Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Vega.
Summer, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’ve always had a passionate, creative spirit, painting, creating, writing, taking photos and making jewelry for as long as I can remember. I suppose you could say creating is my calling. My Mom taught me to sew when I was 10, from that point on, I was hooked. It wasn’t until I was 26 that I decided to go to back to college to focus on an education in Design, beginning in the Fashion Department at a local community college, then went on to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising when I was 30. It’s truly never too late to go back to school and further your education. I am SO grateful that I did.
It was in 2014, I finally decided to use my creative gifts full time and quit my job in the hospitality industry. I opened a Pop-up shop out of a vintage teardrop trailer at the CAMP in Costa Mesa, CA where I sold my handmade pillows and jewelry. Through that experience I have continued to grow that decision became the stepping stone to making a living as an Artist full-time. Since then I have continued to grow, learn, develop my skill set, leading me to where I am now. I have always loved fashion, vintage + global textiles. flea marketing for over 15 years. It seemed natural to blend everything together, creating beautiful one of a kind wearable pieces of art under my own label, Summer Vega. I use only antique, vintage African textiles, all made of natural fibers, plant-based dyes. Each and every piece I create is handcrafted by me using sustainable practices and 0 waste and is always a one of a kind piece.
My creative journey has been full of amazing experiences and its share of challenges but I am so grateful for it all. I absolutely love what I do and my heart is full of gratitude for all the beautiful people who support and encourage me along the way. I am so thankful for those that choose to support Artists and small business. Without them, we Artists would not be able to do what we love.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I design and create one of a kind apparel and jewelry using antique and vintage African textiles, beads, vintage findings and gems I find along my travels. I am deeply inspired by other cultures, specifically African cultures; the people, handmade art, fabrics, colors, patterns have captured my soul.
The textiles I use are completely handwoven on a loom by women in various villages throughout central Africa, then make the journey to arrive here, where I have met my vendor who I purchase from. I carefully choose each and every textile I work with, searching for the ones that ‘speak to me’ and stand out from the rest. I hand-launder, design, cut and sew each and every piece, creating wearable art from textiles I have a deep love for. My work is intentional and conscious, creating each and every piece with love.
Through my work I hope people are inspired by other cultures different from their own and transport them to another place. These textiles tell stories, from the villages they come from, the human hands that create them to the colors and designs that adorn them. I want people to look at fashion through an intentional lens, being mindful of where their clothing comes from the hands that have created it. By choosing to buy from Artists and small businesses, you are directly contributing to supporting someone else. The process is so personal, connective and beautiful.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
I think ‘success’ is a variable term. I feel successful now! To have someone buy and wear something I’ve created with my own hands makes me feel successful. Sure, I have a variety of struggles and don’t always have a steady income but I am doing what I love, what brings me joy + living a life authentic to who I am and what I believe in.
I believe in order to be a ‘successful’ Artist, one must be authentic to their vision, be original, kind and positive. Anyone who copies another or knocks off others designs is not inviting positive energy into their life. You will pay for it somewhere along your journey. It’s essential to be authentic in everything you do.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Currently, the majority of my business is through my website, summervega.com. I am continually creating new pieces and update my website as much as possible.. I’ve also connected with so many amazing people through Instagram, my handle is @_summervega.
In addition, I have my first stockist in Joshua Tree, CA, the beautifully curated Shop on the Mesa, where you can visit and try on a few of my designs in person. More are in the works.
Contact Info:
- Website: summervega.com
- Email: summervegaphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_summervega
Image Credit:
Summer Vega
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