Target x US Soccer Foundation x 179 Mini Soccer Pitch Project
Learn more about creating the art for this project and listen to my 1st ever podcast episode!
I was approached by Target at the end of 2020 to see if I was interested in a new program they were partnering with the U.S. Soccer Foundation for. They were creating mini pitches for playfields for schoolyards all over the nation and were asking local artists to create designs for them. They were interested in seeing if I wanted to design one for 2 schools in Yakima, Washington. They had no idea I used to live in the area and it felt like the universe was calling and I had to pick up! Here was my chance to bring my art to a place I often dreamt about so I happily accepted.
Although I was born in Seattle Washington, our dad moved us to a small town outside of Yakima called Granger. And then we lived in an even smaller area called Crewport. Granger is known for these old dinosaurs statues that welcome you when you drive into town. There, we grew up a cross the street from a berry patch, a bunch of burned down buildings that ravaged the area, dairy farms and fields, lots and lots of open fields. Since my dad was a farmworker, I have memories of bringing him lunch with my mom. Driving home on the highways, I remember the hills always reminded me of sleeping dinosaurs.
In the summer we would catch tadpoles and frogs in the ponds and in the winter hide from the snow and eat atole to keep warm. We were wild and free and I think this freedom to roam is what motivated me to move so freely in the city when we later moved back to Seattle. The explorer in me always wants to seek new experiences and learn of new places especially now where my playscape is international.
So, I wanted to share all these precious memories. My artist brain connected the soccer pattern of the ball as scales and I remembered when I would look to the hills and see the dinosaurs and thought of dragons. I came up with a few drafts in more of an abstract direction, very playful like. My work is always color centered so I need to feel grounded in a palette before I can really start the work of designing. I wanted to tie in the richness of the land and the things that grow so well from it.
The second draft was more literal. I honed in on the idea of the mountains and hills being alive. I added more color and really used the colors of the landscape to my advantage. The greens of the fields, the blues of the endless skies, and the yellows of the earth. I sometimes miss this area so much, the dirt, the grass, the sunsets. I then sent my files out and waited.
In September of 2021, I traveled to Walla Walla to give a lecture on my art and I was able to stop and see these installed. Being able to see them in person was emotional, like being able to gift something to a place that shaped so much of my imagination. I also took advantage of being in my old neighborhood and went to see my old home, the dairy where I first had fresh milk, and of course the old dinosaur statues. It was a mix of emotions. I also went and visited my father and sisters grave. I think of how proud would they be if they could see me today... and I wonder.
Finally, all the artists were asked to create small videos of us explaining our designs. Obviously mine is hilariously awkward. I became an artist so I wouldn't have to talk so much. Now I find myself talking a lot, about myself, my art. Who would have known. I uploaded this to my YouTube, so please check it out.
You may learn more about this project here: https://ussoccerfoundation.org/programs/target-mini-pitches/
Prints and the original painting is available for purchase on my site shop179.com
Enjoy!
-Angelina V.
This is a post for all subscribers, big and small, I appreciate you all.