We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Ester Orantes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Victoria Ester, thanks for joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
Yes, sometimes my paintings get mischaracterized for being “too dark”. Though there are some somber aspects, to categorize my work wholly as “too dark” is inaccurate especially because the ongoing theme in my work is to always seek the light despite the darkness (as nature does). This becomes evident when the accompanying poems of the painting are read.
An example would be the painting below of the orchid and ivy hands. The painting is titled Watcher of the Wild; it is a painting about a dometic orchid that admires the ivy’s freedom from a window. The orchid simultaneously experiences awe and frustration because she in contrast to the ivy lives a sheltered life. This is an excerpt of the poem that accompanies the painting Watcher of the Wild:
“Savage vegetation, wild ivy man,
touched an orchid with the shadow of his hand.
Why do tameless topiaries perfume the water of a vestal vase?
Innocent buds always regard the undomesticated vine with craze.
A succulent moment between orchid and ivy.
To you, my cipher, savage sprout, you’ve enlivened me.”
All this to say, my paintings are intended to capture personified visual metaphors of my authentic emotional experiences- both the bleak and the beautiful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
V.E.O.Visions is a 1966 Volkswagen Beetle Boutique and Mobile Gallery. It features my original artwork and poems on canvas and in prints. The boutique also features elegant thrifted clothing, hand-painted jewelry, and hosts a community canvas.
What I am most proud of is despite the fact that I am a self-taught artist and creating my artistic network entirely from scratch, I have managed to be featured in dozens of art shows within the last few years- my artistic journey began in 2019. Gallery features include CM2 Gallery, Ave 50 Studio, Angel City Brewery, A Blank White Box Gallery, The Hive Gallery and Studios, Borrego Art Institute, various art walks, digital/ print publications, and local establishments such as Highland Cafe in Highland Park.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
What seems to be a common misunderstanding is what motivates a creative person. From the perspective of non-creatives, it may seem illogical for an artist to expend so much energy when the money doesn’t always reflect the effort, yet it usually isn’t money that motivates a creative person. What motivates a creative person is the peace and freedom that creative action brings. We create to exist a bit more peacefully within ourselves-processing emotions and experiences through creative expression, otherwise it would literally feel like suffocating.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Two examples of resilience that come to mind are owning and maintaining a classic car. The second is continuing to create art despite the obstacles of adulthood.
Contact Info:
- Website: Under Construction
- Instagram: @v.e.o.visions
Image Credits
IG @zapatos_chuecos