Meet Summer Vega

Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Vega.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve always had a passionate, creative spirit, painting, creating, writing, taking photos + making jewelry for as long as I can remember. I suppose you could say creating is my calling. I learned to sew when I was ten, taught by my Mother + I was immediately infatuated. I went on to design school to study, both at a local college and at the Fashion Institute of Design + Merchandising, where I hold a degree in Visual Communications.

Born + raised in Southern California, my design aesthetic embodies my roots, a blend of desert meets beach, influenced by my love of culture + global travel. Each + every piece is handmade with love by me in my studio and is a reflection of who I am. I have visited 20 countries so far + am looking forward to visiting more, exploring, learning and growing along this journey, continuing to make lasting connections where ever I go.

We’d love to hear more about your art.
I create one of a kind wearable pieces of art using antique and vintage textiles from Western Africa. I design + sew each and every piece with my heart and hands, each unique and made with love. It is my intention to inspire the person adorned in one of my designs to feel beautiful, seen + empowered.

The textiles I work with are pieces of art themselves, each handwoven on a loom by tribal Artisans in remote villages. I chose to use these sacred textiles for my designs to celebrate years old art forms, transforming them into modern shapes + versatile designs, meant to be heirloom pieces, loved + cherished for years to come.

What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Oooo I love this conversation! As many of us have noticed, the retail market has drastically shifted over the last few years, where more and more people are choosing to buy more consciously, becoming much more thoughtful of their purchases and consumption. Now more than ever are more + more people choosing to support local, small businesses, slow fashion + brands that align with more meaningful values, a refreshing shift directly supporting the arts.

I love to see the shift in people buy with intention, giving a deeper meaning to how we are spending our money + what we are inviting into our lives. I see people wanting to connect, meet the Artisan who is creating goods, hear the story of these Makers, Artists and Creators, whether it be clothing, jewelry, crafted beer or wine. The way we consume is becoming more human, and it warms my heart to see this shift in our culture. I love to see your city, and numerous communities throughout our country, supporting their local Makers, Artists and Creators through markets and events! Such an exciting, and much overdue, time for Artists + Creators!!

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work is available for purchase in my Web Shop on summervega.com, small boutiques in California and Colorado + at markets + events I participate in throughout Southern California. I am a regular vendor at Mojave Flea and am looking forward to being a part of more events in 2020. I also offer custom orders + wholesale.

People can support my work in a number of ways, by following along my journey on Insta @_summervega, through a like or share, stopping by and saying hi while visiting a market or event I am at! You don’t have to necessarily buy anything, there are so many positive ways to support Artisans!

Contact Info:

• Website: SUMMERVEGA.COM
• Email: HELLO@SUMMERVEGA.COM
• Instagram: @_summervega

Image Credit:
Models: Kayla Strong, Laura Dart, Summer Vega. All photography by Summer Vega.

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