Artist Bio
Leslie Lopez is a Mexican-American artist based in the SF Bay Area. She draws inspiration from her heritage and her family's immigrant roots to create work that involves exploration of the self.
Leslie Lopez, "Nahuales"(2021), Ceramic, 4" x 6"
Leslie Lopez, "Blue Spiral"(2021), Ceramic, 4" x 6"
Leslie Lopez, "Mexican Spring"(2021), Ceramic, 3.5" x 6"
Artist Bio
Eyaeal Fisseha is an Ethiopian artist based in the Bay area. Eyaeal graduated from California State University of East Bay with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.
She is currently working with watercolors and ink to showcase the connection with the human mind and nature. Eyaeal is passionate about personal growth and using that progress to uplift and build her viewers through her artwork. In the process of developing herself, she arrived at the series "Thoughts & Nature." The goal of her paintings is to connect with her viewers on her outlook on peaks and valleys of life and how it affects human behavior and thoughts.
Eyaeal Fisseha, "Thought Garden"(2020), Watercolor and Ink, 14" x 11"
Eyaeal Fisseha, "You Are Not Alone"(2020), Watercolor and Ink, 11" x 14"
Eyaeal Fisseha, "Self Compassion"(2020), Watercolor and Ink, 14" x 11"
Eyaeal Fisseha, "Wilted Thoughts"(2020), Watercolor and Ink, 11" x 14"
Eyaeal Fisseha, "Blooming Scars"(2020), Watercolor and Ink, 14" x 11"
Eyaeal Fisseha, "Free Your Mind"(2020), Watercolor and Ink, 14" x 11"
Artist Statement
What is in your thought garden? What type of thoughts grow in your mind? The idea for this series came together as I was discovering new things about myself and evolving. These paintings are my journey of progression. Naturally, personal development is a relatable experience for many. In the course of my work, I showcase the process of how thoughts affect the human mind through a connection to nature.
Nature and humans are intertwined. The use of flowers, butterflies and color choices in my work portrays our relation to our environment. For example, in one painting, a sunflower illustrates the sun that is shining on a woman and giving her encouragement. The sun gives us warmth, reduces stress, and fights off depression. Therefore, the representation here is of how the physical world can uplift individuals. On another work, flowers represent the negative and positive ponderings that are blooming in our mind. We can also see an example of that pattern in nature. We see flowers bloom and when their time is up, they wilt and die. It is the same with our conscience mind. A positive contemplation can thrive but can be replaced or wilts into negative notions, as shown in the piece "Wilted Thoughts". But just like a flower that blossoms again, our thoughts can go back to being positive again. So, the wilted flowers in my collection convey obstructive thinkings that are flourishing out of the mind.
As I was working through these sequence of watercolors, I learned that each of us are in control of our actions. Thoughts are powerful. But we as humans are more powerful than our ideas in our brain. Just like nature that revamps itself as time moves on, our human mind can do the same. I hope each person who views this body of work is able to relate and be able to sprout helpful, productive and useful ideas in their mind garden.
Joseph Mielke
Cal State Hayward Alum(1980)
Artist Bio
Joe was born and raised in the Bay Area and raised two children with his wife, Julie. Both of Joe and Julie's adult children are CSUEB alum. Joe has been making ceramic pottery for over 40 years. He is currently teaching ceramics at Tennyson High School in Hayward and has an open studio on Tuesday afternoons for students and their families. He enjoys throwing on the wheel, as one good turn deserves another! His motto is "Do your best" and he lives it.
Joseph Mielke, “Tea Pot”(2020), Ceramic Tea Pot with Handbound Bamboo Handle, 8” x 8” x 20”
Lawrence Bocage
Fine Arts Photography(2019)
Artist Bio
A child of the Bay Area. Trying to capture my own life as I live it. I want a life filled with the currency of creativity.
Lawrence Bocage, “Virtue”(2020), Photography, 11” x 17”
Artist Bio
Photography alumni based in the Bay Area. Casey is currently doing freelance photography and exploring the digital drawing art median.
