Image courtesy of Che Zifandel.

If you have ever been curious about the visionary behind our virtual symposium and logo, allow me to introduce the exceptionally talented Che Zifandel. The Novas had the profound privilege of collaborating with Che to create the captivating visual identity for Eye 4 Eye 2024, an initiative that embodies the spirit of dialogue, connection, and creative expression.

Eye 4 Eye is not just a symposium; it stands as a vibrant platform for exploring the rich intersections of art and community, inviting participants to engage in thought-provoking conversations about identity and creativity. Che’s designs artfully capture these themes, skillfully weaving together imagery that deeply resonates with our diverse audience and pays homage to the powerful stories we aim to share.

In a recent email “artist-to-artist” interview I conducted, Che offers profound insights into her origin story, creative process, the motivations behind her artistic contributions to the symposium, and the crucial importance of fostering an inclusive space for expression. From her background in music to her exploration of various artistic mediums, Che embodies the spirit of boundless creativity and discovery. As we delve into the captivating artistry of Che Zifandel, we uncover how her work enriches and enlivens the vibrant tapestry of the Eye 4 Eye symposium.

We hope this article inspires you to delve into Che Zifandel’s captivating story and the experiences that have shaped her uniquely expressive artistic voice, leading to our collaborative connection for this project. It offers a meaningful glimpse into why she holds a special place in our hearts and in the vibrant community we are nurturing in honor of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. Moreover, we aspire for her journey to serve as a source of encouragement for fellow artists, highlighting the transformative power of creativity and the vital importance of supporting one another on our artistic paths. Happy reading, fellow eyenetics!

Meet The Artist

Just in case this symposium and blog post are your first introduction to Che’s artwork, please review a brief biography below:

Che Zifandel is a multidisciplinary artist based In Long Beach, CA. She works in a variety of mediums but is most active in music, digital art, and clay. Throughout life, Che was driven by her love of music, studying violin, and piano, and ultimately obtaining a degree in Music.

Whether performing alone or in a band Che would create clothing, jewelry, flyers, and videos to accompany the music. She did the same when auditioning for TLC’s R U the Girl. (Unfortunately, she didn’t make it through the first round of auditions.) Eventually, Che decided to use her love of music and art to create stickers and accessories inspired by the artists and songs that impacted her the most. However, Che Zifandel is a person driven by creativity and discovery and rarely works in one medium for more than months at time. Currently, Che is working with ceramics and recording more music. Since 2016, Che has also had a business creating, crafting, and performing music classes to introduce young children to music from all genres. Che’s main goal is to embrace freedom of expression and encourage young people and adults to do the same. She hopes her art journey and classes do just that.

To stay updated on Che Zifandel’s latest projects and artistic journey, be sure to follow her on her official website, Bandcamp, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also explore and purchase her handcrafted art in her Etsy storefront!

Artist-to-artist With Che

Your art has such a distinct voice. Can you share a bit about your journey and what first sparked your passion for creating art?

Che Zifandel: Thanks. That’s a hard question to answer because I feel that creating is just a part of me and always has been. As a kid, I was always making up songs, painting on my dolls, and things like that. So, creating really seems like a need, something I have to do to keep my sanity.

How would you describe your artistic style, and what techniques or mediums do you prefer to work with?

Che Zifandel: I guess my style is loose, edgy, and out of the box. While I do enjoy working in variety of mediums, I find myself most drawn to clay and textiles. I haven’t created as many drawings lately because I was lucky enough to find an old kiln that works! So I’ve been learning about that. I’ve also been tufting and sewing various things.

What are the key elements or techniques you use in your art, and how do they help convey your message?

Che Zifandel: I think a key element in my art is expressiveness. Sometimes it is a very literal representation. I do painstakingly look at movement and expressions when determining what I depicted on my stickers and prints. When it comes to clay and textiles, I focus more on vibe than perfection. I have a great appreciation for artists who control every detail (like MJ). But, there is something so cool about getting hints about how an artist made a work, an off-drumbeat, a brushstroke, or a slight fingerprint on the clay.`

Could you take us through how you bring an idea to life, from the initial spark of inspiration to the finished piece?

