ABOUT ESSENTIALS CREATIVE
We're a multimedia collective of Indigenous, Latin American & Asian artists creating collaborative installations, videos, and visual experiences that bridge communities and cultures across Austin, San Antonio, and London.
WHO WE ARE
We're a collective of BIPOC, women, and LGBTQIA+ artists who work collaboratively across disciplines. Based in Austin, San Antonio, and London, we create multimedia projects that celebrate cultural diversity and ecological connections. Our approach centers community voices and traditional knowledge systems.
WHAT WE DO
We create immersive installations, documentary films, and visual campaigns for artists, galleries, museums, cultural institutions, and community organizations. Our projects combine photography, video, graphic design, and spatial installations to tell stories about culture, ecology, and social justice.
HOW WE WORK
Every project begins with deep community listening. We collaborate with local voices, researchers, and cultural keepers to ensure authentic storytelling. Our process includes community workshops, co-creation sessions, and ongoing dialogue throughout development.
OUR TEAM
Misa Yamamoto
Art Director / Graphic Designer, Austin
Fabian Villa
Creative Director / Photographer, Austin
Steven Casanova
Videographer / Photographer, San Antonio
Sixto-Juan Zavala
Designer / Illustrator, London
PROJECT EXAMPLES
Rhizomatic
Multimedia installation exploring Indigenous plant knowledge for Chicago Botanic Garden and Austin Central Library
Yanaguana Garden
A tapestry installation for Luminaria San Antonio and TX Biennial at Blaffer Museum examining land, its origins, and its people
Afterworld
Exploring afterlife traditions and multiculturalism such as Day of the Dead and Obon. Displayed at Presa House, San Antonio and Asian American Resource Center, Austin, TX
OUR SERVICES
- Installation Art: Custom multimedia experiences for galleries, museums, and public spaces
- Documentary Photography: Cultural storytelling and community documentation projects
- Video Production: Short films, videos, and promotional content for arts organizations
- Design: Exhibition graphics, promotional materials, and digital campaigns
- Community Engagement: Workshops, artist talks, and collaborative creation processes
- Creative Direction: Project development, curatorial support, and artistic consultation
A collaborative multimedia art installation exploring cultural and scientific stories of diversity and interconnectedness through Indigenous knowledge and native plants
About the Project
Rhizomatic is a multimedia tapestry installation that weaves together Indigenous knowledge networks with scientific perspectives on native plants. Each double-sided tapestry presents traditional cultural narratives and botanical information, exploring the concept of rhizomes as a metaphor for interconnectedness across biological, cultural, and spiritual dimensions.
The installation has been presented at two major botanical institutions, each adapting to the unique context and native plant species of its location.
Austin Central Library
October 2-8, 2025
The Austin installation brought Rhizomatic to the rooftop garden of Austin Central Library, focusing specifically on Texas native plants and their significance to Indigenous communities of the region. This site-specific adaptation highlighted the relationship between urban green spaces, cultural preservation, and environmental education.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Summer 2024
The original Rhizomatic installation debuted at Chicago Botanic Garden's Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden. This exhibition explored the connections between diverse plant species and cultural knowledge systems, featuring collaborative artwork that integrated with the garden's existing landscape and educational programming.
Installation Art
Installation Art
Immersive experiences connecting communities and cultures
Photography
Photography
Capturing cultural narratives and artistic expression through the lens
Design
Design
Visual communication that bridges tradition and contemporary expression
Video
Get In Touch
Ready to collaborate? Let's create something extraordinary together.
Whether you're interested in photography, video production, design, or immersive activations, we'd love to hear from you. Available for commissions, exhibitions, and creative partnerships throughout Austin, San Antonio, and beyond.