Toria Maldonado
(they/them)
Hi, I’m Toria Maldonado. I’m an illustrator, painter, and screen printer from so called Long Beach, California on Tongva land. Tough & Tender is the brainchild of my design work. I create work inspired by liberation movements and queer abolition, often in response to current socio-economic issues. I use many creative tools in my art practice to deal with both personal and communal struggles.
In 2019, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art from California State University, of Long Beach. My work has been exhibited at Long Beach Museum of Art, South Gate Museum, and Plaza de la Raza. I have worked with organizations like Social and Public Art Resource Center, Nalgona Positivity Pride, Chicxs Rockerxs SELA, and Mi Centro, located at the LA LGBT Center. Currently, I am collaborating with other local artists to create accessible art, organize mutual aid fundraisers, and support creative community workshops.