is at hand and it’s not as fun under the hot sun to paint but we’ll see how it goes. This year it is being held in Callao, Peru near a beach which will help with the sea breeze. Last time I was in Peru in 2013 the painting/festival experience was not at all fun and I was not very happy with what I painted. I’m confident this event will be hella on point with Entes & Pesimo leading the festival. The equipment, paint, and treatment for the artists is a lot more professional. Whew! Here we go. Bags are all packed…now if I can only find my sketchbook!?! I have no idea what I’m going to paint yet…I’ll let the wall speak back to me when I get there…

Follow the process on instagram: @TOOFLY_NYC

Back from Peru! Getting these blog posts up is getting harder and harder guys…Many of the flicks are now up on Facebook, and Instagram if you want to check them out just hashtag #latidoamericano. I would love to sit here for hours like I used to and write and post all my favorite moments but lately this blogging thing is not as fun anymore. Living in the moment, and no longer really caring to post much once it has all passed. This may change or it may not. I’m open to your thoughts.

Toofly X Oz Montana Collaboration, Callao, Peru 2016 #LatidoAmericano

Flicks coming soon…