Tess Hernandez
she/her
Santa Rosa, California, United States
My names Tess Hernandez and I’m currently a BFA student at Sonoma State University in California. Although I enjoy sculpture and metalworking I’m in the program with an emphasis on printmaking. I recently became founder and president of my schools Foundry Club where I’ve found endless support and friendships in my local art community. Currently working on incorporating my printing in my sculptures to get the best of both worlds.
“My body of work can only be described as a mash-up of the bizarre and freaky. If my work makes you curious or uncomfortable then I did my job. Much like my art, the materials I use are versatile and depend on my mood in the moment. I originally fell in love with drawing and painting but ever since joining the Sonoma State Art department I’ve discovered I love working with metals, wood, ceramic and printing so I’m always trying to expand my palette. I am president and founder of the foundry club at my college where we create various types cast molds and as a team we pour our metals to create sculptures. I draw inspiration from the depths of my twisted mind, ever since I was a little girl I’ve enjoyed creepy and dark which often concerned people but I’ve learned to embrace the weird. My goal while creating is to embrace play and enjoy the journey of creating the piece. I try not to take myself too seriously but I’m still serious about what I do.”
How does your work relate to the theme of flourish(ing)?
“I’d say my work fits into the theme of flourish(ing) by coming from a place of unapologetic queer self expression. Over the last few years as an art studio major I’ve settled into my passion for art as well as my queerness which is why I can say I’m flourishing as a person now. In high school I was still awkward and unsure of myself as an artist but as a college student I’ve gained the confidence to create all the bizarre pieces I want. My style generally is along the lines of unconventional, silly and dark and in these pieces I wanted to play around with the idea dismembering the Sonny Angel baby and reshaping them I wanted. As someone who would dismember and reassemble baby dolls as a child this series brought me pure joy. "
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
"HELL BENT", "Champlevé enamel on oxidized copper, brass findings, silver rivets, 4.5” x 3.5”, 2024"How does your creative practice allow you to flourish (grow, thrive, blossom)?
“I’ve only gotten into metal work in the last year and a half but I’ve learned so much in that short amount of time. Being a queer woman working in metal sometime I feel out of place or unconfident with my language when I speak about my experience, luckily is supported by my sculpture community. Now I’m president of Foundry Club and I need to lead my team while pouring metal, being confident is a must. The amazing people I’ve met and support system I’ve built truly are the reason I keep creating and why my drive will only grow from here.”
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
As a queer+ artist, what would you like to see and/or what do you need in order to flourish during this time?
“These pieces although a huge learning curve when casting, was a blast to create. Baby dolls are a reoccurring theme in my art and these are my first born metal babies.”
“I’d like to see more calls for queer art in my community in California, we have a fair amount but there can always be more. In the current political climate, supporting queer artists is more important than ever.”
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Simon Leung
[queerphoria]v4 @ ECU Symposium
