Angel Estrada is a mixed media artist working out of Albuquerque, NM. Through his creative brand, Estrada Design, he releases one-of-a-kind art pieces & limited edition capsules. “Our mission is to include handmade elements with sustainability in mind, something lacking in today’s fast-paced, consumerist society.”
In the spring of 2020, Aaron Maldonado, reached out to Angel to discuss a potential second collaboration before he headed to New Mexico. “We wanted it to be something simple and beautiful and decided a tumbler would be that” said Angel. “The ceramic vessel was meant to symbolize humans and all that we go through in life. Similar to the clay and its process. After being stretched, drowned, and burned the ceramic is still beautiful and useful.”
In 2020, Angel received a grant from Hudson River Housing and Arts Mid-Hudson to fund the creation of this video. The idea of the project was to help address gentrification and displacement in Middle Main Poughkeepsie by allowing the community to be seen and heard. Along with this video, Angel had a series of shows and craft sales with pieces available for “pay what you want” to allow his work to be accessible.
“This project meant so much to me because it was my last project before moving to New Mexico. The juxtaposition between highlighting the community I grew up in and the idea of a community member spreading their wings to grow felt very important.”
A meeting of the minds between Angel and Aaron Maldonado to create a limited-edition capsule for Brigade in 2017. This 4 piece collection included a wheel-thrown ashtray, work pants, t-shirt, and hoodie.
“This collaboration brings me fond memories of commuting to the city to link with Aaron and just creating and hanging out. Learning so much about the industry and our ability to design and produce products. The event we held in our hometown was nothing short of legendary.”
Meeting of the Minds
Collaboration painting between Angel, Sean Donovan, & Aaron Maldonado that later became the pant design.
