Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Zuniga
Hi Daniel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in South East Los Angeles, never leaving the area until I enlisted into military service after High School. I was never great at school, my only achievements came from my art, my prospects were slim and the call for adventure was too great. The Answer came in the form of The United States Marine Corps were i spent most of my time as a 0331 machine gunner. In 2010 I was deployed to Marjah Afghanistan, during this time 2 events occurred that lead me to the mission I am on today.
One day while out on post a crowd gathered at the entrance of the base. An unusual event that meant I had to go investigate. As I walked closer the crowed opened, at the center of it was an old man holding a bundle of rags. We met at the center of the small bridge that led into the base. he immediately shoved the balled-up rags into my hands, and l instantly knew what I was holding. Cradled in my arms was the body of a baby girl the Taliban had thrown in a well to drown. Their revenge for the small help the farmer had offered us in a battle they were losing. I don’t know how long I sat there giving her mouth to mouth, but I can tell you that I beat myself up for almost 10 years.
As my deployment started the city of Bell my hometown was getting rocked with the scandal of corruption and theft. In all honesty it felt like a slap to the face knowing that this was what I was defending and what at the moment felt like I was going to die for. For a long time I felt shame in my city.
I blamed myself for failing her I blamed myself for her death, the pride I had in my city was replaced with shame the memories tarnished. I would drink myself to oblivion only to come back and do it again and again trying to forget it all. It wasn’t until I looked for help that I realized I was not honoring her properly that in retrospect my service was not for the people in power but for the people in the community. I gave my self a goal, a mission, a change in perspective. I would dedicate my self and my paper Mache sculptures, collages, street photography to raise money for various organizations like Los Angeles Children’s Hospital and Wounded Warrior. Im currently working on a campaign for Wigs for Kids. So far I have grown and donated 15 inches of hair .I also am currently working on my donation goal of $1,800 (at the moment we are at $1,575)
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say that the biggest challenge i have faced as an artist is recognizing myself as one. I often struggle with convincing myself that what i am making would actually matter to anyone or that anyone could relate to it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Most of my art is street Photography with a focus on the city of Bell and its surrounding neighborhoods like Cudahy, Huntington Park and Bell Gardens. My aim is to recapture the love i once had for my city while documenting the people, places and time.
I am most proud of my paper mache sculptures. They have evolved and gotten better every reiteration and i have learned a lot about my own creativity and ingenuity. I love every step of the way, from making the materials like the paper paste and clay to using a Dermel tool to sand in the details. I try to add new features to every sculpture like lights, music boxes and mirrors.
At the moment i am experimenting with collage art. A challenge to myself to stay creative and constantly be creating. Judging and editing photography takes time and once done i have to wait for the next chance i get to go exploring. Paper Mache is more of a waiting game than anything. Waiting for the layers of paper and clay to dry at time takes hours. i substitute that time with cutting paper and making surreal images with catchy phrases, lyrics and quotes. Its a very fun exercises.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I would have to say it was my High School art teacher Ms. Michelson. Not only because she belived in me during my time in High School but also because she kept in contact with me after i got out of the Marine Corps. She would constantly check up on me to see how i was doing. Not only did she help show me who i was but has been there for support in my struggle with alcoholism. I am very thankful i met you.
Pricing:
- At the moment all proceeds from my art is going to wigs for kids until the goal of $1800 is met.
- after that 20% of proceeds from my art will go to an organization that will later be named.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazy_brave_art/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://goo.gl/ubw8TS
- Other: https://crazybrave6913.start.page
