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

Hi Guillermo, why did you pursue a creative career?
The lifestyle of an artist has always fascinated me. Being able to communicate a message, a story, or simply an emotion has always had a huge impact on me. I started pursuing an artistic career during one of the most challenging experiences I had to overcome and started a path to creativity, storytelling, and advocacy.

For a long time I was ashamed to share my story of incarceration and being a survivor of gun/gang violence. The more courage I gained to share my story, the more empowered and connected I felt to my community. I found my passion in film-photography, journalism, and muralism. I am an artist because it’s a powerful tool that can influence generations of leaders fighting for social justice.

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 comes from seeing the beauty in things. Being a great listener and observer. I got to where I am now through the people I’ve met and connections I built. My art revolves around community and creating space to share stories and dialogue around art and how transformative it can be.

The fact that I never gave up makes me proud. Being a formerly-incarcerated student makes me proud. Being able to express compassion and love makes me proud. The skills I am gaining makes me proud.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is how important it is to have a social life and co-exist with the land and people. We all have many skills, and if we are able to come together, greatness will exist. I am currently working on publishing the first issue of my Artist To Artist magazine featuring stories, photography, and interviews from many different artists in my network. The plan is to stay consistent, stylish, and innovative in the work I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being from the Harbor Area of Los Angeles, we are definitely going to Point Fermin Park to catch the sunset. I’m an outdoors kind of person, so taking a stroll down Whittier Blvd in East LA is a must followed by Tacos Al Carbon on Atlantic Ave.

If my friend was visiting from out of town I’ll start every morning at a coffee shop and go on a mural tour. Some great coffee shops to check out are Cafe Calle, South LA Cafe, With Love Market & Cafe, and and Hilltop Coffee! For lunch we are visiting the Mercado La Paloma and eating at Oaxacalifornia and Chichen Itza.

Some other spots I would take them to is Korea Town, Echo Park, and China Town. I think it’s fun to drive around, but the best way to find the gems in the city is by foot!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my mentors, colleagues, and fellow organizers.

Shoutout to the Youth Justice Coalition in South LA for providing a safe space for me to learn, create, and get legal support to expunge my prior convictions.

Shoutout to the Indigenous People’s Resistance (IPR) for believing in me and creating space for art, healing, and activism.

Shoutout to my life coach Linda Gomez (RIP) who assisted me on my professional and academic goals during my Youth Organizing Fellowship at Community Coalition.

Shoutout to Color Compton for supporting my creative career and allowing me to lead workshops.

Shoutout to the Biz Stoop in Oakland who gave me my first grant and tools to be self-sustainable, knowledge on how to manage projects and build entrepreneurship skills.

Last but not least, Shoutout to LA Commons for the opportunity to organize art projects all throughout South LA and affirming the importance of Art and Culture. Much gratitude and love to the Community Art’s team, Valery Mendoza-Martinez, Beth Peterson, and all of the LA Commons staff!

Instagram: @visual.soul.project

Other: If you are interested in connecting with me regarding art opportunities, email me: guillermo@lacommons.org

Image Credits
Image 1: Guillermo Alvarez Image 2: Maya Vidal, Guillermo Alvarez Image 3: 4HEAD, Guillermo Alvarez Image 4: Lucero Onofre, Guillermo Alvarez Image 5: Guillermo Alvarez Image 6: Itzpapalotl, Guillermo Alvarez Image 7: Citlalli Hernandez, Guillermo Alvarez Image 8: Sergio Solis Image 9: Guillermo Alvarez

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