Wynwood isn't the only hotspot for artists' murals near Downtown Miami. Only blocks away in Overtown, a gallery of public art line walls on 14th Street. Both outside and inside of the Vagabond nightclub, another world of paintings is being created by local artists. Tonight, illustrator Helena Garcia will be producing her first mural in front of a live and parting crowd at Shake, to the music of Chuck Livid.
Garcia's graphic images are influenced by Japanese anime and reflect a clean mod aesthetic. This South Florida native attended the Ringling School of Art and Design and has created designs for quite the range of clients, from the Utne Reader, to Bust, and Bitch magazines. Her characters have a colorful playfulness and a quirky sense of humor. How can you not enjoy an image with the words "FML" in it?
New Times: What is your background in the arts? Are you strictly a muralist?
Helena Garcia: I have a background in illustration and character design. I don't have too much experience in creating murals.
Is it a very different experience creating a mural in front of many people, like you will be tonight, as opposed to fewer or no people?
I have drawn in front of people looking over my shoulder, but never on this scale so it will be a very exciting experience.
How long will your mural be up?
I hope forever!
What materials will you use?
I'm going to use regular exterior house paint.
How did you get involved with the Vag's live mural series?
I was honored to be asked by Aholsniffsglue. He's the nicest.
Watch the artist at work tonight at Vagabond (30 NE 14th Street, Miami) after 10 p.m. Make sure to get a Livid Records mixtape while you're there and bring your dancing shoes. Visit helenagarcia.com.
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