Coco Urhausen Martinez was born into a Mexican-American family in the Pacific Northwest. She resided in-and-out of Mexico throughout her childhood and adult life before moving to New York in 2005 where she began her close working relationship with Heatherette.
Her studies at PSU (BA), the Fashion Institute of Technology and Tech De Montteray in Guadelejara, Mexico alongside experiences as a florist, back-up dancer, costume designer, production assistant and seamstress are prevalent in her craft. Much of her esthetic draws from eclectic classical costume jewelry, specifically from her ancestors' long career in the Mexican Circus. Her grandmother, Auflelia Cardenas, who's crippling tightrope accident ended her career as a circus performer, designed and created costumes for the Mexican Circus thus passing on her craft to her grand daughter, Coco. Inspired by her family's heritage of versatile Mexican Circus performers including equestrians, acrobats, jugglers, and tightrope walkers, Coco skillfully combines and expresses their essence of adventure and discipline with her vast appreciation and knowledge of modern designs and fashion. As a result, she successfully merges costume jewelry esthetics with classical and modern eras by using contemporary mediums and techniques.
Coco designs and handcrafts all of her pieces. A mold for is produced for each of her designs. The molds and castings are made from silicone rubbers and urethane plastics, giving her flexible, careful control of each piece. Original designs are made from wood and wax carvings, or by the manipulation of previously assembled pieces. The earrings are hung from sterling silver or gold-plated posts. Select designs are adorned with plastic or brass chains. Finally, each piece is given a title referencing its inspiration.
Recently Coco has collaborated with Patty Wilson on custom pieces for photo shoots and with Ryan Watkins-Hughes for Heist Gallery in NY. On her own she has been doing specialty pieces for Screaming Mimi's in New York City and Mini Market in Brooklyn. She created both jewelry and hand bag pieces for Adam Arnold's fall runway show as well as many of the shows at New York Fashion Week.
Coco's presentation will showcase her work and demonstrations of her creative process including details about materials, techniques and safety advice. She will also highlight resources for materials and information.
Come on by Tonight!
Tuesday January 25th
6:00 PM
Coco Urhausen Martinez: Coco Cardenas
Core77's Hand-Eye Supply
23 NW 4th Avenue
Portland, Oregon
and right here via web stream at 6pm Pacific.
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