About Me
Hi! My name is Ilse Cadena
I’m a multidisciplinary visual artist and toy designer currently based in Los Angeles, CA.
I enjoy blending multiple media forms into my practices. I also enjoy the process of transforming a 2D artwork into a 3D piece.
On a deeper level, I’m interested in the human phenomena, social impact work, business strategy, and exploring the less visible sides of society.
Studying Toy Design felt natural as it brings together my love for art, play, and technical problem-solving.
I was born in Puebla, Mexico, into a family rooted in medicine and business rather than the arts. Creativity was not something that was encouraged. As a toddler, I fondly remember constantly drawing on the walls. I also remember spending many afternoons cleaning those drawings off the walls.
I migrated to San Francisco, CA, when I was eleven. Soon after arriving, I was recruited into XTECH, a working prototype of a student-production laboratory inside The Exploratorium. There, students had access to the same tools, technology, labs, and mentorship that museum staff had. That space was the definition of: Burning is learning. I spent the next 10 years immersed in a variety of roles through out the museum and through all that, I developed a strong foundation in hands-on building, iterative design thinking, STEM education, and resourcefulness.
This experience continues to heavily inspire my work today.
-Ilse
Don’t hesitate to reach out
Commissions, email directly: cxilse.art@gmail.com
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