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

Hi Alexandra, how do you think about risk?
I’ve always taken a lot of risk in my life. I’ve always believed deeply in my work and my work ethic is not something I have to manufacture. I’m full of energy and passion for creating my visions, and finishing is the ultimate pleasure. In my work I tend to go out on a limb to make sure I’ve tapped myself out completely. I never have to second guess myself when I do that. I say “I’ve pushed myself beyond my comfort zone.” Which is where the growth comes in. Doing that consistently makes for a lot of growth very fast. Personally, I am invigorated by collaboration and witnessing people I admire live in their creative process. Also, when there is struggle, I find the most lessons in those moments. I risk for people. When I see injustice I stand for people. I’ve done this personally and professionally. I’m always standing up for the underdog. It has gotten me in trouble. I’ve learned that I am always in my truth though. So if it’s too much for someone to understand, than that’s just where they are and it’s always okay. My empathy has tremendous leverage on others decision making. Though, taking risks in the form of standing up for others is not always a flattering stance to take. I’ve learned to pick my battles, and to communicate delicately, and with minimal intensity. I am an intense person. I’ve been obsessive since I was a little child. I like everything to be beautiful, soft, feminine, clean, finished, and finished NOW. Impatience is my weakest link. Patient with people, not patient with work. I want to move and if you can’t keep up, I’m going without you. No hard feelings. It’s just my pace. Like a horse shooting off into the field. I’m running, and when I stop running, I stop risking, and I start deteriorating instantly. I’m learning. Learning how to be the best person I can be for myself these days. I’ve always put others before me, which is actually risking yourself, and I don’t really know how to stop doing that. The awareness is there. Awareness is truly key to at least taking more calculated risks in the future. The thing is, we have to believe in ourselves so much, and put in the energy that even if you get rocked hard, you can always come back from it. So just go for it. There is nothing to lose when you believe.

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.
My art is spread very far and wide. I enjoy doing a lot and I tend to constantly have a large amount of projects going at the same time. One of my greatest gifts is the power to focus while multitasking. My work goes from working as a theater actor, director, to being a screen-writer, actress and director. Producing films, formal gatherings, art shows, and creating art with my hands and with my body. I use everything I have available to me to make art. When I see the vision, I dive into the deep water and I swim until I make it to land. Art is only challenging if you allow outside elements to effect your focus. Anxiety, and overthinking about things that you can’t control are the death to your creativity. My suggestion, is write it out, get it out of your head. Take a bath. Speak highly about yourself to yourself then get some adequate rest. The next day wake up with a little exercise and an invigoration that nothing can hold you down. The other stuff simply slips away. All the gunk is gone when you feel in your power. It’s all about how you feel, how you think, and what you believe. That is the secret to life… Not some magical phone call, meetings or formula. It’s a combination of all of your experiences and when they are set in your power, there will be a powerful outcome.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m currently staying in NYC. But, I lived in LA a very long time, and I am still there often. If we were both in Los Angeles for one week… I would first buy a bottle of Ruinart Champagne, and Caviar. We would listen to music and toast to my guests arrival, hopefully in my backyard under a beautiful sky. We would hike through Malibu Canyons. There are beautiful hiking trails up there. Some sushi at Nobu in Malibu, followed by stopping at some musician friends houses, where they have live music and entertainment in an intimate setting. We can relax with a book at the beach the next day. Do yoga and workout. Jogging along Santa Monica bike path is invigorating. If the Studio’s were open without Covid, I would visit my friends over at the Sony Pictures Lot. We could show my guest around the original MGM soundstage. That’s always inspiring. I like to take guests to the Griffith Observatory and perhaps get lost for a day hiking around those parts. We could also do some Beverly Hills Shopping. Have a bite at Avra. Dress up for dancing at Pour Vous. The greatest music and barely any seating. It’s built to dance! Such a sexy little place, with burlesque numbers. The W does a very nice Jazz Night on either Saturdays or Sundays. We could have a bite at The Beverly Hills Hotel poolside. Maybe lunch in the Polo Lounge. Or Chateau Marmont also has a lovely dining space. There are always things to get into in Downtown LA, if you’re looking for a more rugged artsy scene. LA is special. I am realizing this more right now! I’m catching a flight tomorrow…

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?
I shoutout my family at The Actors Studio. Oh my have I learned everything and more about life under that roof. It’s a microcosm of the universe. It’s filled with deep, intelligent, raw artistic genius. It’s my greatest fortune being a member there. I couldn’t be more proud to be surrounded by such wonderful peers. It’s been very hard after a decade of attending sessions for us to be closed and all virtual. I can not wait until the day that we can get back to the theater and do the work! God bless you guys! Elizabeth Kemp, Gary Swanson, Martin Landau. My family. The Greenlight Family. And my greatest inspiration… is a secret… Secrets to an artist are gold. You’ve all taught me so much and made me into a better and more fearless artist. THANK YOU.

Website: www.AlexandraVinoArts.com

Instagram: @tastethevino

Other: www.IMDB.com/alexandravino

Image Credits
Antoine Verglas Sony Pictures

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