A Look Inside Artist Gina Herrera’s Studio | Presented by MOAH Lancaster

Gina Herrera is a contemporary Native American (Tesuque Pueblo) and Costa Rican artist, U.S. Army veteran, and art educator. She opens her studio in Bakersfield, California, to share her story as both a veteran and an artist. In this interview, she reflects on her military experience, childhood, and creative journey, discussing how she balances life and art. Her practice combines masculine metalwork with recycling textile, creating a unique and powerful visual language.

This studio visit and interview were recorded in connection with her participation in the m\other exhibition at the Museum of Art and History (MOAH) in Lancaster, California.

Gina Herrera is an eco-conscious artist whose assemblage sculptures reflect a deep commitment to environmental justice and spiritual connection to the Earth. Influenced by her Native American heritage, military service, and personal beliefs, she transforms repurposed materials. Driven by a deep commitment to environmental justice, artist Gina Herrera infuses her work with spiritual and aesthetic rituals that pay homage to Mother Earth. Using repurposed and salvaged materials — including military insignia and everyday domestic objects — she crafts assemblage sculptures that juxtapose organic, human-like forms, industrial materials, and mystical elements. Shaped by her Native American heritage, military service, and eco-conscious perspective, Herrera’s diverse experiences come together in a practice that is both thought-provoking and deeply connected to the world around her.

Sculptures such as The Mighty Grasshopper, 2024, exemplify Herrera’s distinctive artistic practice and technique. Like many of her works, it is comprised of found objects, plasma-cut and powder coated metal, and ceramic molds taken from her own body. The piece reflects the diverse influences and her own personal exploration of identity and beliefs, encouraging contemplation, and deep social and spiritual engagement.

The exhibition m\other explores motherhood beyond the traditional nuclear family, engaging themes of queer, Indigenous, and spiritual mothering.

May 10 - August 31, 2025

Museum of Art and History, Lancaster, CA