Meet Carmina Veras | Creative and Curator

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

Hi Carmina, why did you pursue a creative career?
Creativity and Artistic Expression are some of the most beautiful things we can participate in & enjoy.
I’ve been lucky enough to learn of a good variety, or meet other creatives. I feel comfortable trying new things and seeing how it’ll pan out.
With Creativity, we develop a taste to it, a style, and then see all the new ways to express our imagination, tell a story, to transmute emotions.

Whether we’re experiencing this as the spectator, audience, or putting something together as a creator, I admire the work that drives movement. It could be a personal thought, a conversation, or actual social movements and connections that we’ve seen throughout time.

I want to keep diving into the things that interest me, learn as much as I can, and translate the world that I’ve seen through various forms of artwork and creative projects.
It’s something that’s always given back to me, I’ve learned so much about myself through the projects and pieces I’ve worked on and of the world around me. I usually find a way to give back to a community that has supported me on the way or showcase similar creative minds/spaces.

When we can translate our lives, perspectives, and current outlooks with a style that is unique to our experience, it’s a special type of luxury. I enjoy seeing more and more people courageously expressing their imaginations, and keeping their curiosity flowing.

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.
Some of the most special projects I’ve been a part of have been the Fashion Shows to promote a natural, or “realistic” body type and persona. It makes that type of field possible for anybody, no matter the overall confidence level.
The old swim line’s tagline was “Real Women, Real Bodies” because the models I had join us were not typical to a “model’s” aesthetic, standards or lifestyle.
It’s been sweet to see that duality come through when we went into their backgrounds and introduced them in the show.

These were mothers, fellow artists, small business owners, colleagues, and co-workers who were confident in their skin no matter the size, stretch, or complexion.
-In this show, we raised 1k for the Women’s Shelter of Long Beach. My mom and I used to live at the Salvation Army, which was nearby, during Middle School, and most of my close friends I’d make after that and throughout life so far are also single mothers.

This was a similar theme to the Stitch and Skate Fashion show at a local roller rink this year, we showcased local handmade Designers who are pushing for a sustainable market with handmade crochet, designed from scratch, and upcycled fashion styles.
A variety of local Roller skaters of all backgrounds skated in these designs for the show- Figure Skaters, Aggressive Street/ Skate Park, Dance Skate, and Roller Rink Skaters.
Among these skaters were Mothers, Artists, and friends who had never modeled before, some that really wanted to for the first time. They were each embraced for their unique Skate and Fashion style and aesthetics.

The projects and events this year have revolved around Rollerskating, Fashion, like sustainable wear, free clothing markets & swaps, we’ve donated to the public, styled them ourselves, and traded/sold clothing amongst each other, while uplifting the artists and designers within these communities and supporting these causes.
I’ve been able to plan or be a part of a lot of these types of events and hope for them to keep blending into more communities and growing.

When I’m not planning events to showcase other artists, friends, and communities- I enjoy Roller Skating, Filmmaking/Writing, Polaroid Photography, Projector Art, Crafting anything I can whether it’s Jewelry, Clothing, Accessories. I like to try a lot of new things.

It isn’t a direct route, over time I’ve learned to be gracious, and appreciate every step of the way. I was very inspired in High School with many art electives to choose from and learn (Script Writing, Journalism, Photography, Costume Design, Video Production, Dance)
I was able to learn a lot and apply it to the things I’d grow interest in afterwards.

I enlisted in the Air Force to pay for schooling in this field, and honestly to learn some more structure, I was excited about the challenge and wanted to learn something new that I’d never be able to again, something hands-on. Jet Engine maintenance was a very different route than what I had been on, but I liked the change up, it was different to be around a lot of men in a maintenance environment, rather than a bunch of art school kids, so looking back I’m glad that I received the training that I did, and learned about that type of work ethic, workload and energy spent. Even just the different types of people.

The hours and work ethic in the Film Industry aren’t too far off. It took a while, but I started to value the time I needed to recharge and reset a lot more than being in a go-mode mentality, especially alone.
I’ve been seeing this help my mental and responses a lot, it’s also allowed me to be honest about my limits and when to ask for support.
It’s important to tend to yourself, your artistic “needs” and the “maintenance” you require to do all that you want. I love to be in a constant flow, building on ideas and creativity/imagination, and, for me, that requires a bit of reconvening and resetting when I need it. I love a challenge and to work hard, but I also love to say “no” when it’s needed, balancing my comfort, and the discernment with that still grows.
I’m learning to slow down so that I can take more in, appreciating anything there is to learn along the way, and seeing what there is to grasp.

