Meet Holly Perez | Artist and Professor

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

Hi Holly, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by my culture and life experiences. I pull from the adversities I’ve faced and will continue to face as a Brown Chicana woman. From colors, textures, imagery, food, smells, locations and emotions, it’s all represented within semiotics.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m currently a professor teaching Drawing, 2D and 3D Design at multiple colleges. I told myself from day one that I would never teach art. I was caught up in self-doubt and very insecure when it came to having to grade and critique work. When approached with the opportunity to teach right after graduate school, I immediately said yes to conquer that self-doubt. I reflected back on my time during the 12 year journey to attaining my MFA. I remembered what it felt like to be in a safe and welcoming environment created by professors. And I also remembered what it felt like in negative, almost hostile environments. Both experiences have shaped my outlook on teaching and my own practice. My personal work is about creating a safe space to grow and flourish, experiment without the fear of failure. I promised to bring this safe, welcoming energy to my classrooms and my students have thrived and found new outlets and pockets of inspiration within themselves. I’m excited to watch my students, past present and future, take off and succeed!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a Dodgers Season Ticket Holder, hands down a game is the way to go! I live in the Inland Empire, driving out to Los Angeles would go something like this. Head out to LA a couple of hours before the game. Drive very slowly across the 6th Street Bridge to get some really great videos! End up at the Art’s District and brewery hop from Art’s District, Truly LA and Angel City Brewery. I’m sober, and each place does offer non-alcoholic options and really great food! After eating and drinking, head out to China Town to hit up the galleries. After soaking in some really great work and gathering inspiration, had over to the stadium that is literally right around the corner. Once in the stadium, look through the new drops at the Dodgers Team Stores, grab some garlic fries and enjoy the game!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Where do I even begin?! I want to give a shoutout to my family. From letting me use the garage as a studio, spend hours helping me install my work for finals, and encouraging my ambitious, unapologetic creativity . I want to shoutout my friends, my art homegirls, and my chosen family. Their love, support , guidance, and life talks will always heal and fuel me.

Instagram: @artbyhollyp