Casey Gielen, "Ascend"(2019), Photography, 11” x 17”
Casey Gielen, "Appear"(2019), Photography, 11” x 17”
Chase Meë(Travis-Hoekwater)
BA Graphic Design(2013) & MA Multimedia(2016)
Artist Bio
Born in Los Angeles in the 80s art revolves around pop culture, hip-hop, being black and white and broke in post 2000s America.
Chase Meë(Travis-Hoekwater), “House Arrest”(2020), Photography, 12” x 17”
Artist Statement
“An identity would seem to be arrived at by the way in which the person faces and uses his experience.” James Baldwin. This is a quote that sits with me deeply as I move forward in the collection moments in people's lives with art, whether it be with a single organized, prepared project, or a collection of several hundred photos that span a period of a subject’s life.
My life as an artist encapsulated with the idea that there are stories that I need to tell, and my passion is to seek out the profound and thought-provoking and add a level of empathy and emotion. My subject for my first exhibition, the Degenerates, was a group of people. Once I took you into their world, they became individuals that were fighting battles with depression, sexual confusion, anxiety, family issues, death, drugs, and alcohol. Moreover, I created empathy not only from the outside looking in but amongst themselves. Primarily they were some people that were randomly put together in a dorm room, some black, some white, some Latino, some Jewish, some Catholic, some straight, some gay and because of this project they see each other as family. I told their story through photos taken over four years and put their life on walls for anyone to embrace.
At the heart of it, that project was who I am as an artist. Exploring the humanity of people with whom I am unfamiliar, curating the show, designing the promotional materials as well as promoting the show. Taking on the entire load for the show and subsequent shows molded me into the artist that I have become.
I cannot predict where my artistry will go whilst I navigate the world. I do predict that I will gain an unparalleled appreciation for the history and practice of graphic design, photography, and videography that will go far beyond the understanding that I have now. I know that the storytelling through photography and design will become refined and based in groundwork set by my predecessors. I want to be able to move the cultural melting pot of Los Angeles’s underground music scene which I have been following for the last year forward. I want to add deep historical context to the work I produce. Furthermore, I want to take my work and place it in front of the eyes of people that are not familiar with the subjects with whom I choose to work. Lastly, I want to expand my storytelling to other mediums taking the design foundation I possess and storytelling photography and combining them to make film and video and do impactful installations as I did with the Degenerates show.
I am incredibly proud of the artist I have become, and I think that my design foundation has paved the way into many other mediums. It is my position that design fundamentals such as space, shape, layout, typography, and most importantly that everything that you show even down to the smallest detail must have a reason and meaning to be there are indispensable to be a true artist of any medium.
I AM AN ARTIST.
Adolfo Hernandez
Bachelor of Fine Arts(2019)
Artist Bio
Adolfo Hernandez born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras and now currently living in Hayward, California. I have always loved to draw since I was a kid. I am a self-taught artist learning from comics, art books, and favorite artists and trying different types of media. But my favorite media to use are markers with color pencils and charcoal. I am always trying to learn and improve my artwork everyday. I graduated with my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cal State East Bay, but you can find me at Delta Art and Tattoo in Pittsburg, California and at Revere Tattoo in Hayward, California where I am a tattoo artist and now taking new clients to design my own artwork and put it on skin. I love where my art career is taking me and hope to continue my adventures!!!
Adolfo Hernandez, “MF DOOM”(2020), Digital Art, 8” x 10”
Adolfo Hernandez, “JDILLA”(2020), Digital Art, 8” x 10”
Josefina Vega
BFA Fine Arts Practice(2021)
Artist Bio
Josefina Rocha Vega is a visual artist and painter from Watsonville, California. Her work stems from the inspiration of compassion for others and takes an interest in themes that depict her fascination with the intangible complexities of people, such as vulnerability, honesty, wonder, intimacy, empathy, kindness, and exploring their interconnectivity. She strives to weave these concepts by portraying them as an act of giving through her art practice.
