From Concept to Creation: Interview with Claudia Rivera
- Loudoun Museum
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
In the museum’s exhibit, Lafayette and Loudoun: Lafayette’s Visit and Legacy, we have featured a variety of artifacts exploring his legacy and Lafayette is celebrated today.
Among the artifacts are three pieces: a purse, a denim jacket, and a pair of shoes, featuring history-inspired portraits and motifs. These are the works of artist Claudia Rivera known professionally as Loca Lola. Rivera is a local self-taught artist of Puerto Rican descent who graduated from Loudoun Valley High School.
The pieces are the result of Rivera’s friendship with Laura Berish, a Loudoun County resident, retired LCPS library staffer, and member of the American Friends of Lafayette. Berish has long had an interest in Lafayette, and her passion inspired these pieces.
To learn more about Rivera’s artistic process, connection to history, and how living in Loudoun has influenced her work read the interview below:
Loudoun Museum (LM): How long did/have you live(d) in Loudoun County?
Claudia Rivera (CR): I have lived here for 20+ years, growing up through Blue Ridge Middle School, Loudoun Valley High School, attending/graduating Northern Virginia Community College.
LM: Did/Has living in the county impact your work, career, or your perspectives?
CR: Loudoun County has profoundly impacted my art career, offering a serene countryside environment that fosters creativity, despite the challenge of traveling further for opportunities.
LM: You cite Robert Wyland as an influential artist on your work. Are there any other artists who influence or inspire your work?
CR: My love for art was sparked by Robert Wyland’s work and my mom’s creative endeavors when I was young. Over time, I’ve been drawn to the dreamlike surrealism of Salvador Dali, the innovative spirit of Picasso, the realism of Caravaggio, and the unique aesthetic of Hajime Sorayama — all of whom continue to inspire me today.
LM: When did you create the pieces we have on display at the museum?
CR: The first to be created were the shoes! In 2021, I embarked on the creative venture of painting those shoes thanks to the commission from Laura Berish, a dear friend I’ve known through her son, Patrick. She asked me to paint a pair of her own shoes featuring Lafayette and his wife Adrienne. Initially, I was unsure where to start, but after diving into the project, I had a blast bringing her vision to life — it was a thrilling challenge that pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Second, in 2022, Laura Berish approached me with an exciting project: painting a jacket featuring Lafayette, along with several other items. The jacket is a masterpiece of detail, with flexible leather paint used to depict three historic documents on the front: The U.S. Declaration of Independence, The French Revolution’s Declaration of the Rights of Man, and the frontispiece of the French translation of the Declaration. The back features elegant portraits of George Washington and Lafayette, complemented by gold trim, lace ruffles, and intricately painted buttons. This commission stands out as one of the most beautiful and challenging projects I’ve had the privilege to work on.
Jacket featuring Blair House portrait of Lafayette (detail) and Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington, c.1821.
Third, in 2024, Laura presented a new idea in the form of a red bag from her closet. We talked over brunch about the specifics in the new design she wanted and as I was skimming through a bunch of the historical information provided I decided I was going to need a bigger bag! So, now in all its glory on display, is a structured and multi-sided work of art commemorating Marquis de Lafayette’s tour in America (1824-1825) along with a few familiar faces.
LM: What led to you painting these pieces? What went into the planning of the works?
CR: ALL LAURA’s ideas — From the shoes to the bag and as a historical enthusiast, her passion to have these custom pieces is what excited me to venture into completely new territory as an artist. I didn’t take too long to sketch out anything I simply took the material she provided and went with it.
LM: The items you created are meant to be worn, did that impact your design process?
CR: Not at all! Prior to her first commission, I had experimented with a type of leather paint that is flexible on a variety of materials. So I knew that by prepping the surface correctly, there wouldn’t be any issues with the custom work smearing or cracking.
LM: here are so many portraits of Lafayette and George Washington, how did you pick which ones to recreate or use for inspiration?
CR: ... all again thanks to Laura who found many of the portraits she wanted to see featured on the custom fashion.
Artists will often create master studies. This is when an artist creates a copy of another artist’s work as accurately as possible to learn new techniques and skills.
LM: What did you learn while painting these? Did you learn about the art styles or techniques?
CR: Painting on denim was a steep learning curve, especially with the textured fabric. Mastering the shading to create portraits that pop from a distance was a challenge, but the experience was invaluable. Working on these custom projects for Laura has not only deepened my knowledge of history but also refined my realism techniques — I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
When looking at Rivera’s body of work, she has a fascinating series called “Egghead Series” which can be viewed on her website and social media @artbylocalola. It purposely excludes the face from the human form. Yet these pieces focus on the face.
LM: What power does the face, or lack thereof, have in pieces depicting people?
CR: Painting historical figures into fashion brings them to life in a unique way, making it easier for people to learn about and remember them. By combining art and history in a trendy, beautiful piece, the viewer is more likely to engage and retain the information.
On the other hand, my Egghead Series takes a different approach, using body language, clothing, and surroundings to tell a story or evoke an emotion since the faceless figures rely on these subtle cues to convey meaning.
Art and history are closely related subjects. Rivera’s work in the Lafayette & Loudoun exhibit shares details of Lafayette’s history and celebrates his life.
LM: What is the role of history in your work? How does it inspire you?
CR: History is a huge inspiration for my art, and my first Egghead piece in 2021 showcased a charming 1950s retro Americana vibe, complete with a female character in a bright yellow apron dress and red shirt. While that era holds a special place for me, my Eggheads often explore various time periods and styles, inviting viewers to learn and appreciate the details. Each piece is like a time machine, and I even discover something new with every era I delve into.
Anjali Diezman, programs and education manager, conducted this text-interview with Claudia Rivera.
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