Bio & Project Information
Born and raised in San Francisco, Isabella Gordillo (she/her/ella) is a queer Nicaraguan, Italian, and Irish photographer passionately immersed in analog photography. Her artistic journey began with a disposable camera as a child, transitioning to digital photography in high school, and evolving upon inheriting her grandfather’s cherished Minolta x-700 in 2011. She pursued a photography minor at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, and further refined her skills at the Harvey Milk Photo Center in her hometown.
Despite photography not being her primary occupation, Isabella finds constant inspiration exploring the eclectic streets of San Francisco. Her focus lies in capturing immersive textural moments that reflect the city’s vibrancy and mysticism. Her art aims to dispel narratives about her hometown, and present the City’s charm through her lens.
The ReGen Artist Fund will lead Gordillo to photograph the Mission, Excelsior, Ingleside, and Civic Center to capture authentic, candid moments that show community care and neighborhood resiliency. This documentation will ultimately form a zine to share with the community through coffeeshops, bookstores, and other small businesses that will provide an opportunity for readers from multiple communities and generations to connect over coffee and reflect on self-celebration, care, and a sense of belonging.