Meet Tree Herrera | Visual Artist & ASL Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tree Herrera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tree, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

My love for art officially began in grade school, where I was introduced to arts & crafts. I enjoyed the process of creating with my hands and enjoying the beauty of the finished product. No matter what task or career I explored, I have always been drawn back to art. I dabble in painting, drawing, poetry, zines, prints, and most recently started making earrings. I use acrylics, colored pencils, markers, pens, etc to make my artworks. My artistic themes are centered around self-love, disability, communication, mental health, community care, racial justice, humanity, Deaf culture, and sign language.

Art is meant for people like me. Although it’s been a challenge to live as a disabled person with a speech disability, art has allowed me to express myself and share my message without having to say anything verbally. Art allows me to also manifest my creative visions in a way that others can enjoy and gives me an additional opportunity to make income, which is empowering for people like me.

As I mentioned, I make visual art, functional crafts, and zines. Among my works, I have a zine called “Hello There!,” which is a variety perzine that aims to entertain, yet educate readers. It includes drawings in sign language, silly jokes, as well as a personal poem that I wrote reflecting on my experiences about persevering and not giving up through adversities that I went through. Creating this zine also helped me shine and reminded me that even in the midst of darkness, I can still be focused and overcome whatever life throws at me. Another zine I made is titled, “Deaf Culture Should Be Accepted By Mainstream Society,” which discusses the issue of hearing ideologies, and presents solutions to support dea and disabled communities. Through my work, I hope to inspire others, educate others, and leave viewers/readers with smiles.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I had my first experience of having my work in a gallery in community college. Since that time, I have had the privilege of participating in more exhibitions, events, and connecting and eventually collaborating with other creative people in other artistic specialties. Among my accomplishments, my work has been featured in the Historic Pico House and I have contributed illustrations for community projects that are important to me such as the Care Package Project for Tuesday Night Project. Not long ago, I was art vending at a couple of small events, and someone asked me, “Is this your job? That’s so awesome and fun to be able to sell what you create”. At another event, I had a tiny table with a few of my stickers and earrings, and someone came up to me and said, “It’s fun for you, right? And you love it”. They gave me extra money for my art. I sell my art for very reasonable prices. Being an art vendor is risky because you don’t know if you will get any income from it. I have come to terms with being more appreciative of what I do and of knowing my value. For those who wish to support me, I have a Patreon (patreon.com/treecreatesart). In addition to art, I also recently started my own business by teaching online American Sign Language classes and this has become an outlet for me to help my community and help heal myself. I believe there is an importance about the spreading of sign language and how it brings representation to communities that need it. My creative and educational journey has not always been easy, but despite the many challenges I’ve gone through, I am proud of myself for continuing to create & share my truth, which I hope will make the world a better place.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I meet someone or know someone who is not from Los Angeles, or if my best friend came to visit, I would take them to the Griffith Observatory. You can look at the beautiful view of Los Angeles and check out the exhibition . Or go to Los Angeles State Historic Park in Chinatown for a picnic. I bring people places that are free to explore, two places I think are worth visiting. One of my favorite bakeries is Ruby Bakery in Eagle Rock, which is for those with a sweet tooth. I would take them to Noodle World, Joy restaurant, Thai Pot, or Portos for a meal. For an activity, if they feel something to do with exercising, I would take them to rock climbing at The Post, skateboarding in South Pasadena, or walking around the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. And invite them to go to any local music shows.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people and organizations whom I want to dedicate this shoutout to, like my family, friends, and art professors. I would also like to thank my communities, primarily those that are in and surrounding Los Angeles, which enhance my success in my creative journey daily. I also want to honor myself, not in a condescending way, but as a reminder that I was holding that seed of faith within myself to continue to pursue the creative field and be proud of these moments, knowing how far I have come. I want to celebrate this recognition with all of you, whom I dearly appreciate, and those who supported me and continue to do so.

Website: artoftree.weebly.com

Instagram: treearttalks

Facebook: Tree Art Talks

Other: patreon.com/treecreatesart

Image Credits
Tree Herrera