Meet Vera | Multimedia artist

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

Hi Vera, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I do not think giving up is an option for me. I am mainly speaking in regards to my work and craft. Giving up in this sense means everything I have created till this day accounts to nothing. I will always want to continue to keep going, but I know it is not an easy path. I have definitely had moments where I don’t receive the outcome I expected. That can be with vending my work, sharing it on social media, or even looking back on an old piece. I think it is humbling and important to have those moments where I do not attain what I expected. Nothing is guaranteed, especially when it comes to art. But it is my drive and love for making art that will continue to push me forward. Without creating work, I am nothing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
* I think my work consists of my personality, a bit of story telling, and things I love. My art depicts of whatever emotions I am enduring or trying to express. It can be pure bliss, cathartic, or even a lighthearted piece. Sometimes I can make work where I want it to convey a sense of releasing the past or I am simply doodling something to make others laugh or smile. I think what I am most proud of is that I still love what I am doing. I do not see my “brand” or “name” as a business, but more so as my peace and comfort. I am excited to see my improvement in my craft and to see other mediums that I may venture out to. I look forward to constantly creating and others feeling a sense of connection with it as well.

It has definitely not been easy and I do not consider myself professional in any sense whatsoever. As I have mentioned in the initial question about giving up, there have been times where I have wanted to throw away my work. But I have overcome that mentality by accepting I will not always like everything I create. There will be flaws or details that I may dislike and that it is okay. It is a learning experience, I am my toughest critic, as many of us are. But I am trying to learn to give myself some credit along the way. I think lessons I have learned as well, is that not everyone is going to like your work but that is what makes it special too. If everyone liked my work, that would be so boring. I am not here to please everyone but myself and a few others that may feel a sense of familiarity or liking to it. I am a self taught artist and I continue to learn every damn day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oo this is a hard one.. I think I would take one of my friends to different art and music events that are always happening in LA. Music events such as cumbias, funk or house. I love dancing… I be getting down sometimes. I mean I haven’t been going out too much recently, but I would take a friend out to some parks around LA or even parks around the area I live, which is La Puente! I would go eat at some crawfish spot, some good ol’ pizza or a burger.

I think what I consider exciting or interesting when going out, is being around great people and a sick atmosphere. I have learned that it does not matter where it is but just being around people I love and care for. But I would not mind a night of dancing…..

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think the first person I can think of is probably my best friend Sam. I have been friends with them for about ten years now. They are an amazing artist and person. Sam is someone who has pushed me to keep going and I honestly did not take art too seriously until COVID 19 occurred. During that time, we would be on FaceTime hours on end just talking or working on our own pieces. I think their love and ingenuity with their work is very inspiring. You can see the love they have for art in their pieces and I think that is so vital when it comes to creating something beautiful. Our friendship has been something that words cannot do justice for, but our presence with one another shows just how- They are my family.

Instagram: instagram.com/stuckinthepen

Twitter: redrumuck

Image Credits
Mario lopez, @blindings0n (instagram)