I just had a delightful studio visit with one of my favorite Austin photographers, Elizabeth Chiles. We discussed many things from Lavender Vanilla donuts to why not going to art openings won't kill you but forcing yourself to go to one just might. It was a wonderful Sunday morning and ended in a terrific artwork exchange where we both walked away with a new piece to add to our collection. It also reminded me of how important having conversations in your studio can be. It is a space not unlike your living room, intimate and snug, and the topic surely starts out about artwork and studio practice, but can equally end up being about any number of things. Sometimes the pressure to perform as an artist can stifle honest and easy dialogue, but I can say for now I have been very lucky to have eager and curious visitors open to answers like "I'm actually not quite sure why I did that." For instance, over the summer I visited with Adrienne Breaux from CultureMap Austin and we had a great interaction diving into the history of why I began making art and what kind of artwork I am interested in making now. It was a great article and even months later, I am struck by how spot on some of her observations were. After this weekend's visit I believe I am hooked and now want to host impromptu tea parties at my studio just to see what kind of tête-à-tête I can experience!
Artist in Residence @ Arquetopia Oaxaca
As promised, here is the scoop on my upcoming plans to jet set to Oaxaca for three whole weeks this summer! I was excitedly accepted to attend a short residency program to learn about natural pigments and paper and cloth dying techniques through the Arquetopia Oaxaca program. Arquetopia is a nonprofit foundation promoting development, social transformation and productivity through artistic, cultural, and educational programs. They are experienced in negotiation and reinvestment of resources for local arts development in Mexico and pair international artists with local artists for a truly rewarding exchange of information, skills and community.
During my Arquetopia residency, I will use my time to learn the skilled craft of cultivating natural dyes from the landscape and ecosystem of Southern Mexico from a wealth of talented local artists. I hope to integrate a richer material nature into my work and provide an intersection of my current abstract painting practice with that of a long-standing Mexican tradition. In tandem with learning these skills, I am also hoping to use this opportunity to explore my identity as a second generation Mexican American and begin investigating the incorporation of these ancestral traditions into my contemporary practice.
It has been 6 years since I last visited Mexico and I can't wait to be surrounded by the sounds, smells, colors and food that stole my heart back in 2004 when I first studied there. More pictures will certainly follow but in the meantime, I am desperately trying to find my acento again so I can at least order a taco without embarassing myself. Ah, the plight of a second generation Tejana!
Design For Mankind x Xochi Solis
Thrilled to be included on one of my favorite blogs today! Design for Mankind gives advice for tackling the sometimes muddy intersection between one's creative mind and the real world. Not only tackle it but how to wow it with grace and style! Erin Loechner and her team put together a dynamic and visually stimulating blog chock full of beautiful things and inspirations for greatness. Summed up in her own words Loechner describes her blog as, an ongoing dinner party conversation with me and the people/objects/ideas that inspire me from a variety of mediums: art, fashion, design, science, technology, history. Come, sit at my table. I’d love to have you.
I was pleased as punch to be invited to her party! BTW Her Instagram feed is pretty great, too.
The Loop Art with Xochi Solis in Modern Luxury
Sweet article in Houston's Modern Luxury magazine from Houston arts writer, Dan Oko, gets into the groovier aspects of my artmaking practice.
The Mixed Media Work of Xochi Solis on Beautiful Decay
Great news! Thank you to artist and writer, Danny Olda, for the mention in this weekend's Beautiful Decay blog. I loved his careful consideration to the material I use and the method in which I tackle composition, so very thoughtful.
I'm Jealous of Xochi Solis on The Jealous Curator
LOOK! Super flattered, thanks The Jealous Curator for making me smile this morning!
Studio Visit with The Austin Chronicle
Oh wow! Andy Campbell, art lecturer at Texas State University and current Art History Phd student at The University of Texas, wrote a sweet interview article with me in the local paper. This hilarious candid shot pretty much sums up my summer studio vibe this year .
Artist Spotlight on TRIBEZA Magazine
You can find a little interview with me written up in this month's local glossy mag, Tribeza.