Ear Art
Hector Solorzano displays his colorful poof earrings, that he made himself.
Hector Solorzano, the program assistant for journalism classes, partnered up with Anthony Hurd, and together the two produce beautiful and unique earrings. Both Solorzano and Hurd regularly wear the earrings they make and catch the attention of people who pass by. Earrings produced include large balls of fuzz, loteria cards handmade clay designs and more.
Inspiration came to Hurd in a Jo-Ann fabric store, where they turned down the jewelry aisle and thought that it would be fun to make something of their own.
“I've always liked using my hands to make stuff, but I never thought I was good at it or I could do it,” stated Solorzano, “I'm just a writer.”
Earrings made by Hector Solorzano and Anthony Hurd hang on display. All photos by Emma Donnelly
When Hurd gifted Solorzano a sewing machine for their birthday, Solorzano had the inspiration to make their own clothing and accessories. This led to their discovery of a hidden talent.
When Hurd and Solorzano produce a new pair of earrings, they are influenced by what they like. The earrings produced are unique to Hurd and Solorzano, and it is their style put on display.
“First and foremost, I'm looking for what I like, and if other people like it, that's awesome,” stated Hurd.
Anyone can wear these earrings, men or women.
“This jewelry is for people like us . . . or identifying as non-binary,” Hurd said about the earrings produced.
“It is not specifically for one gender or one race,” Solorzano then added.
Hurd and Solorzano want their products to be accessible to everyone. Hurd mentions most of the products used to create these earrings are bought at the dollar store. They want buyers to know where their products come from and who the producers are.
Hurd mentions how support can come in monetary form or by promotion of products. Social media and verbal communication are ways Hurd believes their art can be promoted.
“There are a lot of queer people that are making things that should be getting more recognition, aside from companies that exploit and do not really represent their customer base,” mentions Hurd.
Hurd and Solorzano are testing the waters with their earrings, and have not yet rolled out a line for purchase.
“If you're a person who does decide to support, you are not getting something someone else is wearing,” informs Hurd.
Solorzano and Hurd both share snippets of their earrings and other works of art they produce on their Instagrams. You can follow them @anthony.hurd and @hectoriaaa.
Anthony Hurd wears red clay earrings, which he made himself.