We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful River Garza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with River below.

Hi River, thanks for joining us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

It sounds cliche, but the best investment you can make is in yourself. My journey as an artist has taught me that investing in myself has been the most fruitful and has payed off tenfold. When I say investing in yourself I mean taking the time, energy and resoruces to learn and master your craft. This could range from taking classes/workshops, spending the money to get good materials and most importantly dedicating the time to learn and make mistakes.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is River and I’m a visual artist from Los Angeles, CA. My art practices ranges from painting, jewelry making, printmaking, graphic design, and public art. I have had a lifelong interest in art making, and I first got into the work that I do now as an undergraduate student. I majored in Ethnic studies in college and in time found myself learning how paint/making art as a means to express myself visually as opposed to verbally. Since then Since then my art practice has grown and I now work across multiple mediums.

As far at the creative work that I do. I make studio art, create digital art for clients, I silversmith, teach, and work as muralist.
There work I do for clients ranges, I mostly help clients reel in their ideas and create imagery from there concepts. I think what separates my work and makes it distinct is the visual imagery and style in which I create. I take elements from my studio practice incorpeate them into all the other mediums I work with. I like to think I create all my work with a painterly approach.

I am most proud of my work as a teaching artist, I really value the opportunity to teach and share the knowledge I have accumulated over the years. So many people have been kind and generous in sharing their knowledge with me and I try my best to reciprocate that to others.

I want people to know that my work speaks of my personal experience and is ultimately reflective of my many interests. Im a lifelong student and always looking to explore new mediums and refine my practice.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I think an individuals ability to pivot will determine their capacity for success and ultimately happiness In their given career path. For a long time I was on the path of becoming an academic and for many years thought I wanted to become a professor and work in the university setting. I had this misconception that my career as an academic would help support my true passion, which was being an artist. I ultimately found out that this was a misguided notion and only a means to an end. My true love was art and I found myself dedicated more and more time towards a career that did not nurture my creative spirit.

During my graduate studies I had the realization that being an academic was not for me, and I should focus on my true passion if I want to be happy and fulfilled with the work that I do. Stepping away from my graduate program was one of the most important decisions I have had to make. Until that point my career trajectory and life has been oriented with the goal of getting my Ph.d and teaching. It was overwhelming at first but I couldn’t be more happy with the decision I made. I now find myself working in a field that I love.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew more about grant and fellowship opportunities earlier on in my career. There are so many resources out there for artists to utilize to their advantage. I think there is this misconception that you can’t make money as an artist, or there is a finite way to earn a living as an artists. Grants and fellowship opportunities help remedy that and provide artists with all kinds of opportunities at whatever point in your career you may be in. I highly encourage folks to look into funding opportunities at the local, state and national level. These opportunities require a lot of work on the front end but will be worth it if your receive the grant or fellowship.

Contact Info:

• Website: rivergarza.com

Image Credits
River Garza