ART IN THE HAMPTONS
I had the opportunity to talk to Joffre Fabricio Contreras, also known as Fabrico (@fab_ricoo) on Instagram. An Art Director, Illustrator and Designer born in Ecuador but raised in East Hampton, New York. Joffre made the trek from Ecuador to enter the United States with big dreams and ambitions, as with many people who come from Latin / Hispanic Countries. Reaching for that “American Dream”. Joffre eventually made it to the United States at the age of 6 but with still many obstacles laid out for him. Having to learn an entire new language is not an easy task, mixed with entering a new surrounding such as school with no one to talk to or ask for help is not the best situation to be in but Joffre defeated those obstacles. Joffre started his desire for art at an early age, when he was in class, he would be drawing and doodling for his friends. The drawings consisted of cartoons Joffre enjoyed watching. The drawings were the way Joffre and the people he met communicated due to the language barrier. In elementary school, Joffre wouldn’t do art because of what his parents might think. His parents sacrificing and risking their lives to come to the United States to give their child a chance for an education just for him to pursue being an Artist, he felt like “It was a slap in the face”. Joffre stated, “Growing up, I always thought that artists/creatives don’t make much money at all. My parents wanted me to do something in business / be a lawyer. Most of my life I was doing stuff for them. In High School, I realized that I needed to do stuff for myself or else I wouldn’t be happy. In High School, I learned that creatives do make money, so I joined AP Art and got mad awards. My parents realized I was serious about it and low-key supported me. I got into the Fashion Institute of Technology and graduated. Now I’m an Art Director and still searching for what I really want to do in life.” I then asked Joffre some questions in regards to the Art scene in the Hamptons.
What do you think about the Art / Creativity scene in Southampton?
“I grew up in East Hampton so I wouldn’t know. I feel like no one really pays attention to People of Color artist’s out here. Growing up, I always thought it wasn’t for me because I really didn’t see anyone that looked like me making art like that. Sure there are awards that are given to artists out here that are nice, I just feel like the art that is shown in the Hamptons cater to a specific group of people that I’m not in.”
How has the Covid - 19 pandemic affected your creativity process?
“When COVID started, I moved back from the city to my parents house. Living with my parents for a year, I got to know them a little bit more and started to see how much they do for this area. Not just my parents but immigrants in general. We don’t have the acknowledgement that we deserve. So I started making posts about it and it popped off. After a while though I did not want to become an activist, I wanted to be an artist/designer first. COVID did really change the way I viewed art. My art is a lot more personal and meaningful now to me at least.”
What would you like to tell any aspiring artists / designers looking for advice about your type of work?
“Just keep at it. The most important part I feel is to be consistent. I know I try to create something everyday. I’m trying to grow and develop my skill over time. I don’t think I’ve made something great yet but I will.”
Vanessa Quiros is a Fashion Designer based out of Southampton. Originally starting by redoing used clothing items and using her vision and creativity to create something new. Transitioning to making dresses, pants, sweaters and set pieces for women. Debuting her first collection titled “Colores de Otono” (Colors of Fall) on the 8th of November. Not too quick after, releasing her second collection titled “Por la Noche” (By The Night) on the 11th of December. Eventually taking some time to put something together with another brand based in the Shinnecock Nation, Tauke from ‘@ifno__”. Announcing it on March 19th, garnering quick success and appreciation from people everywhere. I was able to talk to Vanessa and ask her some questions in regards to the Art Scene in the Hamptons.
How did Designs De V come about?
"I created Designs de V with a mission to inspire people to love themselves. Growing up, I've always had issues with self-esteem and learning how to truly love yourself. I set out on my own journey of self love and it truly never ends. I created my brand for that exact reason, to teach people the importance of self-love and inspire a community to be bold and unique because that's what all of us are. I create all my pieces with that in mind, creating statement and bold garments to evoke everyone's unique beauty. I started out buying second hand pieces to then being able to manufacture my designs in the motherland, Colombia. I am my own uniqueness and pride myself in my Latin culture which is why I choose to incorporate it in my brand."
What do you think about the Art / Creativity scene in Southampton?
“Personally I think the art/creativity scene in Southampton is very prominent. I mean I see so many individuals based from Southampton starting their own brands. The Parish Art Museum also adds to this prominence. Ever since I was younger, my art teacher always motivated us to exhibit our work there. We also see the project currently on the Reservation called ‘Ma’s House’ that’s creating a creative space for BIPOC which I think is a great initiative to continue pushing and motivating young creatives.”
How has the Covid - 19 pandemic affected your creativity process?
