We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bianca Gomez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bianca, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve known I wanted to tread the creative path for as long as I can remember, but it’s been quite the journey to get here. From a young age, I was drawn to art and the idea of being an artist. However, the conventional wisdom around me was that pursuing art as a career was impractical, and I should opt for a more stable path in fields like math, science, or the medical sector. These voices were so persistent that I hesitated to follow my passion for a while. I found myself at a crossroads, wondering what else I might do if not for art.

But, I couldn’t deny my creative calling. What changed the game for me was discovering the myriad opportunities within the art world, ones I hadn’t known existed. It wasn’t until I left the university that everyone insisted I attend that I started exploring my local creative community. That’s when I learned about organizations like the Garcia Center for The Arts, which opened up a whole new perspective for me. It’s funny how life’s twists and turns can lead you back to your true passion, and now I’m on a journey to make my mark in the creative realm.

Bianca, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m 21 years old, and I work at the Garcia Center for the Arts, an organization dedicated to sponsoring and promoting the arts in our local community. The center serves as a home to various arts organizations, such as Arts Connection, the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, and Tree People. My journey in the arts started as a volunteer at the Garcia Center, where I immersed myself in understanding the profound impact the center has on people’s lives. Eventually, I took on the role of a program coordinator for Arts Connection and initiated a unique project known as the Art Cart. This project serves as a resource for artists and our local community, offering free access to art supplies, with a specific focus on materials for workshops hosted by different artists.

The Art Cart was conceived to address a common issue where artists often buy supplies they rarely use or experiment with different mediums and then abandon them. Our program provides a solution by offering a platform for artists to share their unused supplies, ensuring that these materials find their way into the hands of those who will make the most of them. The driving force behind the Art Cart is a deep commitment to nurturing creativity and fostering resource sharing within our local art community. The Art Cart is dedicated to providing free art supplies, encouraging collaboration, and supporting artists, both seasoned and aspiring. What truly sets the Art Cart apart is our emphasis on creating a free and accessible resource for artists and the community to exchange materials. In contrast to conventional art supply stores, we operate on a donation-based model, promoting sustainability and minimizing waste by redistributing unused art supplies. This unique approach distinguishes us from commercial art supply outlets.

Building on this journey, I’ve now taken on a position at the Garcia Center for the Arts, where I assist in promoting local arts, the center’s renovation, and expanding our resources for artists, including classes. Additionally, I’m excited to share that we’re gearing up for the grand opening of Mercado 536, an art consignment store within the center, set to launch next year.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I believe there’s an aspect of the creative journey that non-creatives might find challenging to fully grasp. It goes beyond just the act of creating art itself. Many people don’t realize that to be a successful artist, you essentially have to become a business owner. This entails learning how to set prices for your work, actively searching for venues to exhibit or sell your art, coordinating and communicating with others to build your presence, and handling practical aspects like finding funding and job opportunities. This multifaceted role requires artists to wear multiple hats, and it’s often an underappreciated aspect of the creative process.

That’s where organizations like The Garcia Center and Arts Connection come in. We play a vital role in helping artists find grants and funding, provide them with job opportunities, and share valuable resources and opportunities. We expand an artist’s journey beyond the realms of painting and drawing, offering them tangible opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact. All of these components rely on individuals like myself working in these roles, actively seeking, creating, and sharing these opportunities with the creative community. It’s a complex ecosystem that supports and elevates artists, and I’m proud to be a part of that process.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative, for me, is the opportunity to help others in their artistic journey. While my personal art is primarily for fun and serves as a form of art therapy, I don’t feel the need to make a business out of it or seek recognition. Instead, I enjoy keeping it as a hobby. What truly fulfills me is supporting fellow artists in transcending the notion that art is just a hobby and showing them that it can indeed be a means of livelihood. Witnessing other artists take that leap and pursue their creative passions more seriously is incredibly rewarding and inspiring. It’s a joy to be a part of their journey and see them flourish in the world of art.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/artoriety

Image Credits
(Photo with green Background) by Yulissa Mendoza at the Mucho Gusto Fest