GET TO KNOW THE ARTIST

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m obsessed with fine art, public art and fashion and this feels like the most incredible combination of all three! I’ve enjoyed the flexibility of print-based art. Most of my art focuses on individual/collective identity and transmutation of difficult emotions in effort to reclaim oneself. This is often through vibrant color and shapes that can take on the conveyance of emotion that are often hard to verbalize.

What inspired this piece you created for this collaboration? What significance does the title have for you?

This piece was inspired by my personal relationship to femininity and pleasure- which to me is quite fluid. It can be quiet and it can be bold. Hardness and softness intertwined. ‘Little Death’ is a French colloquialism/descriptive term for orgasm. I was thinking of sensation, otherworldly color and physical feeling as it relates to pleasure.

What about the Devan Gregori brand drew you to want to collaborate?

Having a conversation with you about small business ownership, the joys and struggles of being an independent creative and just the ease and openness of dialogue made reaching out about this collaboration a no-brainer. I appreciate you and the way you move through the world as a human FIRST. That’s honestly most important to me in any collaboration - but also the ease and sensibility of the Devan Gregori brand and design sensibility. I love that your designs are truly built to be inclusive of all walks of life.

The Devan Gregori brand is all about inspiring confidence through clothing, celebrating our bodies and rediscovering the playfulness and joy in personal style. Is style important to you? If so, how does your style reflect what you want to say to the world?

Style is SO important to me! I’ve always had my own unique style sense since I was a small child. My mother is one of 5, and my grandfather was a master tailor. I’ve always had a love for wearable beauty, and it runs strong in my family! As an artist, fashion is an extension of my creativity. I’m hoping what my style says to the world is that I’m fun, quirky and a big lover of color!

What does Oakland Style mean to you?

Oakland style, to me, has it’s own pulse! Much different than other parts of the Bay for sure. It encompasses so much, sub-culture, crusty punk, streetwear, sleek and classic, vintage quirky- you name it, it’s here! I love that style here feels the most expressive.