Linda Fernandez
Photography by BeauMonde Originals
Tell us about you and your work
I’m a multicultural artist, educator, and advocate who believes that art plays an important role in community wellbeing and social change. Collaboration is at the core of my creative practice. In 2013 I became a founding member of Amber Art and Design, an artist collective that creates public art and engages people in experiences where messages, artwork, and personal artifacts are exchanged across physical, social, and cultural divides. My personal work is inspired by graffiti and investigates the multitude of influences that create an identity and subvert the status quo.
What inspires you?
I draw a lot of inspiration from nature, I love color and some of the most amazing color combinations and contrasts can be found in plants and flowers. I’m also inspired by how culture and history shape our identity; what it means to be part of a multi-cultural diaspora living in the U.S. and how this affects our daily lives.
What does community mean to you?
Community to me means collaboration. It means coming together to share resources, uplift each other, and work in partnership to envision and build a better future.
Favorite film
One of my favorite films is one called “La Yuma”, it’s a Nicaraguan film about a young woman in Managua who dreams of becoming a boxer. It was shot in Managua, a city where I lived for a short time and which had a huge impact on my life. This movie brings me back to a time and place when I was envisioning and creating a different path for myself, and that's maybe why I connect so much with this film.
Favorite song
“La Vida es Un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz. I love everything by Celia Cruz and this song is a great motto to live by and appreciate the beauty all around us.
Favorite place
My favorite place is in Philly, anywhere that I can be in nature. Cobbs Creek is my favorite place to go every morning for a walk with my partner Keir and our dog Xelaju. It’s quiet and you can see so many amazing plants, flowers, and animals. I’ve learned a lot about nature from walking in Cobbs Creek.
