Meet Clara Chavez | Artist, Photographer & budding videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clara Chavez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I went to school and became a licensed cosmetologist. However, I never felt like I quite fit in- plus when you add in the physical demand on the body- it became too much to press on. While I re-calibrated and figured out what to do, I went back to the drawing board and worked at the LGBT center in their mental health department. I loved working there, it taught me alot about empathy and compassion, being an ally and how beautiful the human condition is. My art teacher boyfriend noticed my photography skills and suggested I go back to school to pursue a subject that I love and comes natural to me. It was the best and the scariest decision I have ever made and I am so grateful that I was able to pursue a dormant part of myself.

Now, that I’ve had time work with different genres of photography, my focus is on women entrepreneurs. Specifically, the BIPOC community, which really inspires me. I am here to server women of color that are spiritual entrepreneurs, artivists, mental health practitioners and other like minded individuals that resonate with the mind body connection.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was born in Mexico, my parents migrated to Los Angeles when I was 2 years old. Throughout my life I felt an absence but I didn’t know what or where or how to fill the void. I grew up speaking Spanish at home (my parents made a point of it), proper English at school and Chicano slang afterschool (my favorite). You never quite feel at home, you’re not fully from either place. At one point in my adulthood I asked to be guided to find out where I am from, what my identity is. One fateful night I met a Danzante (Aztec Dancer). He taught me about my culture and where we come from and the conquest and the colonization of our people. While we learn these themes in school, the narratives are misconstrued and distorted. I had to reprogram my understanding and comprehension of previous held belief systems. Both of my parents were college educated thus I grew up in an environment that was conducive to learning and my creativity was nurtured. My father did not own a television, instead he would ask me to read and write stories, to this day I am so grateful for that. Little by little my art began to evolve inspired by themes such as mental health, politics, culture and various juxtaposing elements found in nature and the cosmos.

Professionally, I am readjusting to a post-covid reality. I have recently started a new position at a print lab and am re-calibrating my direction and energy so as to balance this new found lifestyle, and freedom that comes after restrictions have been lifted. I am very interested in reclaiming my cultural heritage and documenting my journey. I want to tell stories of the women that are also on the same path to reclaiming our power in whatever form that may be. It is quite a special time right now as there is a collective energy among our local communities and I can’t wait to meet all these ah-mazing people that I will get to create magical images with. What do I want people to know about my story? That I am ready for you and I will do everything in my person to make you proud to have worked with me. I want to bring your vision to life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My idea of a perfect week would start with cooking them a home cooked meal, I feel that sitting down and talking in a safe space is really important to me (hopefully my friend too). I’d love to take them out to the beautiful nature we have here in Southern California. A bike ride throughout Ventura, hike Millard Canyon Falls, Eaton Canyon, Big Bear. A day at the beach, drive along PCH head to Malibu or Venice. A visit to the Arts District, the Griffith Park Observatory, a cool art exhibit or the museum (hopefully one of mine or my brilliant husbands), a night of dancing at my favorite dive bar. I’d end it with another delicious home cooked meal and game night with some Mezcal cocktails. Good times!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In all honesty there was a time in my life where I was going through some serious mindshifts and assimilation as one does as a young adult. I had this desire to reconnect with my culture but I did not dare speak it out loud. Then I met a wonderful man that inspired me to learn more about where we come from and that has been part of my pursuit as an artist. My family and friends have been a wonderful support system- without them it’s hard to get a start! “Atomic Habits” by James Clear is one of the most important books I have ever read. It has taught me how to shift my mindset and my habits by implementing small achievable systems that make a larger goal more attainable. I rant and rave about it whenever I get the opportunity to talk about it. Which reminds me- it’s time to take another look at Atomic Habits! When it comes to artists and friends that inspire me; Graciela iturbide, Tatiana parcero,Danielle Kitzes of Divine Radiant Living, Katrina of Lagrimas de oro, Angela Torres Photographs, Josephine Sarria of Al trochi mochi, and Brittanie Adaire hikes.

ersonalClaraChavez__clarawe

Website: visionesxcitlali.com

Instagram: @visionesxcitlali.com