THE BACKSTORY
circa 2024
The Backstory is presented as part of Studio 213 artist activities that supports opening access up to new and developing artists that are self-taught, lacking resources, and excited to work and share with others. Each year the program offers access to creative making tools, training, and presentation and dialogue opportunities. Fresh Voices began in 1996 and we are still here today.
In Progress is a 2024 recipient of an Arts Access grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008. This program is further supported by the Saint Paul Cultural Star Program, The Best Buy Children’s Foundation, The F.R. Bigelow Foundation, The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council.
Collective Artist Statement by IP artists demecca pendleton, kaia Perez and Layla whipple
The Backstory is an exhibit that illustrates how artists embed stories in their art. The work we create emerges from a reflective process that demands thought, time, patience, passion, and purpose. It is this backstory that leads to the creation of drawings, sculptures, paintings, and more. Whether our artwork is created for fun, as a gift, or with the intention of being exhibited, its meaning to us as creators runs deep.
I want to make art that doesn’t confuse you but rather makes you uncomfortable, I offer a collection of pieces that all have something to say. Everyone's going to have a different perspective on what some of the pieces may be saying. That’s all.
—DaMecca Pendleton / curator and presenting artist
Kaia Perez - digital drawer / sketch artist
Since I do a little writing in my free time, most of the characters in my art have some kind of story. While I don’t always stick with these stories or characters, it’s a big part of my process.
I was about eight years old when I started making characters, it was fun and I felt inspired by the shows I watched at the time. Sometimes, I would imagine me and my friends in different fictional worlds. As I got older, I started to take inspiration from many artists online, as well as the music I listened to. I also share my art with my family, mainly my parents. My mom and I have conversations about the latest project I’m working on, which helps to further develop ideas.
Right now, my focus is on digital art sometimes doing traditional for concepts or simply sketching. I have taken summer classes under MCAD; the first was a comic art class, and the second was a character design course.
Layla Whipple - Sketch Artist
There's meaning in my art; whether it's from passion or dispassion, there's always a meaning. When I first started drawing, I just wanted it to be perfect—an extremely nice-looking piece that would wow me, just me. I was (still a little bit am) shy of my work; it was something I put my all into and couldn't handle the possible negativity.
Someone that I would say really contributed to my artwork would be my father. I remember I brought back a rip-off Picasso art piece from my 4th grade art class; it was anything you'd expect an 8 or 9 year old to do; it was messy yet had a lot of effort in it. He complimented it and said I could be the next Picasoo himself. Since then, I've only wanted to grow and expand my skills, to receive more compliments like that.
Some other contributions would be my friends; sometimes we do collaborations with our art or even just share a sketchbook together. They've helped me expand my skills and patience. I appreciate them both for their companionship and their ability to make me smile.
I guess manga would be my inspiration besides the art style; it's completely different. I believe that I, myself, Layla, am inspired by what I see and how I adapt to what I do. I've always enjoyed art, the process, the concentration, and the meaning. There's something about drawing what's on your mind; it's refreshing, like a long rant; it's relieving. Art doesn't have to be perfect; if you think about it, nothing is perfect! Everybody has different views on what perfection is, so nothing is completely perfect. Art comes from your passion, your mind, and your hands. Do whatever you want to do; it's your masterpiece.