Che Zifandel: This all depends on the medium. I like to sketch ideas first if I’m doing a drawing or some sort of wearable art. The sketch may be cutting together various images I’ve seen online to create a unique image. From there I am able to flow, which is where I like to be. Once the flow is over, it’s back to focusing on details that I feel are missing. But again, I try not to overcorrect because I like to keep the images with a loose feel. When it comes to hand-building pottery, I really freestyle from start to finish. So, that is why I’m drawn to it. It gets me completely out of my head.

Where do you find inspiration for your work? Are there particular themes or subjects that you are drawn to?

Che Zifandel: As I say, music is a very major inspiration. Whenever I felt that I didn’t fit, music was there. There were people and groups that came out and did and said things that shifted my thinking or made me feel something. Sometimes, the person just had a style that I loved. I’m also drawn to messages about unity and female empowerment. I very much like things that encourage people to be their authentic selves regardless of whether it fits with what people around them think they should be.

What influences or experiences have shaped your artistic style?

Che Zifandel: I’ve always loved music and played music. Rather than over-produced things, I like little flaws and quirks in music. This appreciation of “flaws” crossed over into my digital and physical art as well. As far as my drawings, I often find myself drawing musicians or scenes related to lyrics that have made an impact on me; music is a huge influence. I’m a big horror fan as well so that is a major influence. I think the experience of wanting to be free, free to express myself in all forms, has greatly shaped my style.

The element of freedom is wonderfully evident throughout your exquisite artwork. How do you express this central theme, as well as others, and how do they resonate with your personal experiences or beliefs?

Che Zifandel: I think themes often come in the form of the songs I choose to represent in my work. Female empowerment is something I’m big on. So I have mostly drawn women because of that. I think the women I’ve drawn have been those [who] paved the way, somehow, and weren’t afraid to be authentically themselves.

Your sentiment about women who were unafraid to be their authentic selves automatically makes me of what TLC embodied as a whole, especially Lisa! How has Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes’ work or legacy influenced your art?

Che Zifandel: When I first saw and heard Left Eye, I thought she was so unique. I was drawn to the fact that she would do things like wear the condom on her glasses. It was not only something that was cool stylistically, it had a meaning.

Are there specific aspects of Left Eye’s music, persona, or message that have inspired you in your creative processes?

Che Zifandel: I actually used to rap and Left Eye was a big influence in that. But she explored different genres and most definitely didn’t box herself in. That was huge to me. I often felt, as a black person, sometimes I was expected to stay in a certain lane. I see a lot more black people experimenting and embracing lots of genres and I think Left Eye was one of the precursors to that.

A vibrant collection of TLC-inspired stickers created by artist Che Zifandel, available for purchase on her Etsy storefront. Images courtesy of the artist.

I am continually amazed by the enduring influence of TLC within your traditional art business, CheZifandelArt. What was the inspiration behind creating TLC-themed stickers, and how did you go about choosing the designs?

Che Zifandel: TLC had a major impact on me. I loved that these black females were writing these songs and embracing different styles visually. They always seemed to hit on topics I was thinking about from “Hat 2 Da Back” to “Unpretty.”

Can you walk us through your creative process when designing these stickers? How do you choose the elements and imagery that represent TLC?

Che Zifandel: It’s fun to create the stickers because I watch the video, related to what I want to draw, over and over again. I will also deep dive into Google images for different poses etc. I think about how I want the sticker laid out. Then I sketch the idea out trying to make sure it keeps the essence of the song it is related to.

Are there any particular aspects of TLC's history or music that you find especially inspiring or influential in your work?

Che Zifandel: TLC has had some very iconic imagery that sticks with you as much as the music. The imagery does make a difference in my choices of what to draw for stickers. Usually when I’m doing the stickers, I do want them to be nostalgic. TLC makes my job of creating nostalgia quite easy.

How do you incorporate TLC's unique style and message into your artwork, especially for something as personal and collectible as stickers?

Che Zifandel: I suppose this is sort of what I’ve said earlier. It’s very important that I listen to the song before, during, and after I draw the piece. The stickers need to capture that essence. Then it’s a matter of taking the visual styles that are already there and translating them through my lens. I often go for times when the ladies were dancing because I think the moves were iconic. It also gives the stickers energy and movement.

