Urban Russian Doll's Coquí Frog Wearable Art JC Penney Jeans Hand-Painted

This is a pair of vintage JC Penney Plain Pockets jeans, hand-painted by NYC artist Urban Russian Doll. This piece was created for the project “Art Through Vintage 2,” curated by East Village Vintage Collective, Ethan Minsker and LeCrue Eyebrows. Proceeds from all “Art Through Vintage 2″ sales will go to EVVC and the artists themselves. Check our profile for 96 other Art Through Vintage listings! Garment materials: 64% Cotton 36% Polyester Measurements: Waist 35″ Hips 44″ Inseam 29″ Length 39” Artist statement: These hand-painted jeans by Tsvetana Dondero (aka Urban Russian Doll) are a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture and natural beauty. Featuring the iconic Puerto Rican flag, the beloved coquí frog, and the amapola flower, the design is infused with a sense of pride, connection and life. Tsvetana’s use of vivid colors and intricate detail transforms the jeans into wearable art, capturing the spirit of Puerto Rico’s rich heritage and its lush, vibrant landscapes. The coquí, symbolizing the island’s natural harmony, and the amapola, representing resilience and beauty, are harmoniously woven into a piece that celebrates both the cultural and natural wonders of Puerto Rico. Artist bio: Tsvetana Dondero, known by her artistic alias “Urban Russian Doll,” is a muralist whose work radiates peace and interconnection between different elements of the Universe created by God. Since embarking on her artistic journey in 2019, she has created over 60 murals, using vibrant, colorful palettes and mixed media to bring her visions to life. Her art features people, animals, and plants, all infused with a sense of tranquility and harmony. Being Ukrainian, born and raised in Russia, Tsvetana lived in New York for a decade before moving to Puerto Rico, where she has found deep inspiration in the island’s culture, landscapes, and people. Her work reflects her love for both the natural world and human connection, with each piece telling a story of love, vulnerability, and strength. Through collaborations with Thrive Collective, East Village Walls, Bedstuy Walls, Santurce Es Ley etc. she has painted murals that serve to bring art to the community. Tsvetana also shares her craft by teaching children to paint, passing on the power of creativity. Her signature phrase, “Why wait? Love now,” captures the essence of her approach: to celebrate life with an open heart, embracing love for God, self, and others. Care instructions: To ensure the longevity and vibrancy of your jeans painted with textile paint, it’s crucial to set the paint properly and follow a few care steps. Here’s how to take care of them: 1. **Set the Paint:** After receiving the jeans, you’ll need to heat-set it to ensure it stays vibrant and durable. The best way to do this is by ironing the painted areas. Place a piece of parchment paper or a thin cloth over the painted design to protect it, and then iron the area on a medium heat setting for about 3-5 minutes. It was done but better to be done again to insure the durability. This will help the paint bond to the fabric, making it more resistant to washing and wear. 2. **Washing Painted Jeans:** After the paint is fully set and dry, you can wash your painted jeans. Always wash them **inside out** in cold water on a gentle cycle to minimize friction on the painted surfaces. Use a mild detergent without bleach, as harsh chemicals can degrade the paint. 3. **Avoid Fabric Softener and Bleach:** Fabric softeners can break down textile paint, and bleach will damage both the paint and the fabric. Stick to gentle washing agents to preserve the artwork. 4. **Drying:** Once washed, **air dry** the jeans by laying them flat or hanging them. Avoid using the dryer, as high heat can cause the paint to crack or fade over time. If you must use a dryer, use the **lowest heat setting** and turn the jeans inside out to minimize exposure to heat on the painted areas. 5. **Spot Cleaning:** For minor stains, spot clean the jeans with a damp cloth and mild soap, rather than washing the entire garment. This helps protect the painted areas from frequent abrasion. 6. **Ironing Painted Jeans:** If necessary, iron the jeans on a low heat setting (again, turning them inside out or placing a cloth over the paint) to avoid direct contact with the painted areas, which could cause smudging or damage. By properly setting the paint and following these care guidelines, you’ll ensure that your painted jeans stay beautiful and the artwork lasts for years to come.