Final Project for my Film Photography Class (Spring 2014)

It has nearly been a few decades that women have been able to claim their own independence. When I think of independence I think of a females struggle to achieve it. Not only have women recently been able to completely flip the script on gender roles but they have been able to do with pride and dignity. It has not always been that easy though, and as a young female striving for total independence I would like to honor the young women that started to break that mold of typical female stereotypes many years ago. From personal observations and knowledge of fashion and art during the 60’s and 70’s, women on a larger scale started to branch away from the homemakers life. Of course there are women that decided that they were okay with being homemakers but that did not mean they did not have any sort of independence.

I chose to use 3 very different young women that I personally perceive as being independent in their own ways. The actions or activities they are portrayed doing are personal freedoms or choices of theirs. To complete my vision of these young, independent women I have dressed them in clothes that date back to the 60s and 70s.

 

PS I presented these at critique in Gold Vintage Frames. 

Projects From My Color Theory Class (Spring 2014)

My Final Project for my 3d design class. (Fall 2013)

Saving Just to Spend from Vanessa Riojas on Vimeo.

This was really fun to make! I have had this vision for a while and I finally got to go through with it when I got assigned this 4D project for my 3d class. I thank my boyfriend Eric for helping shoot this. <3

LOOKBOOK looks

Hello All!
Just revisiting old looks I have posted on lookbook. I am trying to bring up some of my old work for motivation and inspiration. Check out my bangs! haha

Currently focusing my time on school work and trying to find myself again. I have a feeling that when the weather gets better I will be producing more looks. I have met a lot of new people this year and I can not wait to collaborate with the talented ladies of Chicago.

Much Love & Respect

-Vanessa

2D & 3D Design Class (Fall 2013)

I am really enjoying my 2D & 3D design classes! Here are a few assignments I've had!

2D

Texture pen&ink:

 Texture Collage for Visual Journal:

Pattern, Figure/Ground Fluctuation:

Gradient Collage

Detail of my Final Project

3D

Texture:

Line study with wire:

Abstract Line with balsa wood

Abstract Plaster Sculpture  

Reconsideration: Tree made out of plastic bags

Searching for my personal inspiration in my past work.

Currently I am busy busy busy! I just turned 21 and I feel like my social life might be changing, which is exciting! I want to take that excitement and pull my inner creator out again. I'm stuck though. I have thoughts and designs but the time I just do not have. I need to change something. I know exactly what that is too. 

ANYWHO! 

I made this dress in December of 2011.

My inspiration was from a little 60s mod dress I found at an antique store in Iowa. 

This pattern was too adorable to not play with! I have been sketching a small collection but I really need to work on my sewing. SO hopefully that will be something I can achieve before the year is up. 

This is Leslie by the way! A super sweetie and a beautiful little soul!

ps. These pictures are terribly shot, my bad hahaha I still have much to learn

Much Love,

Vanessa

BOW

Revisiting this little idea I had. I've been sketching clothes again and I actually want to try to go through with one of my ideas fully again!

Lots of work and school right now. Wish I could post more! I'll do an art work post soon of what I've been doing in my 2d and 3d design classes. 

Ps: GIRL POWER

Much Love,

Vanessa

Hey, Life gets busy sometimes!

Hello! Long time no blog! Apologies to all! I have recently got a place in Logan square with my boyfriend and I just started class at northeastern illinois university. Life is pretty great right now, It's crazy how scatter brained I get when I don't have a schedule. I was made to make lists and keep moving! I also got a job at Steve Madden in Bucktown and I am gaining some retail experience. I've been there for a little over a month now and I can feel myself improving so that always feels nice. The only issue I am having is that i'd like my income to be like tripple what I am making right now so I am looking to go back to serving. Chicago show me some love and your money $$$

ART WISE! I shot this awesome all Female art showcase called Vagina the Third hosted by The Good Night Ladies. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the two night show!

I also plan to post photos of the projects I am doing in my 3d and 2d design classes! a lot of fun and i am excited to share!

I have been plotting some new projects so I hope I get some time to start getting back into my creative grind and start producing work for all to see

MUCH LOVE

Took a Trip Back to the 70s in Alex's 71 Buick Riviera

It was very hot but Alex and I ventured out to the crop fields of Plainfield for a little country 70s shoot in her 71 Buick Riviera! We both share a love for vintage so this shoot was really fun! Both of the dresses and the romper I picked up at Broken Spokes Antique Mall in Clintom, IA. All from the 70s!