Wendy Angulo Productions
We continue strong with another episode of Trailblazers: Meet the Creatives. Today, you will meet Santiago Canario, the Clothing Designer.
Santiago showed up to my workshop this past November focused, with his dream project in mind, halfway developed and a duffle bag filled with some of his paintings, poems, and samples of his clothing brand. He took notes, asked questions, connected with the other participants and today I am excited and beyond proud to share that his clothing line Blessed Evolution is officially launched!!! This is what being a Trailblazer means: having a vision and executing! I invite you all to read his story and support his brand. You can place your orders via his Instagram page: @Blessedevolution.
Support your local artists Mi Gente!
Tell us about yourself, who are you and what do you do.
My name is Santiago Canario Acosta and I am an artist from The Bronx, N.Y. I paint, write poetry and I customize clothing. I also work as a union waterproofer in New York City and have been doing so for 14 years.
What’s your background?
I was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico to Dominican parents. I came to New York when I was a year and a half old and it has been my home ever since.
Define your artistry…
Soulful. Truthful. Emotional. Touching. It reflects the human experience.
What inspires you?
My family and friends. Sometimes they believe in me more than I believe in myself. Love. Heartache. Struggles. Mistakes. My experiences have moved me toward being a better man. Random events I witnessed throughout my day to day life inspire me as well. Conversations I have and the people I meet. Art, movies, music, and literature have also been major sources of inspiration.
What does your work aim to say? What themes do you pursue?
My work aims to express love, positivity, and mindfulness. I create with the hope that I touch someone in an important way. I want to bring light to the darkness, so to speak.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
I was told that my ‘Dive In’ poem, which you can read at @BlessedEvolution on Instagram, was stunningly beautiful. That response has stuck with me.
Who are your biggest influences?
Shawn Corey Carter, the man behind Rocafella Records and the Rocawear clothing line. His writing skills, as well as his business acumen, are highly respected. Shawn Stussy and his Stüssy clothing brand have also been a big influence. The brand’s humble beginnings are inspiring. And most recently Ronnie Fieg. His Kith brand has made a huge name for itself in the fashion world.
Should art be funded? Why?
Art is part of everyone’s daily life. The architecture you see when you walk down the streets and see the old and new buildings. The street signs and the store and restaurant awnings. Advertisements. The cartoons kids and some adults watch. The music we listen to and the books we read. Art feeds the soul. It also reveals it. Yes, I think art should definitely be funded.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
I was told to keep my attention on my goals and to let go of anything that was holding me back from achieving them. Be it fears, concerns and/or people. Just let them go and stay focused.
What is your dream project?
My Blessed Evolution line is my dream project. I love writing, I love painting. But with my clothing, I aim for every design I make to be a brand in itself. I want every person that wears one of my apparel items to feel connected to the art. To feel like what they’re wearing evokes a part of who they are or who they want to be.
What’s next for Santiago?
What’s next? I will continue to promote my Blessed Evolution customized clothing, as well as my writings and paintings through my Instagram page. And my website will be launching soon as well. More items in the works!
Let’s support this goal-driven Trailblazer by ordering one of his t-shirts or sweatshirts, his store is officially open and waiting for you to place your orders!.
Santiago Canario Acosta is an artist from The Bronx, NY. He writes poetry, paints and customizes clothing. His workmanship reflects his life experiences, interests and ambitions. Art and writing have been a major part of his life. With his Blessed Evolution brand, he aims to incorporate the two in order to communicate with the world.