I have been a loyal customer of your TLC work for quite some time now, and I have noticed the overwhelming love and positive reviews your creations receive. Can you share some of the amazing feedback or reactions you've received from TLC fans regarding your sticker designs?

Che Zifandel: Wow, I get so much love on the TLC stickers it’s amazing. Once, one of their background dancers bought some and said he planned to give them to the ladies. I don’t know what happened with that. But, even the thought of it made my heart explode.

Amazing! I sure hope ladies received your amazing stickers! Do you plan on crafting more Left Eye and/or TLC sticker designs in the future?

Che Zifandel: I hope so. If not stickers, I may do a ceramic incense holder.

Yay! We are all looking forward to seeing new designs! How do you believe art and material culture can act as vessels for maintaining and honoring the influence of cultural icons like Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes? What role does your own work play in this narrative?

Che Zifandel: People continue to draw interpretations of icons like Left Eye. People also pay homage through style elements in music videos and more. I think things like that make a new generation take notice and find out where the inspiration came from.

In what ways do you perceive your work as contributing to the preservation and celebration of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes' cultural legacy through material culture?

Che Zifandel: The stickers are pretty much a direct tribute. When someone has the sticker on a water bottle or posts it online it causes people to want to go and listen and rediscover the music and the memories again.

I could not let this interview go by and not ask you about your audition for R U the Girl. Could you describe your experience in the process?

Che Zifandel: It actually wasn’t that amazing [laughs]. It was just standing in line for a long time. I never saw T-Boz or Chilli. It was almost like they do for American Idol. I hardly even remember the actual audition. I have more memories of standing in line and hanging out with other girls who were auditioning.

Image and manuscript courtesy of Che Zifandel.

Figure one: Che’s R U the Girl Los Angeles audition number.

Figure two: A journal entry from Che' briefly detailing her perspective around the audition.

I also appreciate you sharing artifacts from your archive to tell your story. What a treat to read your thoughts and reactions in real time! Journaling is such a key part of Transitioning to a more personal aspect of being an artist, how do you balance your personal life with your art career? What strategies have you found helpful in maintaining that equilibrium?

Che Zifandel: Honestly, it’s a struggle. When I get focused on something, hardly anything else exists. So I kind of have to force myself to get out and take a break from my various creative endeavors.

Can you share a memorable moment or turning point in your artistic journey?

Che Zifandel: The shutdown was rough in so many ways. However, it did force me to spend more time doing art and trying new things. I grew quite a bit during that time. I’ve always struggled to comparing myself to others. I really was forced to be in my own zone and, for me, that was major. What was memorable was that I also wrote some songs during that time. When I finally played them live, the response was one of the best I’ve ever had. The audience’s energy and the way they embraced me and the music are things I will never forget.

What are your long-term goals or aspirations as an artist?

Che Zifandel: This is a good question that I don’t necessarily have an answer to. I’m a person who can’t ever seem to settle on one thing. I guess I just hope to always be creating and hoping that people resonate with my creations and voice from time to time.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?

Che Zifandel: Be true to your vision. Critiques can be helpful but don’t start changing to fit what you see others doing. I often did that and I think [it] stunted my artistic development.

What advice would you offer to artists who aspire to create work that engages deeply with cultural heritage and significance? How can they effectively blend personal expression with broader cultural narratives?

Che Zifandel: Make sure you connect with the culture, that’s what ultimately comes through in the work. People can sense authenticity. From there, it’s just a matter of bringing your point of view to the message and feeling you want to put out there.

Artwork courtesy of Che Zifandel and the Eye 4 Eye Symposium.

Speaking of cultural narratives, your contribution to the Eye 4 Eye 2024 Symposium truly embodies this concept. What inspired you to create art for the symposium?

Che Zifandel: The symposium seemed like a wonderful tribute to Left Eye’s legacy and influence. So, the fact that I would be considered to create art around that was an honor.

In designing the artwork and logo for the symposium, how did you balance the thematic elements, and our vision as a collective, with your own creative vision?

