Meet Desiree Porter | Artist

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

Hi Desiree, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk is really important to become comfortable with. I see it as necessary for not only creativity but also substantial growth anywhere in life. I am very appreciative and proud of my younger self for facing risk in ways that were constantly challenging for me and doing things that didn’t see anyone else around me do.

When I became familiar with the risks of choosing my own path, expressing myself, and trusting my abilities, it almost always led me to a new opportunity toward expansion and deep learning. A risk would lead to a result that had an even more intriguing risk attached to it and so on.

When the risk was leaving art school, it resulted in me taking my learning and networking into my own hands.
Blogging and sharing my ideas early on allowed me to meet other creatives of all levels. There is also a population of my peers who have seen how far I have come because I wasn’t afraid to document my learning process.

When the risk was leaving behind photography professionally in order to take art more seriously it resulted in me putting nearly all of my creative energy into my own art. Once I put more focus on the introspection and purpose of my artwork, then it led me to further connect with my community.

At the same time I was learning that the biggest risk was not being open to new risks. I did not always jump at every opportunity or check every box and I let plenty of obstacles turn me to new directions. There is just as many lessons in the risks I didn’t take than the ones that I did. Discernment is a beautiful art.

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.
What I’m excited about most with my art is as it’s grown with me I’ve been able to connect with communities I hadn’t anticipated. I’ll create something as a way to represent an awareness or a milestone within myself, and it has been an honor to have a variety of people react and see themselves in pieces that I’ve made. I get to have conversations without words and that’s exciting to me.

As many professional challenges that I’ve faced, I feel that it is the personal challenges and work that made any career success feel worthwhile. Early on in my career, I had some experiences that could be deemed as successful, although I am grateful for those experiences it didn’t feel real, or that it was my success. I felt successful when I was able to intentionally align my values with my work and inspire the same communities of people who inspire me.

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?
Well first thing in the morning we are going have breakfast at the Original Pantry Cafe downtown. Then grabbing coffee at a Tierra Mia Coffee. Most of the time is going to be spent at upcoming galleries as well as established galleries that are representing emerging artists, there’s a good amount open now. Specifically Thinkspace Projects, GoodMother Gallery, BeyondTheStreets, Art+Practice and La Luz De Jesus Gallery. For a nature break, we can go for a walk at Tree People in Coldwater Canyon. We would try different taco spots and Korean bbq, but rely on Jon&vinnys or Wood for pizza. For drinks we would go to the Andaz Hotel or Mama Shelter. Then a Slow Jamz or a Play Hard party to finish the night singing along to R&B classics.

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?
Yes let’s shoutout 3peatLA. While I was working there as a photographer, I was also doing freelance graphic design and illustration. They encouraged my creative versatility and eventually put me in the role of creative director, it allowed me to hone my skills as a well-rounded creative. I got to grow as a photographer, videographer, editor, designer and collaborator. I’ll always be grateful for that creative trust, so thanks to Johan and Scott.

Website: https://www.deadstxlemedia.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadstxle