Sand One’s Trials and Tribulations ~ La Brea at San Vicente

The wall above was completed by Sand One a couple of months ago. Even in a city  as diverse and vibrant as this one, how many young Mexican-American women are painting large murals all over L.A.? The number is shockingly low in a city bursting with young female artistic talent. You may not be a fan of Sand's art but you can't even begin to question her dedication and hustle. Here Sand personally relates the difficulties she faced in creating this mural, far into the city's West Side.

La Brea and San Vicente-- one of the most stressful, nerve wracking murals that I have created this year in my city, Los Angeles.

From anonymous callers contacting the business owner and threatening to sue him for allowing me a to paint my cartoons, to a local artist attempting to intimidate me and surrender the wall to them, to insurance companies and city workers coming around in hopes of catching me in some false violation of the rules, this wall was a struggle from day one. I wish to remain unstoppable regardless of all adversities and obstacles presented.

Growing up in Los Angeles has hardened me. I feel no emotions and no sympathy when it comes to protecting my art. I am not afraid to fight for what is righteously mine. I am not afraid of an older man attempting to shatter my ambition. Of a spiteful woman wishing to come after what I am happily building for my community. I represent women and young dreamers, I love and understand that we are all dreamers going after our wildest dreams in this city.

My dream is to paint the world.

This wall was a learning experience... I love painting and I am not taking anything from anyone. I have created my own movement with my two bare hands. I love my city, even though my city refuses to accept me. I am not going anywhere-- I am Los Angeles, and I run through L.A.

Photo Credits: Top photo by Melrose & Fairfax, bottom by Eva Recinos.