In my art, photography, writing, or projects in general, the themes I’ve seen sticking out the most have been to find meaning in your experiences, no matter your current perspective, and to be authentic and honest in your expressions.
Finding the intention, or reflecting on the moments you may have lost sight of it, it’s not always consistent, progressive, or perfect, but that’s why it’s important to look for those learning bits, go back to how you want to translate it, then, express it. It’s a plus when others are inspired or motivated with you.

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?
I like to have a balance between indoor, outdoor, secluded, and group activities on my own- so I’d want to share that and show the big variety that comes with living in the city.
I’m originally from Long Beach, the city is very artistic and inviting.
Some of the things I like to do to decompress, relax and reconnect are going to skate along the Long Beach bike path to Shoreline Village, The Pike, andThe Lighthouse.
The Funnel House and views at Shoreline Village are great around sunset.

The movies at The Pike are convenient in location, there’s a lot to see, whether you’re out to spend or not. Vendors and food trucks also pop up around here, every now and then you can catch a Farmer’s Market too.
Farmer’s Markets in Long Beach are some of the first I had ever been to as a kid.

For as long as I can remember Yogalution Studio in Long Beach has offered Free, donation-based yoga at The Bluff on Ocean and Junipero. 11am daily and again at 6pm, during the summer. They’re open to all levels and invite you to go at your own pace. It’s nice to take someone and watch how surprised they are when they complete the class with more ease than they thought, it usually encourages them to at least try it again in their spare time and I love planting those types of seeds with friends.

When it’s time for a night out or some music, I like to check out more lowkey sets or supporting my friends who DJ themselves. Some friends play in Long Beach, The Speakeasy OC or more towards Redlands but it’s worth it to go check out a space where I know the people, vibes and can support a friend.

For something with a nice ocean view, San Pedro’s Korean Friendship Bell park overlooks the ocean and has plenty of space to play or lay out and relax.
I also love to go on a good waterfall hike, some that are easy to bring anyone and the dog’s along with are Escondido Falls in Malibu or Lewis Falls Trail. There are a lot that I’ve found online or the All Trails app.

Regarding food, one of my favorite spots is The Attic in Long Beach for their breakfast, Bacon Bloody Mary’s and Beignet Donuts.
The Potholder is another good go-to for breakfast and brunch.
I like to see what my friends, family and I can make at home together when possible, but Pizza, Korean BBQ and various Food Markets are some of my favorites when going out.

If there is an Art Show, Curated Event, or Music Show going on, those are definitely on the list. I enjoy a good balance of staying in and going out to do a good variety of things. Something that tires you out enough to get you in the house for a couple of days to craft, cook, and watch some good shows.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve always been very grateful of the communities, resources, and inner circle of loved ones who have kept me motivated.
This year I’ve been able to work on more projects with closer friends and communities that have supported me or collaborated on meaningful projects.
Skater Artist Exhibition / Pop ups and Events – Collaborations with Artist and Roller Skater Abbey Saul
Sienna Lucero- Artist and Creative Director/ Event Coordinator,
Sabriya Pinkney- Business Owner/Artist and Event Coordinator,
Jasmine Hope – Writer, Director, and Creative
Stitch and Skate Fashion Show – A Collaboration with Designer and Roller Skater Johnathan Crowfield. He wanted to have a Crochet Pop-Up at our local Roller Rink and the idea really grew from there. I’m very appreciative of all the connections made and the collaborations I was able to make with long time friends, like my best friends since 5th and 6th grade, Stylist- Pricilla M. Quiocho, Artist, Baker and Chef Morgan Butler
Handmade Designers Marifer Gomez (Crochet Fashion) and Kaitlyn (Kait) Trenton (Handmade Accessories and Event Coordinator)

A lot of other amazing support, motivators and inspirations have been my good friends
Tharan Nesbit – my good friend, Filmmaker and Producer, Street Savage TV Founder Jacob Ortiz, the Music Artists and DJ’s who have come to support, bring everyone together with great vibes and gear, no matter the distance – Daniel (Dj Dirty Disko) Medel, Raymond (El Ray of Sun) Paz, and Kentray Fuller

(I have a lot of amazing friends and support…a couple to look through)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carminaaj_/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carminaaj

Image Credits
Myself,
Friends from events
Photographer for the Polaroid photo of myself is Tim Abracosa (Yashica)