Back in the states Coelho’s taste in art expanded when she landed a role in the movie Breakin’ II, Electric Boogaloo, now a cult classic, shot in East LA. Ironically many of the artists she now works with used those East LA walls as their canvas. Graffiti was an outlet for these “crews” and a way for them to express themselves as they created a culture and a new artistic expression. “I became fascinated by this raw art and messaging and seeing it under the train tracks and on the walls while shooting the movie inspired me.” Coelho says. I would go home and splatter paint on my jeans and jackets and then sell them in my clothing boutique on Melrose. It was the 80’s and a very interesting time for music, culture, art, and fashion.
Later after moving to New York in 2010, Coelho reconnected with street art, which had now become fine contemporary art. The art district in Chelsea where she lived was filled with with Bansky, Basquiat, Lictenstein and Harring. “I’ll never forget when Banksy’s “pop up show” came to NY and the city was all a buzz. One of the installations popped up right next door on 24th and 10th Ave and I ran out, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious artist,” recalled Coelho.
Later that week Banksy had staged over 1 million dollars worth of art at a small stand in Central Park with an older man running it. The sketches were sold for $420 but worth over $225,000. Later Bansky painted over a piece of art from a popular thrift store then took it back for them to sell. It garnered 300K! Street art was in full bloom!
So with the inspiration from all of these years Coelho decided to turn her passion and intrigue into a business, collaborating with some of the top talent of this genre. “Always be on the lookout, inspiration is everywhere. Listen to your instincts, and they will always guide you in the right direction! Keep creating, thats the joy of life.”