Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Mercedes.
Hi Valerie Mercedes, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m 26 and have been living in Austin, TX all my life. Growing up, I’ve always been a very artsy and creative person. I think being surrounded by creative family members also inspired me. I loved working with clay and paper mache when I was little and I started drawing and painting back in 2012 and while I’m learning more about myself, I’m also trying to find my art style. I draw a lot of old school cars, like cadillacs, lowriders, etc. I paint sunsets, hummingbirds, summer skies, and butterflies, prickly pear cactus and cacti flowers. Learning more about myself and where my ancestors come from has really ignited something within me to paint and show more of that in my art. Art has always been an outlet for me and art to me is so much more than a hobby. I always say “Art is Healing; Art is Medicine” because I truly believe that while I am creating or painting. I hope my story inspires my readers to tap into their inner artist!
Going back to clay work, Pottery and Ceramics is something I wanted to dive more into and of course during the pandemic, it felt impossible to do so at the time. I then came across polymer clay and fell in love with the medium. I make polymer clay earrings, pan dulce, concha keychains, magnets, and ornaments. I get asked if my polymer clay earrings are heavy and surprisingly the answer is no! They are very lightweight and comfortable on the ears. I love making both dainty and statement earrings, seasonal and holiday earrings are so fun to make too!
I started beading early 2021 and make beaded fringe earrings. All of my styles are handwoven, one seed bead at a time. I love incorporating seed beads onto the clay as well as paint. I guess you can say I do a little bit of mixed media art from time to time.
I attended my first pop up market as a vendor for FRIDA FRIDAY ATX back in June of 2021 and it was such a great experience! Sharing my art, creations and handmade jewelry with my community is what led me to where I am today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been an easy road. Having my kids at the ages of 18 and 22 wasn’t necessarily a major struggle but I did have many detours and slight setbacks in my art career. I put my art on hold many times to put my little ones first because sometimes as parents, we have to make those sacrifices. Although I faced challenges along the way, it’s all been such a blessing! My kids watching me paint and create, I’m sure has inspired some of their own creative ideas.
A big struggle I encountered along my journey was not having a teacher or instructor to help me when I got stuck on a project etc. Back in high school, after completing art class my freshman year, I wasn’t allowed to take anymore art classes at my school, which led me to feeling stuck, unmotivated and in a funk for many years. I stopped creating for a while but no matter how long I stepped away from art, I always found my way back… or I guess I should say, art always found its way back to me.
I consider myself a self-taught artist, so with a lot of practice and patience, I’m learning more as I go. I’m mastering certain skills and learning new mediums like mosaics and stained glass art. I’m looking forward to seeing where my art takes me in the future.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I would say I’m known for my clay pan dulce (concha) magnets and keychains. Tamale earrings, My handmade monarch butterfly earrings (clay or beaded) and of course, my butterfly paintings and car drawings.
I’m most proud of highlighting and celebrating my culture through my art.
I’m also very proud of my Honey Bee Clay Earrings. A portion of proceeds from each pair is donated to a fellow vendor & small business in my community whom helps in saving the bees!
What sets me apart from others is the various art mediums I’m working with and learning. I don’t want to be limited to just painting or to only making clay earrings, no. I do and create so much more than that. Incorporating beads to clay is one of my favorite mixed media styles to this day. Adding beads, paint, textures, fabrics, and pressed flowers to my art is something I plan to continue doing.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I would like to give a special thanks to my family, they have been my biggest supporters throughout my art journey. My husband is always hyping up every drawing, painting and every pair of earrings that I make. He even helps me pack orders and gives out my business cards here and there. My kids never forget to tell me how beautiful my earrings are, it’s seriously the sweetest thing ever!
My parents have supported me since I was a kid when I would bring home all my pottery, paper mache crafts, and paintings from school. When I got older, they would take me to local art stores to purchase supplies like paints, brushes, oil pastels, sketchbooks, etc. Even now, my family goes to almost every market I’m vending at, spreading the word about my art and my business every chance they get.
My family also attended my first ever art exhibit November 2021 for Latino Art WKND, curated by _OF COLOR and MAS CULTURA. It was such an honor to be able to showcase my work.
I can’t forget about all the customers who have shopped with me and supported my business from the start. They all have played a huge role in my success and success of my business, so thank you to everyone who has supported me in that way, even a simple like and share on any social media platform goes a long way so I’m grateful for that too.
I also want to thank Frida Friday ATX for creating a space for artists & creatives like me to share my art, creations and handmade jewelry with the world. It’s a blessing to be a part of this vendor familia and community.
Pricing:
- Keychains $12.50
- Concha Magnet Sets $40-$70
- Clay Earrings $28- $65
- Beaded Earrings $65- $105
- Art Prints $20 / Stickers $6
Contact Info:
- Email: valerietiny1@gmail.com
- Website: www.thattinyartist.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thattinyartist_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thattinyartist
Image Credits:
Jay Ybarra (@photo.jay) earrings/ magnets product shots done by myself.
