Peopledelphia + Saxbys
If cafe culture has taught us anything, it’s that we live in a city of makers, dreamers, and self-starters who grind beyond the 9 to 5. So we teamed up with Philly’s most camera-savvy storyteller, Peopledelphia, to celebrate the side hustle that makes our city stand out.
Follow @peopledelphia & @saxbys on Instagram as we profile people who are making things happen in our city (and putting in the work at our cafes).
Aubrie Costello is fascinated by dialogue. If you check out her website, you’ll learn she used to write down bits of conversation she overheard while sitting in her North Philly studio. She filled notebooks. She’s attracted to words, she says. For her pieces, called Silk Graffiti, Costello collects sheets of silk, shreds them by hand and arranges them into words from her notebooks. You may have seen them around.
A Moore College of Art and Design graduate, Costello is continuing to build her art across the city, from her series “The Unravel” to collaborating with Philly artists for campaign during the Democratic National Convention called Truth to Power. Check out the interview below.
Tell us about you. What projects are you working on right now?
I’m making lots of art at the moment! I’m working on a series of pieces for a wedding in the Redwoods of California at the end of the month, continuing to create new pieces for my street art series The Unravel to install here in Philly (and in Cali too), gearing up to launch some new Silk Graffiti merch this fall, and making lots of work for upcoming shows through the end of the year.
What (or who) inspires you to be better?
My core people - my best friends, my family - these people inspire me to be a better person. Watching them grow & evolve into the people they are now is inspiring. Their resilience & genuine support of me and what I do over the years inspires me to be better. In regard to art making - my peers, fellow artists & creatives in Philly are killing it and definitely inspire me to step my game up.
Most recently, I was part of this incredible group art experience called Truth To Power, which was created on a tight budget and strict deadline to coincide with the DNC - it was unbelievably successful and moving and I’m still on a high from it. The producers of that event have inspired me to follow through on what may seem like an impossible goal or dream.
How has Philly helped you find your footing? How has the city helped you succeed?
Philly has let me be me and explore who I am and what I’m doing at my own pace for over a decade now - it has most definitely challenged me & made me into a strong woman over the years. It ain’t always easy living, but being here for many years has made me to look inside of myself to establish my own vision, set my intentions, explore my craft, and build. Philly & its creative community have helped me succeed.
What would you change about Philadelphia?
I would like this city to be more nurturing to its people - its creatives, its artists, its working class & homeless community, its children, & its women. Philly’s got good bones, it just needs to continue to develop more resources to really support & nurture its people more genuinely. That way we can all watch it grow & help it become the beautiful, cool place it was destined to be – together. Also, Philly - keep creating green spaces & start paying your artists. ;)
What do you wish more people knew about Philadelphia?
We have the best little spots and hidden gems here. I wish more people walked around the city on a whim and just looked around. From the indy shops and restaurants (we have the best mom-and-pop shops, ethnic restaurants, and galleries that deserve more love and attention) to the street art adorning the walls - these streets have the best little surprises. Keep your eyes open.
What makes you the happiest?
Exploring solo in Philly & abroad. When I’m in the city, I love having the day off with no plans, sitting in Mario Lanza Park under the giant trees, sipping some good coffee, then strolling on a super long walk, at least 4 miles, around the city with my music playing, no agenda, people watching & plotting on the next spot I’m gonna hang some art.
