Meet Xiomara

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

Hi Xiomara, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Several years ago I became interested in strength training and came across a fitness you tuber named Whitney Simmons. She continually repeated the quote “It’s a beautiful day to be alive.” This quote really resonated with me and in the last few years with all the changes I’ve experienced it has only gained deeper meaning. I say this to myself every morning to remind myself of how important it is to live in the moment and to appreciate the opportunity of today. Every aspect of my life, the good, the amazing, the hard and even scary moments really all have become such an inspiration for my work. I seek out to live in the moment and find beauty in it all; and at some point this all becomes an art piece. Therefore, even on the hardest of days, “It’s a beautiful day to be alive!”

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 was always drawn to art since I was a kid, but felt as though I didn’t have a why, a story to share, or enough life experince to connect with people. I wanted to learn different techniques and mediums, but struggled with deciding on topics or content.

In high school I decided to study Architecture and a few years later graduated with a Bachelor in the field. While in college, I was fortunate to travel and learn about other cultures, meet people from different places, faiths, upbringing, etc. I embraced the opportunity and decided to pursue Art after graduation. It felt like I finally had a story and that gave me inspiration to create. Over the next few years I experimented with different mediums trying to find an artistic language. Perhaps, it’s why I refer to myself as an experimental artist, because my work is continually evolving with me. At some point I realized we all have our own unique stories, I just had not realized mine was worthy of making Art.

My works are colorful expressions that are heavily inspired by music. As I mentioned, I grew up loving music. It felt like a safe place to just feel all the array of emotions that come with our human experience. Oftentimes, a single song will repeat over and over again during the entire process of creating. Creating has become a cathartic process that allows me to experiment, explore, feel and ultimately connect with people. Sometimes I remember which song I was listening to, other times, I have forgotten. It’s actually kind of nice to forget, because then I get to experience my own work in a new way.
 
My art is a raw chaos of thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I’m a pretty mellow and quiet person, but my work can feel a bit chaotic at times. I’m interested in continuing to explore how the abstract art experience can be all immersive and engage all our senses. I know typically we are told to stand behind a line when it comes to viewing art, but I would like to challenge that. I think some Art should be experienced in ways that reach beyond the visual. I want people to touch, wear, maybe even smell the work some day. I’m still trying to figure all that out, but in time I know it will come to fruition. Lately, motherhood has really taken over a lot of my time. I have two little ones under 3 and being their Mommy is my top priority right now. I’m collecting experience and it is shaping my art differently.

I’m beyond excited to see the shift in my work and where I’m headed. I have been working on a few ideas of how to bring my art into the world of fashion and a way to step into the work. Perhaps that comes from a want to bridge my art with the field of architecture. I no longer want to feel stuck to the canvas because I’ve realized life itself can be my canvas. In these last few years, I’ve done canvases, murals, dresses, and even some signage and I just want to do more! In such a digital world, I am inclined to lean in to the more tangible and that’s exciting to me. I want to bridge several mediums in order to reach further and find basic human connection. Because I whole heartily believe that is what most of us seek.

What I’ve learned is that I am ever evolving, and my work is with me. I am successful because I get to do this! I get to connect, and to hear others tell me how they are able to find a connection with the work. Over time, I’ve understood, not everyone will connect or even like my work, and that is the beauty of Art being so diverse. I get to create actual life and art with my loved ones. That is success to me!

For most of my Art life, I’ve always needed a day job in an office setting while creating art. It has been challenging accepting that I couldn’t dedicate more time, maybe even make a living off my work. It used to frustrate me, but in recent years my kids have taught me to have even more patience and to live in the now. I get to create and for that I live with gratitude. So I’d love for people to come along for the ride, and see where my art takes us! And yes, production is a little slower in this season of my life as a Mother, but the essence of my work has never been better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a fun question. Well, I’d probably do a lot of fun family friendly things. I love adventuring with my little ones and although it can be hectic, it’s so fun! We probably would do a day at LACMA and another day at the beach, probably Malibu or Will Rogers and then eat in the area. Another day at a park with splash pads and nice shady trees, maybe Virginia park in Santa Monica, just because the heat of the valley can get intense and nothing beats the ocean breeze. Another day would be spent home, cooking, maybe baking, just catching up and talking about what other adventure we could do in the days remaining. The days remaining it really depends on the interest of my friend, but a trip to O’Melveny park is included at some point. I love this place, it’s so beautiful and peaceful. I love smoothies and açaí bowls at Uba Tuba so I’d probably take my friend for a few during their stay here. I love Toluca Lake, it has nice quaint places to eat and it’s a plus my kids enjoy it too. Breakfast and a lunch at Aroma Cafe in Studio City because it’s on of my favorites and never disappoints.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s tough to not make a long list because so many have supported and encouraged me through out the different seasons of my life. I will begin with my parents. My Mother has designed and made fashion my whole life and has supported all my creative ideas. She has and will always be my biggest cheerleader. She even pulled some all nighters with me when I was in college. And most recently collaborated with me on some artwork. My Dad is a musician and a kind faithful heart. I love music because of him and have such beautiful memories of him singing, playing and writing music. I think that is why music plays a vital role in my artwork. I am now the Mother of two little ones and love sharing my love for the arts with them just as much as both my parents shared their creative, their faith, their kindness with me growing up.

My kids are my why and what I am most grateful for in life. They inspire me every single day and remind me of how many amazing things are around us, even when some may seem insignificant. They have come into my life and changed everything in the most amazing way possible. It’s been inevitable for my work to become a reflection of the new and evolved me, which I am still discovering.

They say it takes a village to raise children, and I agree. However, I also think it takes a supportive village to help you grow personally, creatively and professionally.

My younger brother pushes me to be ambitious and to not think the sky is the limit. My close girl friends remind me to take it a step at a time, to not give up, and to be graceful with myself as I live the different seasons of life. Particularly right now because I have a 3 and 1 year old, am staying home to take care of them and our home, while trying to continue growing my art. And then there is my Artist Mom friends, they just understand so well and motivate me that being an artist is not just about the quantity of production but also about the experience of life that informs my work.

Finally, there is my husband Christopher. We’ve known each other since college and he has been there from my career transitions, to late art nights and early morning day job rides, to helping me with production for art shows, and I am eternally grateful for him.

Website: https://www.artbyxiomara.com/

Instagram: ArtbyXiomara

Image Credits
Christopher Villa
Mario Escobar
Xiomara