How did I stumble upon @sweetartbydulce, well I think she followed me and I sometimes tend to click on each new follower, but eventually I do tend to see everyone who follows me. I check my followers to see if they create any type of work from art, to music, or just any sort of craft within our area being the 956. Her art page was attached to her personal account which upon looking through her artwork it was pretty cool and interesting. Really enjoying the pen on paper along with the vibrant colors used in some of the pieces. Some of the images posted I found to be relatable in feeling such as her lastest piece posted being "Self Care." Check out @sweetartbyducle to see it for yourself along with the rest of her work. This is this week's feature, Dulce.
Dulce Clarissa Mendoza, @dulce_c1, @sweetartbydulce
When speaking about favorite meals Dulce said "this question is so hard. It's either between saucy spaghetti or crunchy chicken strips." Some chicken strips or "tendies" as some people call them are pretty good such as Golden Chick as an example or the boneless fried chicken bánh mì from Snowbite. Pasta is one of my favorites and Mama Mia's Pizzaria has really good pasta options.
From food to her favorite artists she says " I love so many, but Kendrick Lamar and Kali Uchis hold this special place in my heart, they're just SO GOOD!" I've listened to at least 3 Kendrick Lamar songs, but when it comes to Kali Uchis I really enjoy her music especially her recent "TOO FEEL ALIVE EP." My favorite song by Kali will always be "Only Girl."
Dulce shares her favorite local artists and local businesses as well " TV Flesh is pretty badass, only saw them play once but it was cool af 10/10 would experience again. I love Bandera coffee and New York Deli! Ouu and Mujer RGV for inspiring me to be me and to continue to do art!" TV Flesh recently has a new EP out as well which is really good! I have eaten at the New York Deli and their peach tea is so good. I have heard of Mujer RGV from a couple of friends who participate in their events and I think its really good platform and community in our area.
Getting an interest in something takes time or it comes to you quickly as you dive deeper into what you wish to pursue such as your interests or future interests and she shares how her interest came to be "Since the age of 7 I was always so drawn to drawing (Haha, get it.) I remember watching my older sister draw a stick figure and I. Just. Couldn't. Get. It. I was drawing a happy face with four sticks popping out of it:( However, I kept going and studying her technique(of adding an extra stick to make a torso) then bam! I kept drawing because it was so fascinating and fun to do, all I needed was a blank sheet of paper and a pencil and I'd go crazy with my stick figures." Having the steps taken which have lead to creating more artwork and of course now sharing it on her art page. Starting off an early age I don't have memory except for just coloring and playing for clay. Well, being creative with legos can be a way of being creative as mentioned. Speaking about her sister being a guide to her interest towards drawing, but what caused the finalization that she just loved to draw and she says "the realization came to me in 1st grade when I drew a flower for myself during my free time in class. Some girl coloring from a coloring page looks over at me and asks if I can draw her a flower exactly like mine so she can color it in, I said yes, all shy but happy to do so. Next thing I know another girl came over and asked the same thing, then another girl, then someone else, then everyone who wasn't horse-playing around, even some boys, wanted a flower drawing from me. It was overwhelming for my shy, no friend having ass little self but I loved that I was feeling acknowledged for doing what came easy to me while realizing I liked the process." It's always nice seeing someone draw in school and seeing how the final product turns out from my experience watching my artistic friends draw in school, but it must feel good being asked to draw for someone as others seemed to have enjoyed it as she mentions her peers coming to her for a drawing. This reminds me of a story told by Clarry @csifue as she told me when she created a Christmas related arts and crafts for class. She created antlers for her work and the other students really enjoyed it that they had to form a line to have their antlers created by her as well. It must bring some sort of feeling a feeling I can't quite explain due to not experiencing it, but it must be nice. Not just nice, but a sign that you have creativity. We all have the potential, but it really falls down on us if we really come down to it and use it. Coming to a realization has she continued drawing as she got older she says " Yes, there was a time I was drawing every day. I think this was my freshman year of high school. In school, I'd focus on getting good grades, but also had wild, unpredictable friends around me, sometimes that environment can be overwhelming so whenever I had downtime I'd pick up a small tip sharpie and just draw in this sketchbook my art teacher gave to everyone for class...Then when I was home and wanted to feel present and in the moment, I'd draw to make myself feel centered and grounded to my gentle, peaceful side because sometimes my head was a bit noisy. Every day I'd just fill up a page. I loved drawing whatever felt right at that moment, at that time. I didn't think much when I'd draw, I just kept going till I feel it's 'complete'." It's good to continue having an outlet to which you can be creative, but most importantly expressive. I recently started drawing due to artists and Individuals I have interviewed. I drew 4 days back to back and it was a great stress reliever along with the interesting turnout of what I was able to create until as Dulce stated it came out "complete."