Josefina is a first-generation Latina and a 2021 graduate from California State University East Bay, earning her BFA degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Oil Painting.
Josefina Vega, ”La Lucha”(2021), Acrylic on Canvas, 16" x 20"
Josefina Vega, "Transcendence"(2021), Acrylic on Canvas, 16" x 12"
Josefina Vega, "Internalized"(2021), Acrylic on Wood Panel, 18" x 18"
Catherine Jae Ignacio
BFA Fine Arts Practice(2020)
Artist Bio
Catherine Jae “CJ” Ignacio, is a Bay Area artist specializing in functional ceramic pieces and sculptures. She was born in Quezon City, Philippines and from a working class Filipino family of carpenters and makers. Catherine immigrated with her family to the United States at the age of five and settled in California. She began as a crafter when she was seven years old by creating handmade cards and collages from scrapes of paper. From there, she started to work with different materials and techniques. Catherine began working and exploring clay and ceramics in August 2017 at Merritt College in Oakland, CA. After earning her Associates in Arts, Art History and Art Studio at College of Alameda, she transferred to California State University East Bay in 2018 and graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts Practice. Since then, she has continued to explore both painting and ceramics while working at a local auction house in the Bay Area.
Catherine Jae Ignacio, “Evolution: Depth of Feeling”(2020), Ceramic Sculpture, 17" x 2" x 6"
Catherine Jae Ignacio, “Evolution: Depth of Feeling”(2020), Ceramic Sculpture, 17" x 2" x 6" (DETAIL)
Catherine Jae Ignacio, “Future Generation, collaboration with Yoaz Tuor”(2019), Pit Fired Ceramic Sculpture, 2' x 10" x 8"
Catherine Jae Ignacio, “Future Generation, collaboration with Yoaz Tuor”(2019), Pit Fired Ceramic Sculpture, 2' x 10" x 8" (DETAIL)
Catherine Jae Ignacio, “Future Generation, collaboration with Yoaz Tuor”(2020), Pit Fired Ceramic Sculpture, 2' x 10" x 8" (DETAIL)
Pia Cisneros
BFA Art, Fine Art Practice Concentration(2020)
Artist Bio
Pia Cisneros attended Cal State East Bay and received a B.F.A in art concentrating in Fine Art Practice in Spring 2020. Her work is based on inspirations and memory. Different inspirations and memories come from Catholicism, being a Bay Area native, and other personal interests. She uses charcoal to bring her works to life, working in hyperrealism. Pia is not limited by this and has also worked in painting, printmaking, ceramics, and other art forms.
Pia Cisneros, “Take me Out to the Ball Game”(2020), Charcoal on paper, 9” x 13”
Artist Statement
This work is focusing on memory in the subject matter of sports. When working with this theme, I am reminded of the memories that come along with it, whether they are positive ones that I cherish or ones I wish were forgotten. However I want the work to also connect with the viewers and remind them of their own memories. Each piece allows the audience to connect with themselves and even listen to the image’s own story.
The first step to my creative process is to pick a photograph. I used images with well-known athletes and a broader image. I then decide the scale which depends on what I am drawing. I focus on the most important part of the image, cropping it to make it my own. The negative spaces in the pieces allow the viewer to create it themselves. I draw the outline and mark the shaded areas.
Once I am done with drawing it out, it is time to bring the piece to life. Towards creating my works, my hand always goes to grab charcoal. Charcoal allows me to create different tones to achieve beautiful gradients that result in making the images more realistic. Since charcoal can be a little messy, I cover the areas that I am not working on with tape and a paper towel. I pay very close attention to detail and my goal is to make it as life-like as possible. No matter how time consuming. Whether it is including every crease in a pair of jeans or the slightest hint of shadow. I constantly refer back to my reference and slowly watch everything come together. When I am done I wait until the following day to look at it again with fresh eyes. I ask for feedback and put on any finishing touches and then spray it with fixative. Every piece is a learning process filled with challenges but the final result is always worth it.
