We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Benny Gallegos. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Benny below.
Alright, Benny thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I have a ton of projects going on right now. I have recently begun my cartoon/comedy channel on YouTube @BenBoomComedy; I have been performing quite a bit of standup comedy with my comedy group, Joke Junction, and through my agent, Barry Neal with Entertainment Max; I’ve been accepted to a few film festivals and am creating and producing more films; I do a lot of event hosting for music events, burlesque showcases, and cultural events—all this, on top of being a business owner. I stay very busy, but my darling is jewelry design! I have been a jewelry designer for about 6 years, trained in the classical methods of the craft by Master Silversmith, Melanie Kline. I have elevated pretty quickly in skill and design due to just immersing myself into the art and craft of silver work while embracing the notion that I might be slightly talented, lol. That being said, over the past 7 months, I have begun my YouTube tutorial channel, as a way to share my jewelry adventures in design and creation, and this is a project that feels very meaningful to me right now. Based on the feedback I have received, what has set my channel apart from others out there is my personality, humor, and the authentic way that I show my creative process, including my mistakes and learning opportunities. My videos are also different because I do not show my face. My hands are the star of the show, and I guess my commentary is what keeps the episodes interesting and exciting, according to the feedback I have received. This endeavor has pulled the teacher out of me, which I gain so much joy from. I love sharing ideas, teaching, and showing all the ways that silver can be made into beautiful art while sharing my energy and bringing joy to everybody who interacts with my art! Oh, and I also love stones as well, especially turquoise!
Benny, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Benny. I go by “BoOM” which is my nickname. I am a super left-handed, right brained creative. I am Irish, Spanish and Apache. I am an athlete and adventurer. I am currently in Western Colorado, and grew up back and forth between Compton, California with my mom, and Western Colorado with my dad. I have 4 brothers and 4 sisters and an awesome mixed family with lots of action all the time. I love to learn, and I have a masters degree in clinical counseling. Youth coaching and counseling is the foundation of the counseling agency I established to further my work in helping young people throughout Western Colorado. I really want to be an example that much is possible, and to demonstrate everything that’s possible when you mix passion with a positive attitude and work ethic. I believe strongly in the power or art as a way to share positive energy, demonstrate freedom, and express creative ideas. I have been a creative for as long as I can remember, from writing songs to building forts with my brothers and cousins. What separates my art from others and what I am most proud of when it comes to my art is probably the diversity of its expression and the variety of content and creations I am able to put into the world. I create through cartoons, jewelry, music, painting, comedy, filmmaking, and teaching through my YouTube jewelry tutorial series, all of which is self-produced.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I can’t speak for all creatives, but to help non-creatives understand the creative journey, for me, it really stems from an intense desire to share, give, and make the world around me just a little bit more shiny and brilliant. Sharing is teaching, and this is the foundation of what I do through all of my creative outlets. Being determined and resilient is also at the core of creation. We have to work to get what we want accomplished. There are really no short-cuts. We also have to learn to deal with self-doubt, negative thoughts, and disappointments. So much of performing at a high
level is mental. Intense self-reflection and identifying strengths and challenges within yourself is more important than one might think. The concept of self-reflection is what allows us to know what we are working with, from within. Only then can we use the challenges to grow and build
resilience, while amplifying the strengths. That is an art in itself!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The goal and mission that drives my creative journey is very simple… the desire to share and raise the vibration of those who interact with my art. I really just work to inspire through example. I will leave you with this little quip, “Shine so bright and without apology, that just your presence alone is an act of rebellion!”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.boomjewelrydesigns.com
- Instagram: @boomjewelrydesigns
- Youtube: @boomjewelrydesigns