Che Zifandel: This is always [a] challenge for me. The hope was to create something that would clearly tell people what the symposium was about even if they could not see any words. It was nice that I could still keep my unique art style and focus more on elements that were requested. So it was a matter of how to incorporate the elements such as the star in the logo as well as the font and star on the flyer.

Can you provide more details about the challenges you faced? Did you experience any moments of unexpected inspiration?

Che Zifandel: I immediately had a vision of the flyer in my mind. However, when I got the feedback to make it more similar to the Supernova album, I was frozen for a bit. I went through different iterations hoping to come up with something that wasn’t too busy.

How did the theme of the symposium influence your artwork?

Che Zifandel: The fact that it was a celebration of legacy was always at the forefront of my mind. That’s why I wanted the image to be large and call attention to Left Eye’s lasting impact right away.

How do you feel your work fits into the broader context of the symposium’s goals and themes?

Che Zifandel: I think it fits in very well with celebrating Left Eye’s impact on popular culture. We see references to her styles often so highlighting some of those seemed very necessary. I like to think the flyer and logo accomplished that.

What personal significance did working on the Eye 4 Eye Virtual Symposium hold for you, and how did this project resonate with your own artistic values and goals?

Che Zifandel: For me it was inspiring to see the organization and the people that were making this happen. I was able to listen in on a few panels. Hearing more about Lisa and finding out some things I didn’t know made me want to go and create even more.

Looking back, what aspect of the project are you most proud of, and how did it impact your approach to future collaborative projects?

Che Zifandel: I am proud of taking the feedback and really making an effort to capture the vision. I think I would do more basic ideas, to begin with. Then there may be more opportunity for collaborators to come up with ideas of what they’d like to see. I think seeing an initial idea often gets the ball rolling for suggestions and flushing out the full vision.

How do you hope your art impacts the viewers of the Eye 4 Eye Symposium?

Che Zifandel: I hope it makes them reminisce and remember where they were and how they felt when listening to Left Eye. I hope they remember how they may have tried to emulate her style, at some point, and how many hits she rapped on and wrote.

How has your involvement in the Eye 4 Eye Symposium influenced your perspective on art and its role in cultural discourse?

Che Zifandel: It just reminded me that art and culture are intertwined and influence each other. There are so many reasons to create and so many stories it can tell. One of the reasons to make art is to celebrate specific cultures and moments. When you do that, and illicit genuine feelings, conversations, and memories, it’s a beautiful thing.

Indeed. It was truly a pleasure to work with you to represent this ideology and personify it in the form of graphic design. Is there anything else you would like to share about your work or your experience with the Eye 4 Eye Symposium?

Che Zifandel: I’d just like to say that it really was cool to be a part of the Symposium in some way. It made me reflect on all the ways that Left Eye has influenced me. I knew she was one of my influences, which is why she has appeared in my art. But she was actually a bigger influence than I even realized.

Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions you’re excited about?

Che Zifandel: I put out an EP called Alien. That is pretty exciting to me. Music is my first love and I had a block with it for a few years. So it’s great to finish that. The symposium helped. I also saw a video about how Left Eye wrote for Kris Kross. I’d never known that. So there was a lot of inspiration swirling around. Other than that, I’m looking forward to doing more with my pottery.

How can people stay updated on your latest work and future projects?

Che Zifandel: My website is chezifandel.com I’m also on TikTok: @mmbfglife and Instagram: @Chezifandelart.

As we wrap up our spotlight on Che Zifandel, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for such a beautiful artist-to-artist discussion. Che’s dedication and hard work in bringing the visuals for our 2024 Eye 4 Eye virtual symposium to life have been invaluable. Her journey is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and self-expression. We encourage you all to support her and stay connected via social media, as she is an ever-evolving creative force. Through her diverse talents and unwavering passion, she not only enriches her own life but also inspires those around her to embrace their unique voices. We invite you to follow her work, support her endeavors, and join us in celebrating the vibrant artistic spirit that Che embodies. Together, let us continue to honor the legacy of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and uplift the voices of all artists striving to make their mark.

Artist Spotlight: Che Zifandel

Meet The Artist

Artist-to-artist With Che

Capturing Left Eye: An Interview with Stephen McBride