We had the good fortune of connecting with Alondra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alondra, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Palmdale, CA—part of the Antelope Valley. Growing up in a low-income household without academic guidance, I relied on my own determination to navigate my education. As a first-generation college student, I pushed myself to succeed, motivated by my family’s support for my artistic talents and interests. That drive led me to earn a B.A. from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where I am now continuing my academic journey as an M.A. student.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a multi-media artist my work explores memory and impermanence. Taking inspiration from a personal archive of family photographs and my own documentary-style images, I reimagine intimate, fleeting moments, through drawing and printmaking. My process of stitching plays an integral role in my practice, transforming the surface of my pieces and embedding my presence within them. The act of sewing becomes a dialogue between past and present, between my memories and the viewer’s interpretation.

As I continue my education at CSUN, I’m excited to see how far my work will evolve over the next two years. Reaching this point has taken immense effort, especially during my undergraduate years, when I was balancing academics with the responsibility of caring for my mother. There were times I wasn’t sure I could keep going, but thanks to the unwavering support of my husband, I found the strength to push forward and stay positive.

This journey has taught me that while we often have to make sacrifices in the pursuit of happiness, it’s also about learning how to balance our responsibilities with the things that bring us joy. If there’s one message I’d want to share with the world, it’s this: If you have a passion—whether it’s in the arts or anything else—follow it. Make space for what you love. It matters more than you think.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Although Palmdale is a relatively small town, the Antelope Valley offers some hidden gems worth exploring. One of my favorite spots to take visiting friends is Transplants Brewing Company. It’s more than just a place to grab a drink—the owners have created a welcoming, community-focused space that regularly hosts local art vendors, live concerts, game nights, and open mic events. For something a bit more nostalgic, I love taking people to Charlie Brown Farms in Littlerock. It’s a quirky roadside attraction packed with all kinds of snacks, sweets, drinks, and vintage trinkets.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents and siblings for their continued support, and to my closest friends since high school for always celebrating my achievements. I’m also deeply grateful to my CSUN cohort for fostering such a welcoming and supportive community. Most of all, I want to thank my husband, Jake, for standing by me through the toughest times—uplifting me, encouraging me, and always pushing me to keep going.

Website: https://alondra-hernandez.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falling_in_wonder/

Other: email: alondraadhernandez@gmail.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.