Cassandra L. is explosively colorful. She mixes patterns and vivid colors with chic abandon. Her eyes smile warmly at you from behind GX Gwen Stefani glasses.
At first, DGO nerded out over Cassandra’s grandiose, mirrored earrings but then we triple-nerded out over the fact that she stood near a whole table of earrings. It was Local Artist Night at Balcony Backstage and Cassandra had a motherload of raditude to sell. We asked Cassandra about her art.
“The earrings are paper crafts adhered to wood with a sealant coating it. Sometimes I paint the backs or sometimes I will attach a dual design. I’m inspired mainly by Navajo culture and tradition and by pop culture. We refer to this kind of style as “Native Pop.” I’ve been doing this since about 2009. It’s a fun side project but I’ve been focusing on it more this year than previous years.
I love the time I get to spend by myself being creative. If I rush a design, it can get sloppy. If I’m not feeling it or putting my heart into it, that comes across. When I take the time for myself to get it done right, I can make earrings and be like, ‘Damn, this is dope.’
People have supported my work for a lot time and that’s cool and I’m thankful for that. I want to share my heritage and culture, and that’s where my heart is within this.”
To see more wearable art by Cassandra L., check out Littlesky Customs at www.instagram.com/littleskycustoms or https://squareup.com/store/LittleskyCustoms.
Interview edited and condensed for clarity.Patty Templeton
