Melissa Depaz, also known as Mel, is a Latina artist based in Compton, CA. She is best known for her style of work in digital art, drawings, murals, and paintings. At the age of ten, Depaz took her first art lesson(s) with her father’s friend who was an art teacher in El Salvador; those lessons were her first introductory to the “fundamentals of art” (Depaz, 2019 as cited in VoyageLA, 2019). In her middle school and high school years, she had a realization that this was a talent she obtained, and it wasn't until graduating high school that she began to take it more than a hobby. In middle school, her art teacher realized her persistence and dedication in the classroom and suggested the Ryman Arts program. Depaz states, “I was given free art supplies and college level art lessons at Otis College of Art and Design. I did this program for two semesters which consisted of me going every Sunday for a year” (Depaz, 2019 as cited in VoyageLA, 2019). She later went off to community college, but as of the most updated interview in February 2019, she clarified that she was taking some time off to focus on her art exposure, but still has plans to apply for her Bachelor’s degree in the near future. Her artwork has been displayed all throughout Los Angeles, while her most recognized piece is the Compton t-shirt. The tee has gotten so much momentum in the community that it is now sold in selected Footlocker locations, and she was also given the opportunity to work on a mural for the new Footlocker Compton location. Her inspiration in artwork springs from identifying as being a Latina raised in Compton her whole life. Depaz tries to give her city authentic recognition, she explains, “I began to make art about Compton because I wanted to help beautify the city in some way by making art of its landmarks” (Depaz, 2019 as cited in VoyageLA, 2019).
Melissa Depaz in front of Foot Locker mural; Compton, CA.
Sources:
Art & Life with Mel Depaz: http://voyagela.com/interview/art-life-mel-depaz/
https://meldepaz.bigcartel.com/about-me
Mel DePaz, Angel Once and Goop Massta create a beautiful mural for Compton at Footlocker's new store. A Film by @cliffordwilliam: https://vimeo.com/477296008
Foot Locker conversation about Compton with Viva La Bonita: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHgAzYQFJTy/?igshid=18mbh2zkl67q0
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