Erick Medel is a Los Angeles-based artist who creates unique artwork using a sewing machine. Working with colorful threads on denim, Medel focuses on the depiction of the everyday life of immigrants in his city.
Medel, who is an immigrant himself with his family hailing from Puebla, Mexico, often seeks inspiration by walking the streets of LA. During his walks, he encounters people from all parts of the world who now call Los Angeles their home and witnesses all sorts of captivating scenes.
The scenes that resonate the most with Medel end up being photographed and taken back to his studio. There, he projects them on a piece of denim and spends weeks and sometimes even months etching the projection with a sewing machine.
“Sometimes these moments just find me; I might see a scene on my way back from the store, take a quick photo, and it becomes a piece of art. It’s these little moments in the city that inspire me,” Medel explained his creative process in a recent chat with Juxtapoz.
Medel’s unique artworks have been exhibited across the United States and featured in a number of publications. They are currently on view at Medel’s solo show at LA’s Charlie James Gallery.