When it comes to Dulce's art it can either come as seen on her art page. That work being done by pen with no colors unless to portray something important along with the usage of very vibrant colors as mentioned when it comes to her other pieces. So what can be said about her art style and she says "speaking on my drawings, those are usually never colored. However my paintings, THOSE are different stories. With paintings, I LOVE bright colors that stand out. But both forms of media, acrylic paint on canvas and ink on paper are both messy" as she continues to mention the creative process behind her work as well "for my art I usually never sketch beforehand because although I know sketching and planning out the piece can perfect the outcome, I think its too much work for something I don't want to overthink about, as I like to move with the motion of the emotion I have that day. When I do anything concerning expressing some type of feeling I have I do it without a second thought. Because regularly when I'm not creating I tend to overthink and hyper analyze. I'd say every piece I make is made sincere and genuine to a feeling I had the days it was worked on." That's totally understandable it really depends on the artists on planning or just working with that they have on their mind right then and there. Either or the artist will get their idea finished if they enjoy it or meets a specific goal. A goal as Dulce says shares "I believe my art isn't perfect and I hope it can resonate with someone in some way just like it does to me the day I create it." The goal is "I hope it can resonate with someone in some way" which when it comes to art isn't it more of what we get out of it from the viewer's perspective? The artist may have their own meaning behind their work or in any case, they would maybe want someone to get a certain feeling from it. When you think of it it's just hard to determine what the intentions of artwork are, but in Dulce's terms by the end product, she wishes for anyone who sees her art to "resonate" with it in any way. Again in a way of resonating, I found her recent artwork "Self Care" to be relatable to myself as mentioned due to my old self needing to be replaced and removed making room for the new improved me. Dulce's said "my paintings, THOSE are different stories" although the drawing is done in pen or sharpie it still held as much impact as her paintings would.
From drawing flowers from when she was little to being the current artists that Ducle is there must've been a shift or an improvement in the work she has been doing throughout the years and she says "So I grew up in a Christian household for most of my preteen and teenage years, so my drawings used to be based on how I felt spiritually in some days. I would use paper and a thin point sharpie and would draw whatever I wanted to, usually, I'd tie it into a bible verse because they'd inspire me. Getting older not being as involved in a church but still being in-tune with myself I'd say I now create things that help me unwind and that are dear to me and some pieces are of course just for fun. I didn't and still don't have a style I stick to...Like I genuinely don't make my work in any specific way or use any specific technique. I want to learn different drawing and painting techniques just so I can figure out what style I can call mine for sure." I'd say there will always be room for experimentation and seeing what you enjoy and could probably implement into future artwork. I'd say look into art styles that you find interesting and are curious enough to try out. Not just looking at images or tutorials, but reading about them and looking into the history behind it and the artists who helped grow it as well. That'd be a great stepping stone into learning different techniques and figure out as she says "figure out a style what style I can call mine for sure."
While looking at Dulce's art account you can see the tagline used being "sweet art" and taglines are always interesting and I just had to ask about it which she replied with "I honestly just wanted to be selfish and add some type of abbreviation that means my name. Because Dulce, which is my name, can also mean 'sweet' if translated to English and hopefully people can associate the 'sweet' part with me and my name. The 'art' part is because I make art and I personally describe my art as sweet, like nice to look at, because every piece is my baby. I can come up with a more meaningful or poetic thing to say about the tagline but Imma keep it 100 and just tell you my first intention of why I chose to use the tagline 'sweet art'." I understand the usage of your name and playing with it towards your art page, but I do have to agree the art is nice to look at making it "sweet art" for sure.
Being an artist/creative in the valley there comes a time where you get involved with events aside from selling your art online or articipating in our monthly art walks which is still good in getting yourself out there. Being the one who participates as in being the one to witness what events have to offer I'm sure there's a feeling when someone comes to your booth and buys your art. Picking a piece that called out to them and hanging it on their wall which I hope to one day have my walls covered in local artists' work. Dulce has not only gone to events but has participated in them selling her work as she says "yes, I have taken part in two events as a vendor. I sell photocopies of my art and my original pieces as well. I was a vendor for the first time at a runway that was held in Brownsville, that was the first time I ever experienced the valleys creatives and other people with their unique interests coming together...I can honestly say it was a magical day for me to experience people from the valley doing what they love doing and just being themselves creating as I thrive off of art and inspiration of different things, it just warms my heart!" The last event I was at was during April I believe it was the @Aficionado, Aficionado art gallery and it was just so amazing. Seeing artwork and different styles of art such as dance, poetry, and music. I got to meet some amazing yet interesting individuals who are also creatives in the 956. Speaking about events Dulce stated she's been a part of 2 of them as she continues by saying "I was also a vendor for the second time at the Mujer RGV Back to The Basics event. This event was so lovely, being run by women and having musicians and singers from the valley showcase their talents all while being set up at 'The Grind' in Edinburg! Like I LOVE their coffee too and that event had the perfect ambiance of community and support. I got to see other vendors selling their badass tie-dye shirts, pins, and Latina inspired art, truly a memorable night for me." I recall some a Mujer RVG event once and I think it involved vintage clothing. It sounded really nice and I can imagine the safe space that it brings as well. Hopefully in the future due to Covid-19, there can be a virtual exhibition to showcase local artwork.
