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

Hi rocio, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
i think the most important factor behind my success as an artist and a brand is being open with my audience everyday, whether that be via instagram stories or posts, emotionally people know whats going on with me. No matter how repetitive, or embarassing, my feelings might be,people are able to relate and connect and most importantly truly understand where my art is coming from. I think the more your audience is allowed into your personal world, the more they see themselves in your work, and ultimately want to support you on this journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There was a long time where i felt my art wasnt impressive enough to be taken seriously… especially in college surronded by insanely talented people. I felt it was too juvenile, and ive learned now that the nostalgia and childlike aspects of my art is what makes it stand out, and more importantly what makes it a healing experience for me to create. I dont care about realitisc porpotions, i am not focused on where shadows fall in my paintings or whether or not the fingers in my hands make total sense. I am focused on color, and honesty. Im focused on the comfort of childhood motifs like butterflies, and stars…My art is deeply rooted in the exploration of profound truths, as well as the gentle reminder to treat oneself with the same compassion and tenderness as one would a child. In a world where we are all continuously growing and evolving, i hope my art serves as a beautiful testament to the ongoing journey of self-discovery and learning.

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?
Im a bit of a foodie and i LOVE cocktails like can i tell you a whole buncha fun random activities to do everyday of the week ? no, absolutely not. Actually im a homebody to my core! but!

I live very close to the Botanical gardens in the bronx! most people dont know this but if you show them you’re a new york resident you can get in free and thats not only on Wednesdays when its super crowded and overwhelming. Id love to bring a little blanket and lay on the grass to get some sun with a friend.

after we can head to harlem and get some cocktails at Rokh, which is an amazing Japanese bar with my favorite deviled eggs in the city. About a 10 minute walk from there is another one of my favorite bars called the Honey Well. You need to go there and order Beauty and the Beast. its a hibiscus jalepeno vodka based drink…that comes with a beautiful vase ontop of it (like the rose from beauty in the beast) and smoked sage! They remove the vase and all the smoke rises and smells so good and i love the theatrics of it all. I get it extra spicy.

On Wednesday night, we can have to Somewhere Nowhere in manhattan for jazz night, where we can wear fun outfits and dance with people of all different age ranges. This is the only jazz place i know for a FACT everyone is dancing at. And its very danced focused, like noone is hitting on eachother or getting jealous about their partners interacting with other people. lmao its like a different universe in there and theres huge clouds hanging frrom the ceiling behind the bar and gigantic humingbird statues. Its really like fantasy land, and they make amazing espresso martinis.

I LOVE THE MOVIES. So id love to catch one, fingers crossed theres a horror option out at the Alamo in Yonkers. Its a theatre where you can order food and drinks at your super comfy seat.

to end the week, one of my favorite things to do is catch a show at the comedy cellar. They have multiple locations downtown, and its very likely youll run into a famous comedians set!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout the Bronx Brewery! a space that has provided me so many opportunities to vend, and meet other people in my community. The bronx is changing everyday, and its nice to have a space that still caters to the natives of the borough and sincerely aims to uplift the people here. I feel safe there, i feel at home there, and i really encourage everyone to pass by and give them a visit!

Website: rocioart.com

Instagram: rociomarie__

Image Credits
my own

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.