Pia Cisneros, "Taking a Stand"(2020), Charcoal on Paper, 13” x 13”
Pia Cisneros, "Unbroken Bond"(2020), Charcoal on paper, 16” x 20”
Natalia Gilina (KIM)
BFA Graphic Design and Multimedia (2009)
Artist Bio
Natalia is a Russian born artist, graduated from CSUEB in 2009. Always drawn to classic media, like oils and charcoal. She is passionate about unaltered artist vision, fantasy of an idea and connection with the animal spirit.
Artist Statement
I paint and draw things, flowers, animals that I see everyday and stop me for their beauty. We live in a beautiful world and I get surprised every day by the beauty that I try to capture in my art.
The world of my works is a little bit of a fantasy. I see the world through a pink glass and that makes me happy. Ever since I was a child I was captivated by horses. The spirit of a horse, the energy, the beauty, their movements are full of magic to me.
My painting of two horses is a depiction of the duality of human spirit, female and male beginnings, twin flames, day and night, moon and night that dance together.
Pencil on a black paper has for a long time been one of my favorite mediums. I love the contrast of delicate flower petals on black paper as it accentuates the beauty of the flowers. In 2020 I created a series of drawings of the orchids that I grow.
Natalia Gilina, “Duality”(2021), Oil on Canvas, 36” x48”
Natalia Gilina, “ Bouquet”(2021), Pastels, 12” x 16”
Natalia Gilina, “Orchids”(2020), Pastels, 12” x 18”
Jerrald Loche
BA in Studio Art(2017)
Artist Bio
Jerrald Loche (born 1993) is a Hayward resident and California based artist and photographer. In June 2012 he graduated from Castro Valley High School. From Fall 2012 to Spring 2017 he attended Cal State University East Bay, where he graduated with a Bachelor of the Arts Degree in Studio Art. His work presents a saturated palette to establish commonality and positive emotional states that can be shared by his viewers.
Jerrald Loche, “Keep It Up”(2019), Spray Paint on Canvas, 11” x 14”
Jerrald Loche, “Make Your Wings”(2019), Acrylic on Canvas, 8” x 10”
Jerrald Loche, “Go With Your Good Times”(2019), Spray Paint on Canvas, 11” x 14”
Artist Statement:
I have always had an interest in color. It is very direct in presentation, but a combination of colors can convey many different emotions. As children, colors are one of the things that catch our attention the most and as we get older. Color is used to identify the ways that we think, act, and feel. I transform the image through the color that I associate it with. It gives each image an illustrative, fantastical element. In my work, through color, I try to represent a sense of wonder and creativity that people can identify with.
Kim Champion
BFA Studio Arts(2017)
Artist Bio:
Kim Champion is a native Californian, born in the Bay Area. She is a graduate of Cal State East Bay University with a Bachelor of Arts in Traditional Studio Art. She currently lives in Dublin, CA with her husband and two children.
Kim Champion, “You Won't Forget Me”(2021), Acrylic/Ink Pen on Paper, 11" x 14"
Artist Statement
I am not what you would call an outdoors person, but I am fascinated with nature's shapes. My drawings are more of a surreal version of what you might find outdoors or in the water, but that's what I am moved to create. The process is very meditative and a way for me to escape the real world.
Kim Champion, “Quiet Place”(2020), Acrylic/Ink Pen on Paper, 11" x 14"
Kim Champion, “Quiet Me”(2020), Acrylic/Ink Pen on Paper, 11" x 14"
Kim Champion, “Quiet One”(2020), Acrylic/Ink Pen on Paper, 11" x 14"
Nasario Gutierrez
BFA, Spring 2021
Artist Bio
My name is Nasario Gutierrez. I'm currently working as a Freelance Artist/custom T-shirt designer. The city of San Jose is where I was raised. I attended Cal State East Bay Hayward from 2018 till graduation in the spring semester of 2021. After graduating from CSUEB I have been focusing on creating a small Custom T-shirt designing business.
