Hazel Hernandez
Pronouns: She/Her
I’m Hazel Joanne Hernandez, a multidisciplinary artist and design student at the University of San Francisco. My work is rooted in storytelling and emotion, often blending
traditional and digital mediums to create pieces that feel both intimate and expansive. As a Latina woman raised in San Francisco by immigrant parents, my identity plays a big role in how I approach creativity, community, and the subjects I explore. I am particularly drawn to projects that allow me to honor my heritage through color, symbolism, and personal connection. Whether through illustration, painting, or visual design, I seek to reflect the vibrancy of my culture and share it with others. My practice is driven by a love for creating art that resonates on a personal level, sparking emotions and conversations about culture, identity, and belonging.
K’ux Qij
My thesis project, K’ux Qij (Heart of the Sun), is a personal exploration and tribute to my Guatemalan heritage, centered around themes of cultural memory, indigenous beauty, and connection. Using oil paint and traditional beading techniques, I created a kinetic sculpture on two circular wooden panels, one representing the beaded vibrance of Mayan traditions, and the other holding an oil-painted image of Lake Atitlán, the national lake of Guatemala. The piece quietly opens and closes using a motor, almost like a portal inviting viewers to witness and appreciate something sacred. By interacting with the piece, the audience experiences not only the cultural symbolism of the artwork but also the fluidity and resilience of indigenous Guatemalan culture, which, like the sculpture, continuously evolves and adapts. While the visual language is rooted in my heritage, I hope people of all backgrounds feel moved,
maybe even curious enough to learn more, visit Guatemala, or seek out more Indigenous and
Latin art. This project is a love letter to a culture that’s often overlooked, and a small glimpse
into a larger, beautiful world.
WET PAINT
USFCA Design & Fine Arts
Class of 2025
Senior Projects