This year, the Foundation selected 22 Bay Area artists for the 2025 Hearts in San Francisco cycle. One of those artists is Rae Lanzerotti. A San Francisco native, Rae has a profound connection to this vibrant city. Their innovative approach to mixed-media memoir comics and multi-sensory storytelling invites us all to rethink the narratives we engage with, through the framework of accessibility and disability aesthetics.
Meet Rae Lanzerotti
Hello, I’m Rae! I create mixed-media memoir comics and immersive storytelling projects that blend sound and image to craft sonic stories. My work is deeply rooted in exploring the poetic practicalities of image descriptions and alt text, ensuring that they can be experienced in multiple ways. I also delve into tactile and haptic experiences, asking creative questions about how we share narratives and access art.
As a genderqueer artist living with low vision, my path took a transformative turn after sudden vision loss in 2020. This sparked a new creative direction that embraces accessibility across various mediums. I incorporate disability access tools as integral components of my artistic practice. By focusing on touchable and audible and visual elements, I aim to create layered narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
Innovating Accessible Art
Rae is at the forefront of innovating accessible comics, using their platform to elevate the voices and experiences of those within the disability community. Their leadership in Graphic Medicine International highlights the importance of integrating health narratives into the broader art dialogue, making vital connections between art, accessibility, and well-being. Their artbooks not only provide insight into personal experiences but also serve as resources for understanding the nuances of disability and access.
The Heart of Rae’s Work
For their Heart in San Francisco, Rae’s unique perspective will be beautifully represented in a piece that embodies their commitment to accessibility and innovation. Rae’s heart, much like their art, is firmly rooted in San Francisco. Their piece will invite viewers to engage with it on multiple sensory levels, encouraging them to explore the intersections of art, disability and personal narrative.
Join Us in Celebrating Rae
As we prepare for the 2025 Hearts in San Francisco unveiling, we encourage you to explore more of Rae’s work and engage with the important conversations around accessibility in art. Rae’s commitment to making art more inclusive and multi-sensory reminds us that everyone deserves the opportunity to connect with art in their own way.
For more information on Rae’s work, visit their website and follow along on their artistic journey!