This piece, “California Soul” is an open love letter to San Francisco and the people who make it so magical. A place that I have called home the past decade and that brought me back to life, quite literally. My work aims to reflect joie de vivre. I dedicate this mural to all San Franciscans, past and present, who helped form the canvas, palette and composition that makes up this ever changing work of art.
This can be a hard place to survive and I found it is only made possible by friends, chosen family, and kindness of strangers. In some way, whether we have met or not, you have likely contributed to my story and I am thankful. Please consider this my gift to the place & people that made my dreams reality.
About the Artist
Lady Henze
My art has only one requirement: color. I work in two distinct styles, abstract and geometric-and color is what unites them. I believe these two different processes allow me to be the dichotomous person that I am- on one hand someone who is loose, mellow, meditative and spiritual. And on the other someone who is a control freak, meticulous, rigid and anxious. I work through this duality and explore the particular subsets of each trait in my series and murals.
I’m inspired by street artists, neon signs, tile work, pop culture, movies, music, the candy aisle and the bizarre reality show that is life. Behind all my work is my personal struggle with addiction. I paint because I got a second chance at life, because it is the thing that brings me the most joy, and so others know there’s hope.
I have mural art all over San Francisco- a few pieces that are open to the public include The Salesforce Transit Center and on Jane on Larkin off Cedar Alley in the Tenderloin. I have private pieces scattered throughout the Bay Area, Colorado, Minnesota and North Carolina.
Instagram: @ladyhenze
Portfolio: https://ladyhenzeart.com/
About the Partner
Paint The Void supports artists for the public good and highlights art as essential, particularly during times of crisis. The organization uplifts artists and their voices by funding public art and creativity in everyday urban spaces – spaces that impact and enhance people’s daily lives. Paint the Void is a fiscally sponsored 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, born from an idea to help keep artists engaged and paid as guardians of hope and beauty in a time of fear and uncertainty.
Instagram: @paintthevoidproject
Website: www.PaintTheVoid.org