Meet Tochtlita

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tochtlita.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
A femme & multidisciplinary creative from Yangna, Occupied Tongva Territory also known as South Central, LA. I specialize in sign painting-lettering, screen printing and design. Before I could ever imagine a career in art I involved myself in organizing alongside my community, which is why my work is heavily rooted in social awareness. Motivated by my hood, matriarchs and personal experiences, I aim in creating conscious visual narratives to develop needed financial and political resources for regenerative communities. Primarily focused on indigenous-cultural sovereignty, intersectional feminism, and mental health. I first started sharing my messages with banner drops on freeway overpasses and wheat pasting, it was something familiar to me and that I always had access to. It evolved to hosting free interactive public art workshops with mediums such as screen printing and aerosol. I learned the art of lettering at my local community college in a two years trade program under a journeyman sign painter. I am also an apprentice at ‘Hecho con Ganas’ taller under Boyle Heights-based artist Ernesto Yerena.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I knew I wanted to invest myself in a career with art but schooling was very expensive. I never got “formally” taught with a degree or university. My local community college offered sign painting and I knew that was the closest I’d get to learning about paint, brushes, etc. at the time. I jumped in, not knowing what to expect but grew immensely because of it. I also inserted myself in spaces & orgs with people who were doing what I wanted to learn, such as screen printing. I picked up on that solely from watching them and asking way to many questions. It was hard finding a balance at the time to invest in my passions and not give in and get a full-time job. Majority of people don’t see art as a notable profession and one in which you can have good monetary compensation. Eventually, I landed the mentorship and I was able to find that balance and invest myself consistently in my career as a full-time artist.

Please tell us more about your art.
Lettering (and art overall) is a very male-dominated field and as a brown womxn of color we break norms specifically being a sign painter. I didn’t stick to the traditional commercial lettering for businesses (which I got a lot of heat for) and instead, I chose to utilize the skills and craft I learned to critic the status quo that is inherently violent to BIPOC. The art of lettering has helped me express the goal of having conversations on autonomous community-based solutions. I like making my art accessible to the people which is why you’d usually see it on the streets or in poster forms, either spray painted or screen prints.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I took a mentorship with Boyle Heights-based artist Ernesto Yerena for the past three years; who was previously mentored by Shepard Fairy. Working alongside Ernesto has helped me further my growth and work ethic immensely as a creative involved in community. It took my work into the next phase of actually making a career out of it and learning the ropes of business when it came to art. It has also taught me the importance of passing down what I have learned to the next generation to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thetochtlisigns.com
• Email: tochtlita.co@gmail.com

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