Nasario Gutierrez, “Edge to Edge”(2020), Spray Paint in Canvas, 24” x 48”
Nasario Gutierrez, “John”(2020), Spray Paint in Canvas, 24” x 48”
Khoa Martin Hoang
Bachelors of Fine Arts, Graphic Design 2016
Artist Bio
Khoa Martin Hoang is a first-generation Vietnamese American, visual designer by day, and an artist by night. After going through his own personal mental health struggles, he’s been creating art to advocate for mental health awareness in the Asian American community around him. Khoa’s work brings honest and personal advocacy along with relatable content to his audience. He has worked with Adobe, Zenni Optical and NBC Sports serving as a visual designer across their projects.
Khoa Martin Hoang, “ Meltdown”(2021), Acrylic on Wood, 11'“ x 5”
Matt Ritchie
BA Studio Art(1993)
Artist Bio
I draw and paint and make wood things, fine art, and illustrations. Digital drawings printed as high quality giclée prints.
Matt Ritchie, “Patterns and Stamps”(2021), Digital Drawing Printed on Giclee Paper, 8” x 8” (Installation view)
Matt Ritchie, “Patterns and Stamps”(2021), Digital Drawing Printed on Giclee Paper, 8” x 8” (Side view of installation)
Marc Vicente
BA in Graphic Design(2018)
Artist Bio
California Illustrator and Graphic Designer specializing in Character, Logo and Board Game Design.
Marc Vicente, “Red Dragon Goon”(2019), Pipe Cleaner Sculpture, 6” x 5.5” x 7”
Artist Statement
Red Dragoon 'Goon is an fully-articulated, original pipe-cleaner sculpture character I made, based on another original pipe-cleaner sculpture I made in 2018. Unlike the original Dragon Goon which was blue and had a purple weapon, I decided to give this Dragoon Goon wings and claws. Its design is slightly inspired by the Yu-Gi-Oh! card "White-Horned Dragon."
Marc Vicente, “Rosemon”(2021), Pipe Cleaner Sculpture, 5” x 6” x 7”
Artist Statement
Rosemon is a character from Digimon, a franchise that partially inspired me to get into art. Playing through old Digimon games in recent years made it one of my favorite characters of all time. Rosemon appears multiple times in the franchise and has an iconic design; sporting a red rose-themed suit that contrasts beautifully with its yellow thorn whips and green cape. This detailed figure is fully articulated, and features thorn-whips that can be extended with additional whip sculptures, or folded to store them within the arms."
Roderick Cayabyab
BA in Psychology, 2021
Artist Bio:
Roderick is a self-taught painter from California who received his bachelor's in psychology from CSUEB in 2021. He takes interest in the human condition and consciousness in which he finds the best way to portray these complex ideas is through the unpredictable nature of paint. Roderick enjoys to experiment with oil paints, making sure to utilize century-old methods such as glazing as well as grinding his own paints by hand. His goal is to create unique paintings by referencing subjects from random music videos or cartoon characters, as well as utilizing pigments that are no longer used in public infrastructure.
Roderick Cayabyab, “Study for Nakatani 1”(2021), Oil on Canvas, 11” x 14”
Roderick Cayabyab, “Self Portrait 1”(2021), Oil on Canvas, 11” x 14”
Roderick Cayabyab, “Satan Veludo”(2021), Oil on Canvas, 16” x 20”
Artist Statement:
Whenever I would paint, the piece would look decent at the beginning stages, then when it's about done the entire thing dies. After going through some sessions that seem entirely pointless do the pieces come back to life with more spirit than ever. There's this strange phenomena where some of my paintings would tell the future, whether it be my future emotions or decisions. I suppose painting is a way for me to escape death because I often think I will die at a young age, but I like to think the paintings want to save me. It's also a nice escape because the paint and the brushes never lie to me, and that's reassuring in this time where opinions and relationships can turn on a dime.
