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

Hi Juli, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“The role of the artist is to make revolution irresistible” -Toni Cade Bambara This quote has been a meditation on how my creative practice is a means to make revolution felt. The path to liberation for BIPOC communities begins with revolution of thought and action at both personal and collective levels. In yoga, I guide creating physical and mental space within people to inspire self-discovery. Through photography, I strive to empower and inspire individuals by interweaving narratives and images. Both methods connect people to the essence of the ongoing revolution.

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 am a first-gen, nonbinary, Salvadoran photographer, youth advocate, and yogi from South Central L.A. My praxis is rooted in decolonial, intersectional feminist, and queer frameworks. I am committed to empowering BIPOC neighborhoods in L.A. through creating safe spaces to reclaim their narratives, thus challenging traditional media portrayals. Through my artistic approach, I document the beauty and evolution of these communities, mentor youth in creative expression, and cultivate accessible wellness practices.

Being a photographer and yogi is an ongoing practice. With practice, comes tons of mistakes. I’ve been late to appointments, forgotten equipment, and missed deadlines. Despite the challenges, with practice comes the beauty of learning and re-learning. I’m constantly fine-tuning my skills. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that everyone is on their own timeline. It doesn’t help to be comparing yourself to others, following your own pace and intuition is what’s going to guide you down your spiritual path.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monday: Start the day with a hike at Kenneth Hahn 🙂 Pick up some NY style pizza at La Rocco’s in Culver City. Tuesday: Beach day! We’re going to Point Dume in Malibu for a secluded chill vibe.
Wednesday: Day in Long Beach. Go for breakfast/brunch at Cañadas Grill. Check out the Museum of Latin American Art.
Thursday: Take the expo line into/around DTLA. Eat at the Grand Central Market. Go to The Institute of Contemporary Art, or any gallery we come by. Walk around Little Tokyo, catch dinner there. End the day with a beer at Angel City.
Friday: Chill morning, pick up a coffee in Ktown. Dinner and drinks at The Prince. End the day bowling at Shatto 39.
Saturday: Start the day off with Soul Flow at The Tree Yoga Coop in South LA. Then go to the CA Science Center. Chill at the rose garden next door with some pupusas from the local street vendor.
Sunday: Go to the small business market in Leimert Park. Pick up some herbs from Nappily Naturals, get some moisturizer and incense from Zam Zam. Stop for some ice cream at All Chill Hip Hop Shop.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Las Fotos Project is a the mentorship program I wish I knew about in my teens. LFP is a nonprofit organization that empowers the voices of teenage girls and gender-expansive youth from communities of color through photography and mentorship. As a mentor for the past two years, LFP has provided me with photo community is rooted in breaking down barriers to accessibility for marginalized creatives in L.A.

Website: https://juliperezphoto.com/

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

Image Credits
Juli Perez @juliperezphoto

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