“I think it tremendously helped my creative process. Sometimes as creatives, we tend to get distracted from our responsibilities and stray away from working on our creative projects. So I think the COVID-19 pandemic was a way to get back to that as we were forced to stay inside”
What would you like to tell any aspiring artists / designers looking for advice about your type of work?
“I would tell them to stay true to themselves and not give up on their dreams. Sometimes it gets hard to pursue creative work as a career, but it’s definitely possible with hard work, dedication and consistency. Also being passionate and truly believing in your work is super key.”
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IFNO Manowesas Owner and Founder Natauke Williams posing for a Photo
Natauke Williams (Tauke) is a Native American Designer / Creative from the Shinnecock Indian Nation in Southampton, NY. Tauke started his journey in clothing in 2016, designing shirts with the Acronym "IFNO" standing for "I FEAR NO ONE". Quickly growing a cult following on the Reservation and all surrounding areas. Tauke has been consistently trying to grow his brand while also sticking to his roots which started on the Shinnecock Reservation. I had the privilege to ask him some questions and his thoughts on the booming Art scene in the Hamptons.
What does IFNO Manowesas mean for you?
"IFNO is an acronym for Manowesas. Manowesas is a Shinnecock Algonquian word for ‘I Fear No One.’ Also is a general meaning for Fearlessness. Aiming to inspire self worth, and strength through self acknowledgment"
What do you think about the Art / Creativity scene in Southampton?
"I think the Art/Creative scene in Southampton has always been prevalent. Some historical artists have lived on the Island as well as in the Hamptons area. I am personally interested in street wear clothing and I think that’s a scene that has grown in the Southampton area, spearheaded by a Southampton Alumni New York Sunshine!"
How has the Covid-19 Pandemic affect your creativity process?
"The pandemic effected my creative process by allowing me time. The pandemic afforded me the luxury of time and ability to take a step back from life and asses what’s important! Life and the world around me has always been the main influence for my creative process. Having a strong understanding of who you are & where you come from is vital in any persons growth. I was also influenced to have more of an entrepreneur’s mindset moving forward. I have always been more interested in creating memorable artwork and less importance on money. The pandemic made me realize I can do both but I have to thinking more business minded."
What would you like to tell any aspiring artists/designers looking for advice about your type of work?
"My advice for any young artist inspired by my work would be to figure out what your morals & values are. Build a strong foundation and stand on it! Everyone wants to create cool clothing & make some quick money but I aspire to build something that lasts a lifetime. Something that can out live my lifetime. That’s also not everyone interests, it’s okay to make some quick money as well. So whatever your interests are, find your niche & go for it!"
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Reed Weber from Southampton Studios posing for a photo from his Miami Art Basel Pop-up Shop in collaboration with Vero.
Southampton Studios also known as SHS (Surf, Hoop, Skate) is a brand owned and ran by Reed Weber. Starting out in the summer of 2016 with his "Season One" collection comprising of hoodies and tee's, SHS has maintained a presence in Southampton and Around the world. Collaborations ranging from Vero, Unlitter, Montaukila and more, Reed has been able to maintain a local feel for his brand. I had the opportunity to ask Reed from SHS some questions in regards to the Art Scene in the Hamptons.
What do you think about the Art / Creativity scene in Southampton?
"The art scene in Southampton is very dynamic and changing compared to when I was younger. You still have the high end museum scene but we are starting to see it intertwine with the emerging younger crowd - “culture”. Mainstream taste has grown to accept this more urban, youthful style as the mediums for creative expression has really changed from traditional paintings toward pop culture references."
How has the Covid - 19 pandemic affected your creativity process?
"The Covid-19 pandemic has been a real roller coaster as a creative. Usually being able to interact with others at events and local hangouts has contributed to my mentality and vision. Being remote and more digital has made me adapt and seek new avenues to keep the innovative thinking and interaction between others alive."
What would you like to tell any aspiring artists / designers looking for advice about your type of work?
"If it was easy, everybody would do it. Make sure your not in this for the money. There are far better paying jobs but none more fulfilling if your heart is in it. Stay true to your goals, network with like minded individuals and good things will happen. Being able to create something that resonates with others is priceless and very rewarding when done right."
The Art scene in The Hamptons is a prominent scene that will only continue to grow as time progresses. Whether it’d be making clothes, making sculptures, drawing art, art is whatever you make of it. Everyone has their own perception of different things, which is something that we can all use to our advantage. Talking to all these amazing artists / designers, it’s showing how everyone has a different perspective and different way of processing things but one thing remains the same. Never stop learning and continue working. We all have things to learn from and failure is a part of the process. Take those failures and learn from them.
“Maybe be more creative for your second drop”
- SF
"CREATIVE" drop on June 1st, 2022 at www.madebygios.com