Meet Cali Rockowitz | Artist

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

Hi Cali, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up, I always made art but never believed it could be a career path for me. I spent years subscribing to that “package” we’re all sold about what life should look like – graduate high school, go to college, get a corporate job, find a partner, settle down, etc. I spent almost 1o years on autopilot, not really using an ounce of creativity when it came to building the life that aligns with who I am. The one constant over those years though was my openness to change. I lived in 4 different cities and explored many different jobs and I’m pretty sure the overarching lesson of my 20’s was finding what I DON’T want in a career. As I neared 30, I noticed a complacency in my job as well as my art, and that’s when I knew I needed to pick one. Although an easy decision, it was a scary one. I quit my job with no concrete plan, but I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by an incredibly supportive community. Sometimes I kick myself for not fully pursuing art at an earlier age, but then I realize I don’t think that version of myself would’ve been able to create what I’m creating now. I had to go through those phases of life to become the artist I am today.

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’m constantly exposed to so many different artists/creatives of different mediums, and sometimes it’s hard for me to believe I belong in the space, or hard for me to remember what sets me apart. Every time I have a thought like that, I try to remind myself that the work I create will eventually build a map of my life – if for no one else, for myself. I’m creating from my experiences, from my fluctuating emotions, from the people I meet – and all of those things will always be uniquely mine.

When it comes to my brand, Sorry Dad (@sorrydad.co), my goal is to shine a new light on the way we view our bodies, sex, and interpersonal relationships – through art. Although stated as an apology, the brand focuses on the idea of being completely unapologetic in whichever form of expression we choose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A few of my LA favorites –

Parties: Pangea Sound, Link Up, Afrolituation, Donavan’s Yard

Thrifting: Melrose Trading Post, Black Market Flea, Rose Bowl Flea

Hiking: Paseo Miramar, Runyon Canyon, Griffith

Restaurants: Cafe Gratitude, Sugarfish, The Rose Venice

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?
My parents deserve a huge shoutout for fostering an environment that encourages me to take risks. I’ve made some pretty crazy decisions in my life, and the one constant has been their support.

Website: www.calirockowitz.com & www.sorrydad.co

Instagram: @calirock & @sorrydad.co

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calirockowitz/

Twitter: @sorrydadco

Image Credits
@mckaylaerinedits @vascodelrey @junofiles