I remember there used to be a link to Dulce's website and eventually, the link went away. I was curious about the future of her site and the items that'd be added along with the shirts and she stated "So far I have my artwork on sale on my Instagram because I used to have a website that manufactured teeshirts for me by the order but I realized I don't wanna be a person that adds to the clothing waste being made worldwide, because clothing waste like dyes and unbought clothes from malls is one of the largest producers to the world's landfills, so yeah rather not. So, for now, I'll be taking DM's if anyone is interested in any of the pieces that I have posted on my Instagram. BUT that's not all I'd like to sell, I have an interest in piecing together used clothes and making it my own. Hopefully, in the future, I can learn how to properly embroider and sew so I can bring my ideas into reality. For now, I just have a bin of clothes that I will paint on and try to work on when I have the chance" Oh well the shirts may be gone from the site, but using clothing already owned rather than manufactured to create your work on is really good. It's interesting creating unique pieces on clothing such as her take on embroidery and paint basically being a 1/1.
Here is what Dulce has to say about the local scene in the valley,
" I think it's refreshing to see people not be ashamed of their creative side, it's innovative and inspiring to me and hopefully to others in the valley. I believe we can make a difference thinking outside of the traditional box and to not be scared of calling attention to ourselves and what we are passionate about. I believe the art scene in the valley can lead this place into greater opportunities, more diversity, and a strong impact on the young who see our work. With small businesses being unique and artist displaying art and music we can all truly make an impact and inspire for greater change and I think that's beautiful. I believe the people in the valley have a great sense of community, we all share similar pains and have a unique perspective from growing up here and together we should use that in our advantage to support those who are from here and want to grow a business and share their creative ideas. And even if no message is being shared behind some art or music I believe we can all join in on embracing different people's type of fun and just encourage one's passionate difference. And there's also this thing of people believing mom and pop shops are more expensive comparing the prices to that of big business and also that some rappers or bands are wasting their time and just 'make noise'. However, I think self-made businesses everywhere dedicate their life to their passion and I hope those who shop and support these businesses understand that they are helping an individual pay their bills and put food on their family's table. And that musical artist from here are inspiring to me as they are bold enough to write and embrace their love of sharing a message through their instruments and voice, these creatives are seen and heard and I hope they aren't discouraged and continue to share their perspective in their beauty. If we put our money where our mouth is if we listen if we encourage those who open up their ideas to our community we can empower the CEOs and leaders of the 956 and show the world that the tip of Texas celebrates difference and that we are filled with innovates." I do agree that we do share things in common within our communities and one is as she mentions is "pain" one way or another it is there. It is something we can take from ourselves and mold to create music, art, or anything expressive.
Being part of The Valleys community there is just so much to take in and appreciate it. It could go on and on. Mom and pop are amazing and there is one in Mission which is owned by an older couple. The husband runs the barbershop and the wife is in the thrift shop. I always drove by it, but one day I decided to go to it and see how it was. It felt like you were walking into a 2nd home as exaggerated as that may be. It felt like a home due to how welcoming they were and the conversations being made. She not only runs the store but told me the history the store itself and the history of what she's witnessed growing up in The Valley. It was quite the experience visiting it and I hope it'll still be up after Covid-19.
Dulce shares some advice,
"Don't be scared of what your tia might say on Facebook or what your old high school classmates will say. The valley is a knit-tight community but that's even more of a reason for you to want to stand out and make a difference. Reflect on yourself and just do what makes you feel free. Understand that as kids we had an interest to wanna 'be a doctor, be a dancer, be a baker, whatever it was your kid self wanted to do despite those professions not having any correlation to each other, understand that we all had a want to do random things that seemed fun and adventurous to us as kids. It is our own responsibility to listen to ourselves now and do what one can to fulfill the creative wants and needs that our childhood self would dream about expressing. Create with paints or food or code, just do whatever makes you feel at peace and do it with all your heart. Be genuine in your creativity, don't be scared to be vulnerable as others can feel less alone. Be different, find yourself a community (or better yet start a community) that can understand your interest, and just run with the support and love other creatives can give you and you to them! Con todo mi Corazon I say, embrace the ugly of your struggles and pains, embrace the beauty in your unique self and be proud of what you create as you are a person from the valley that has something to share. Because even if you think no one is watching someone out there is and can be moved by the work of someone that comes from the area code, 956."
This has been Dulce Clarissa Mendoza, @dulce_c1, @sweetartbydulce
be sure to check out their Instagram and see their other pieces of artwork!
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