NEWS
The Artist Behind Osa
…and how she creates unique pieces with raw materials
What defines us, what defines Sola, is who we choose to work with and how we choose to do it. Ethically, in small batches, and hand in hand with humans who inspire us. We wanted to create a community of like-minded people who want to spend more time in the water and nature and create beautiful things. We had a vision and needed a family to help bring it to life.
In our newsletters, we want to give you a glimpse into the long and winding process of creating a small brand from scratch. We also want to introduce you to the surfers, entrepreneurs, and artists who believed in us and helped make Sola a reality.
It only makes sense to start with the young and incredibly talented artist behind our first collection, Natalia. She understood us, the identity of the brand, and with just a few inspiration shots, she was able to create something truly original, raw and unique—art that has now become the prints you have all been loving.
As for us, we love Natalia and are so thankful that she is part of the Sola family. She guided us through the process of creating original prints for Sola. She was kind enough to share her thoughts with us…
Walk us through the creative process of how you designed the prints for the SOLA hats?
Though this was a long and laborious process, I enjoyed it and remember it all so well! There were a ton of different processes and ideas that went into the careful crafting of the print designs. A central aspect of my practice has always been immersing myself in environments that nurture my creativity and curiosity, always taking inspiration from nature and unique objects. At the time I started developing these designs, I was at home in Yucatán, Mexico feeling very inspired particularly by the Fauna which led me to learn more about the ecosystems in Costa Rica, a special place for SOLA. I began depicting watercolor florals and fluid like shapes that I felt embodied this special aspect of Costa rican nature and life. My preferred watercolor medium is natural dyes and pigments I make at home with plants. Using indigo to dye the raw silk that would later be used to create the rancho print. Once these more traditional processes are complete, I then use digital tools like photoshop to make them manufacturable by adjusting colors, size, and motifs.
Tell us about SOLA…
One of my favorite qualities of SOLA is the community it has brought together, from artists, surfers, and friends all over the world. Growing up in south florida and meeting so many incredible people gave me a way to find an amazing community of friends like Rachel Fleishman who connected me with Flora and Catherine. These hats are so special to me because Flora and Catherine were so mindful and careful in their approach on how they wanted to make them, the materials they wanted to use, and the artwork they chose to embody their brand and values. I knew from the moment we first met they were thinking about their impact and keeping the environment a concern through this process, which was just as important to me too!
Where do you wear your Sola hats?
My favorite places to wear hats are definitely the beach and natural parks, but they are so adaptable to any environment which I really love! As someone who doesnt always love to wear sunscreen, these hats are perfect to keep me protected from the sun and also look beautiful with so many different styles. I am excited to continue to watch the SOLA community grow and see the hats accompany all around their travels.
Tell us more about your creative journey as an artist!
I’m a first generation Mexican-American from south Florida. My creative journey began as a painter and printmaker in my early years attending Bak and Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach. From a young age, I was exposed to the textile traditions endemic to the Oaxaca and Yucatan regions of Mexico and always found myself inspired by nature and handmade objects. I decided to pursue a path in sustainable textiles after earning my BFA in Fibers from Savannah College of Art and Design in May of 2024. I launched my creative career designing print for interiors and fashion, where I gained a deep understanding of fibers and the production of textiles before embarking into my personal practice as a textile artist, meanwhile exploring the innovative realms of design and its influence in the world. As an artist I feel called to inspire, educate, and connect with my audience in a meaningful way through my work, I truly love what I do!!
How do you feel about the use of AI and stock prints in the industry? Where do artists like you stand?
AI is here and there's no getting rid of it. I don't think we should perceive AI as technology that will replace us, rather embrace it to understand how it can serve as a tool for artists and creators. How can AI help us bring our ideas and artwork alive? I believe we should grow curious in how it can support us rather than feel threatened by it. Every client wants something different and there are so many styles and preferences for print and textile design, not everyone appreciates and desires something totally unique, and that's okay! As artists and a tightly knit community of creatives, we understand the value that goes into crafting something special. Personally, I would like to explore AI a bit more but am not sure how often I would use it in my own work. I see a special value in creating unique pieces and enjoy working with raw materials. I prefer to use technology more as a tool than a medium in my work.
@casanatistudio
