With the internet being so easy to access, it has become easier for independent artists to find an audience and let their work be known. As a result, a variety of movements, collectives, and scenes have found a way to pave their path. The independent art scene in Puerto Rico is no different. Recently, many artists from a variety of disciplines have found platforms that have made it easier for them to share their work. In addition, small businesses such as Electroshock in Santurce and Rio Piedras, bars like Off The Wall in Mayaguez, and libraries like La Casita Books and Gifts in Aguadilla have provided up-and-coming artists a space to display their talents. “Puerto Rican Women Killing It in the Independent Art Scene” is a series of interviews that provides a glimpse at some of the women who have recently gained recognition in the art scene. Though the artists are asked similar questions, some are asked queries surrounding their work, specifically.
Aidanette Heredia Negrón makes jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, and rings under her brand Tres Soles Jewelry.
What got you into jewelry?
I grew up watching my mom and sister and even my aunt making jewelry. I used to play with little Toys R Us beads sets and started selling jewelry when I was around six at school and to family friends.
How did you develop your style?
The style of the accessories I make are based on how I think it would look on myself and others. I think of differents outfits and different people personalities and how they would fit each one.
How has it evolved through the years?
Like I mentioned before, I started making jewelry since I was very young. The first things I did would be basically two beads alternated in different colors. In secondary school, I would do more elaborated jewelry. I stopped doing it for a while and in high school I started doing chokers. Now, I try to make styles that are in and that would look good on people from different ages and styles.
What are some of your influences and inspirations?
My inspirations are different women and men, since I also do jewelry for men, who want to find their unique style and want a piece of jewelry that talks for them.
Is there any other form of art you wish to pursue? If so, what field and why?
I would like to make my own clothing since I love fashion and sometimes it is hard for me find the exact style I want in store and finding my size is a big issue for me. Therefore, I would like to do my own clothes to choose my own style and I know other people would like them too.
What do you think about the current state of the arts in Puerto Rico?
There should be more colleges that offer studies in arts. People who purse art studies often have to leave Puerto Rico. In addition, schools in Puerto Rico should instill in the students the desire to pursue arts and their dreams; let the children know that there are more fields they can follow other than medicine and law. Schools should be more flexible with arts and include them in the curriculum and not only as electives.
What do you think about the current state of the independent scene in Puerto Rico?
I think the independent scene is growing in Puerto Rico. This is mainly due to the easy access to the internet and how each artist can expose their art there. This generation is also more open minded about the arts, support them and dare to be more creative and try new things.
If a young girl came up to you and said she wanted to be an artist, what would be your advice for her?
I would tell her that art is what makes the world great and beautiful and that she should definitely go for it. It will open up her mind and help her in many things in life and that nobody could take it away from her.
What is your biggest goal right now?
To expand Tres Soles and to take it to the next level. I want to bring different types of accessories and styles that match different personalities. I try to bring unique pieces but I know that there are some styles missing and that there are people who would not necessary like my style. I would like to expand in a way that every person can find a piece they like in Tres Soles.
What do you seek to achieve with work?
I want every person who purchases from Tres Soles to find their unique style and the exact piece they were looking for that they could not find anywhere else.
All of the pictures in this article were provided by Aidanette Heredia Negrón