Liliana Herrera & Brandon Meins
BFA Studio Arts(2017) and BFA Photography(2017)
Artist Bio/Statement
“BLAH,” is back with another adventure this time accompanied by his friend, “B”. Blah is one of my fictional characters I created back in 2008, when I was in high school. He is one of my favorite characters and resonates with me the most. Blah is a little trouble maker at times but is filled with curiosity and to top if off he is very adventurous. His silliness makes him the life of the party but he is also someone you can count on, especially when going through the good and the bad times. This series is a collaboration between myself and photographer, Brandon Meins. In these works, BLAH returns with B, and embarks on adventures that will take the viewer beyond the beaten path. Traveling and exploring the world is something that interests both Brandon and I. In this series, our desire for adventure comes to life through the confluence of our two art practices. Brandon’s photography presents the viewer with imagery from his journeys, both near and far, while my characters evoke feelings of friendship, companionship, exploration, and the personal bravery these quests involve. Simultaneously playful and whimsical, whether through a trip to space, or an intimate moment with a flower, we are reminded of the wonder possessed by the child inside of us all. As these pieces draw the viewer to be pulled outward into the world, these works also seek to reveal something more inward: a sense of hope that is evoked through dreams, desires, and fantasies, ultimately reminding us that dreaming is FREE! So, join us on our journey of The Adventures of Blah and B. Remember, everything is achievable, if you take that leap and fly as high as you can reach. Love and be loved. Maintain to be different. Much love, Liliana and Brandon
Liliana Herrera and Brandon Meins, “The Adventures of Blah & B II”(2021), Acrylic Paint on Canvas Stretched Photograph, 16” x 20”
Liliana Herrera and Brandon Meins, “The Adventures of Blah & B III”(2021), Acrylic Paint on Canvas Stretched Photograph, 16” x 20”
Liliana Herrera and Brandon Meins, “The Adventures of Blah & B VII”(2021), Acrylic Paint on Canvas Stretched Photograph, 16” x 20”
Nick Szabo
Bachelor of Fine Arts(2020)
Artist Bio
Nick Szabo is a painter and printmaker living in Hayward, CA. Their work deals with combining geometry and design with layering and depth, often using block prints and stencils, as well as paints, charcoal, colored pencil, and marker.
Nick Szabo, “Dynamic Cluster”(2020), Acrylic, Marker, Spray Paint, Block Prints, and Ink, 24” x 30"
Nick Szabo, “Forager”(2021), Acrylic, Gouache, Ink, Marker, Block Prints, Colored Pencil on Panel, 24” x 36"
Nick Szabo, “Galactic Glass”(2020), Acrylic, Spray Paint, Stencil, Marker, Ink, and Colored Pencil on Panel, 36” x 24"
Rosita Fogelman
M.A. - Multi-Disciplinary Media Arts(2011)
Artist Bio
Rozita Fogelman is a Russian/American conceptual artist and eco-art activist. Born in 1964 in Tbilisi, Georgia, she immigrated with her family to Israel in 1975, and since 1998 she lives and works in Berkeley, California. She studied dance and music in Tbilisi, Georgia; graphic design and sculpture in Jaffa, Tel Aviv; Avni Institute of Art and Design, and in 2011, she pioneered a new multi-disciplinary media art graduate program at CSUEB with emphasis on multimedia, communication and contemporary studio practice arts. In 2016, Fogelman received a title of Research Scientist from the Israeli Academy of Arts, Design, Sciences and Humanities an award for the ASCII Graphic Glitch Art books and Facebook ASCII Museum. In 2021, Facebook ASCII Museum won A' Design Award Winner in Idea Design Category, and for the logo design of Facebook ASCII Museum. "Style of Fogelman's work is mainly abstract expressionist with emphasis on experimental use of unconventional tools and techniques. The work's primary focus is on energy, color and surface." Grace Munakata
Rosita Fogelman, “On My Walks - Lost and Found”(2020), Mixed Media Installation with Found Objects, Varnished Tree limbs, 8’ x 4’
Artist Statement
An installation of found objects from my walks.