Sunday Shoutout: KayLove BX
Sunday Shoutout is our new series profiling a creative we admire and have worked with. We want to showcase the vibrant talent we have been fortunate to work and partner with, in all mediums. Everyone from artists and designers, musicians and rappers, writers to photographers, we want to introduce you to new creatives in The Bronx. This week meet Bronx artist, muralist, and activist KayLove BX.
KayLove
Karen ” KayLove” Pedrosa is a Bronx born and based, first generation Puerto Rican artist who draws her inspiration from the vibrant, gritty, soulful streets of New York City, the lush campos of Puerto Rico and all the places in between.
Karen “KayLove” Pedrosa was one of the first creatives and people we met when The Bronx Brand was getting started. Since then, she has been like a big sister to us. She’s introduced us to new artists, new spots to eat (like La Masa!), invited us to vend at pop-ups and markets, and has been a huge supporter. We not only appreciate her friendship, we appreciate her passion for The Bronx and her love of art and community. KayLove is a true activist: raising awareness of the political and social climate in Puerto Rico, environmental awareness and education, and social justice. Her passions carry into her art and work creating colorful, bold pieces pulling from her Puerto Rican and Bronx roots. She’s often sketching and drawing with different mediums (pen and ink, acrylics, charcoal, and spray cans, just to name a few) in her work. You can connect with KayLove below and reach out to commission her for a mural or custom piece.
KayLove x The Bronx Brand: Neighborhood Series T-Shirts
In 2018 and 2019 we collaborated with KayLove on several t-shirt designs, part of our Neighborhood Series. KayLove illustrated and hand lettered shirts for the Kingsbridge and Port Morris neighborhoods. Each design is inspired by the local neighborhood. The Port Morris design has a water tower, found in most of the South Bronx, and a clocktower. The Kingsbridge design is in an old Gaelic style topped with a crown, inspired by the Kinsgbridge Armory.
Click each t-shirt below to shop.
