Meet Gracia the Artist | Multimedia Experimentalist

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

Hi Gracia the Artist, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks is everything! I’m an artist and I think the beautiful reality of art is that there are no rules! The invitation is there and we are just being beckoned to take chances! I think taking risks is often viewed as this really intimidating territory, (not to say it can’t also be that!) but I think it can also be a very intimate and playful experience. I would maybe even say there is a lot of potential for healing in it! Taking a risk will mean something different for each person, though. And it does involve intentionality.

When I reflect on the role it has played in my life, I’m reminded of how many times I’ve found that whatever I had been looking for was actually on the other side of “that risk” the whole time! It can be one of the most rewarding experiences when you exercise your courage. They say the cave you fear holds the treasure.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Someone once called me a Multimedia Experimentalist and it stuck! I work in a variety of different mediums including painting, photography, cinematography, digital illustration, performance arts, graphic design, and even more recently I’ve been exploring hand cut collaging! The “algorithm” doesn’t love it, but I’ve come to accept that nothing consistent in style IS my style! I’m very motivated by the concept of elevating humanity through my work, often by methods centering collaboration. People really do it for me. They’re endlessly fascinating!

It all started with being the kid on the block who owned a Camcorder. Everyday after school the neighborhood kids and I would run around filming skits and music videos, and at that time I had big dreams of someday being an animator with Disney or Pixar. My imagination was something I learned to deeply appreciate at a very early age. I was safe there, and I loved myself most when I was exploring the world alongside the “fantasy” worlds I was dreaming up in my head.

I feel like my career is only really just getting started. Becoming a working artist and co-founding a media production company this last year (Hyzteria House) has definitely been very challenging. While growing up I wasn’t encouraged to pursue any of these things outside of hobby (“Art wasn’t practical”), but I knew it was the only thing I wanted to do and it brought me so much happiness! I am still told I’m being foolish for making the decision to keep choosing art – but everyday I feel so grateful that I am taking this risk. It feels foolish and I love that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m living in Seattle at this time so I would definitely say let’s get outside! I’m picturing this ideal day would have some sunshine and maybe a slight breeze. Let’s start by grabbing some coffee at Resistencia, my local coffee shop! From there we would take a little drive into the city where we could meander around the Sculpture Park for a bit! The water is right there along with the most picturesque display of the mountains! From there it would probably be wise to look for some lunch, so obviously we’ll go on a hunt for sushi or Poké! After that we’ll see if we can get tickets to see a Sofar show to catch a taste of Seattle’s music scene – If we’re lucky we’ll get to see local musicians like singer-songwriter Miguel Escobar perform, or alternatively maybe hit up a Stand Up Comedy open mic – here’s to hoping Zahnae Aquino is hosting! Ending the night would definitely involve a coin toss for whether we would be going to get Pho or Mexican food somewhere in South Seattle. Oh! And we can’t forget the Molly Moon’s ice cream for dessert!

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 story is always dedicated to the friends and people who want to see me grow! I’m so deeply moved and inspired by those humans I’ve met or witnessed who want to share their knowledge and discoveries with one another – they are reminders of the abundant reality and conversations we can create for ourselves and our communities when we are able to transcend beyond scarcity mentality! I think when we are open to the possibility of encountering something beautiful with one another, we can trust that we will. There is a lot to be grateful for.

Surround yourself with people who want to see you grow!

Website: https://www.graciatheartist.com/

Instagram: @graciatheartist