San Francisco – the city of Art and Innovation has always been an inspiration to many. And, to keep up with the spirit of this vibrant city, this year we decided to ask three talented artists to share their idea of a revival of San Francisco. The winners have been featured alongside their vision of the city, seasonal espresso artwork, and some fun questions to get to know them better. Get ready to be mesmerized by their creativity and unique perspectives on this amazing city!
Overview:
Sunny Side
Our first winner, Haley Guilfoile envisions a flourishing San Francisco as a diverse city of passionate individuals who have a healthy work/life balance, who have the food they need, who are able to spend time doing what makes them happy and take care of their mental and physical health. They can uplift each other and support local businesses, and grow a unique community where everyone belongs and thrives as exactly who they are.
How would you define your art style? Your profile says Pop Art, but feel free to add more here.
Yes definitely pop art, I love creating high contrast pieces with bold, fun colors.
Where do you find inspiration?
Most of my inspiration comes from my feelings. I relate my emotions to colors and compositions in my brain, and I have way too many emotions hahaha. I just wish I had time to paint them all!
How long have you been painting for?
I have been an artist my whole life. I started doing murals in 2015, then ran out of walls to paint and started on canvases in 2018.
When did you first discover Ritual and what’s your favorite drink?
I discovered Ritual when I lived at 19th and Valencia!!! I went almost every day for two years straight, between 2014-2016 ish. I love espresso. If I’m being decadent, I love a good lavender latte with hemp milk 🤤
You can learn more about Haley and her artwork here on her website or Instagram.
Kaleidoscope
This is how our second winner, Tatiana Viquez, envisions the City’s past, present, and future:
“Revival, rebirth—such is the current state of San Francisco. A city that continually evolves with the times now finds itself at a crucial juncture, ready to flourish. A city crafted in art, with its architectural marvels bearing witness to its past and future. The Palace of Fine Arts epitomizes this essence. Designed by Bernard Maybeck, it was intended to evoke a fictional ruin from a bygone era. Yes, life here, now, feels like another time. Nonetheless, this moment is not forever.”
How would you define your art style?
I’m not sure I have a clear style. My art has to do with how I’m feeling and if I’m searching to challenge myself at the moment I pick up my drawing implement.
Where do you find inspiration?
I usually find inspiration from reading an article or story, to pursuing Instagram. For the past few years I’ve been concentrating on food and I draw all the things I wish I could eat. I figure I may not be able to taste them, but maybe I can draw them as good as I think they would be to eat.
How long have you been painting for?
I’ve been doing digital art for the last 8 years, but I’ve enjoyed all mediums of art since I was little. I’ve done everything from ice sculpture to glass blowing, I just want to create something lasting with my imagination.
When did you first discover Ritual? And favorite coffee drink or Ritual memory?
I first discovered Ritual at its original Hayes Valley location in the shipping container in 2016. Loved the vibe and immediately the coffee. I’m an iced americano with half and half girl. I want a strong coffee where the caffeine hits me and I can taste all its nuances.
Why did you select that theme for the seasonal espresso art?
When I saw the posting and saw the word “revival” I immediately thought of butterflies. Their lives go through a beautiful evolution, it’s quite amazing. I’ve been told that that is what San Francisco is going through and the two just melded into the piece I created.
Check out Tatiana’s Instagram account here or her portfolio.
Hidden Gem
This final winner of our “San Francisco Revival” espresso contest, local artist Jon Chester, sees the City growing every day in his neighborhood through grassroots efforts and the hard work of the community. Read more about the Quesada Gardens Initiative here.
Hidden Gem is inspired by a San Francisco revival underway since 2002, when the Quesada Gardens transformed a meridian into a place for education, art, and community.
How would you define your art style?
I work across different mediums of oil painting, screen-printing and hand-drawn animation. My subject matter is the natural world, the movement of animals, and my family.
Where do you find inspiration?
I have been surfing my whole life and I find peace and inspiration being out on the water. I am also inspired by painters throughout history and make frequent trips to museums and galleries.
How long have you been painting?
I have a B.F.A in painting from Long Beach State and an M.F.A. from the San Francisco Art Institute and I have been painting for over 40 years.
When did you first discover Ritual? And favorite coffee drink or Ritual memory?
I wake up every morning to a cafe latte made with Ritual espresso beans! I fell in love with Ritual coffee at the store that used to be in Flora Grubb nursery near my house in the Bayview district. Now I frequently visit the Ritual coffee in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at SFO where I work as a graphic designer for the SFO Museum.
Why did you select that theme for the seasonal espresso art?
When I heard about Ritual’s theme of urban revitalization, I immediately thought of the community garden on our street – Quesada Ave. You hear so many negative things about the Bayview district, but on our street, I’ve seen how neighbors working together can transform the whole atmosphere of a place. I have lived on the street for 18 years and it is much safer and more beautiful than when I first moved here. I especially credit Karl Paige and Annette Smith (featured gardeners on the label) who started gardening when the median was a trash heap and drug dealing was rampant here.
Check out Jon’s Instagram account or his portfolio here.
