We recently connected with Bruja Thevillain and have shared our conversation below.
Bruja, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
When I was asked to reflect on my most meaningful project, my mind immediately turned to The Baggage Claim. This exhibit was born out of a deeply personal and transformative moment in my life. Following an assault, I found myself navigating the isolating weight of trauma. During that time, only a few close friends stood by me and it was tough asking anyone for help. Most people didn’t know how to help me carry the emotional and mental burdens that felt unbearable but there was some support that inspired me to explore the concept of shared burdens and the humanity it takes to carry not only our own baggage but also that of others.
The Baggage Claim was a way to give form and voice to this idea. The exhibit invites participants to confront the metaphorical baggage we all carry our traumas, achievements, fears, joys, and everything in between. It is an “out of the box” exploration of what makes us human enough to embrace our own vulnerabilities and those of others. Through a display of vibrantly decorated 24×14, 9-inch boxes representing one’s identity, ego, and superego, the exhibit transforms the invisible into something tangible and visible. These boxes reflect the spectrum of emotions we hide within ourselves, from sadness and anger to love and strength.
The most impactful part of this project was not just its creation but its interaction with the audience. Watching people engage with the pieces, reflect on their own emotional baggage, and consider the questions the exhibit posed—Who helps you carry your baggage? Whose baggage are you helping to carry? This was incredibly moving and continues to leave an impact on my life. It was an invitation to think about connection, resilience, and the beauty of shared humanity.
This project was meaningful to me not only as an artist but also as a person still learning to navigate my own trauma. It reminded me of the strength it takes to confront pain and the power of community in healing. Through The Baggage Claim, I was able to transform my personal story into a universal conversation, connecting others to their own journeys and fostering empathy for one another. This exhibit taught me that even in our struggles, there is profound art to be found in the act of carrying and sharing life’s baggage.
Bruja, 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’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember it’s in my DNA. My creative life began in childhood, where art, music, and words became my refuge and a form of self-expression. By age four, I was drawing, and by twelve, I published my first poem. Art has always been a way for me to make sense of the world. It’s not just what I do; it’s who I am.
As a child, I was the only one I knew who watched TV without sound. I would watch ballet performances and imagine myself as a character in the Sesame Street neighborhood. My imagination transported me to places I might never physically visit, yet I could visualize them clearly. These daydreams inspired me to become more. My imagination became my sanctuary, a safe place where I could shut the door on the chaos around me.
Growing up in Worcester, I didn’t have the resources I needed to gift myself a better chance at life. I was often left alone and navigating through life was difficult, somehow, I managed to survive. The art industry transformed my life, it was armor, my paint brushes and pens were my shield and sword.
I’ve been part of the arts industry for over 30 years. I am a multidisciplinary artist; I love all art forms from modeling and styling to painting and decorating. I’ve always known that I wanted to be a visual artist but once I opened that door of opportunities, I found there was so much more to explore. I hope I am seen as a mentor who combines visual art, music, and poetry to tell stories, spark conversations, and inspire change. Through events like The Poet’s Cauldron and El Caldero, I’ve created platforms where artists and audiences can connect, learn, and share their truths. I also aspire to provide workshops and collaborative art projects, all aimed at fostering creativity, preserving culture, and building community.
When I began my professional art career, I quickly realized there was little support for the vision I had. I was deeply involved in the Hip-Hop community across New England, regularly performing and live painting at events. However, the industry was, and still is, largely male-dominated, and I often found myself as one of the few women in the room. It became clear that if I wanted to succeed, I needed to find a way to be self-sustainable.
I committed myself to hard work and consistency, pouring my energy into every project—from pop-ups to exhibits. Earning respect from my peers required more than just creating; it demanded dedication. I did my research, made it a priority to show up for others, purchased work from fellow artists, and created platforms to showcase their talents.
Over time, this reciprocity transformed my journey. Other artists began to support me in the same way, offering opportunities and validating my efforts. Their support wasn’t just encouragement it was a recognition that my work had value, and that affirmation has been integral to my growth as an artist and community leader.
Years later, I am now Host and Creator of El Caldero and The Poet’s Cauldron. The Poets Cauldron being a once-a-month event was born out of a deep concern for the gentrification happening in our city. What I saw wasn’t a chance for a better economy or safer neighborhoods, it was loss. I watched the deconstruction of communities while corporations capitalized on the poor. Of course, we’re broken. Cases like Sandra Bland’s go viral, leaving us powerless to turn back time and prevent such tragedies. We’ve lost so many to COVID-19, once again proving how little control, we have. I just needed to do something! Something that involved the power of healing.
I’ve had my own traumatic experiences, and for a while, I didn’t know how to return to an industry that demanded so much exposure. But we were losing our culture, and I wanted to build a dam to protect it. I saw growing voids in spaces where I used to belong, places where I once felt connected just don’t feel the same anymore. Often, I found myself in spaces where I didn’t feel comfortable. I speak with an accent so maybe I shouldn’t say anything. I look and dress differently so maybe I shouldn’t attract attention but remaining silent will only cause more harm. What I wasn’t seeing anymore of were BIPOC people in spaces where we used to gather to share our stories, listen to our music, speak our language, and simply just be. Worcester wasn’t showing up anymore and I felt its impact on a small art community.
That’s why I created The Poet’s Cauldron. BIPOC, LGBTQ+ communities needed a space to feel safe where we could authentically, artistically express ourselves. I needed to create The Poets Cauldron because I needed to survive because I needed to be protected and I know I’m not the only one.
As we enter our third year showcasing at The White Room, there is still much work ahead of us. But I can say with certainty that the mission remains clear: we are fully committed to contributing to Worcester’s cultural revitalization through the arts. We are not just based in Worcester, MA we are part of its cultural fabric and maybe you’ll find me holding a needle and thread.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Growing up in a predominantly Spanish-speaking household, navigating life often felt like swimming against a current. Resources were scarce, and information about opportunities that could have shaped my artistic journey like residencies at museums or scholarships for education seemed out of reach. No one took the initiative to show me how to apply for these programs, leaving me to piece together my path with little guidance. It was a tough reality, one that many artists from similar backgrounds can likely relate to.
Despite these challenges, I am deeply grateful for those who took an interest in me during my formative years. Their encouragement was a lifeline, a reminder that someone believed in my potential. Sometimes, all it takes is a small gesture, an email, a conversation, or a shared opportunity to plant the seed of possibility. I wasn’t always made aware how much more I could branch out as a professional artist simply by searching for it.
This lack of resources is why I now stress the importance of questioning everything and doing the research. In today’s world, information is more accessible than ever, and those who seek it out can uncover paths they never knew existed. I advise aspiring artists to pinpoint where they want to go or what they want to achieve, immerse themselves in that space, and contribute to it. When you support your community or chosen field, it often finds ways to support you in return.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My creativity is deeply rooted in a desire to preserve culture, foster community, and empower others through art. I want to create spaces where marginalized voices especially those from BIPOC, LGBTQ communities can be heard, celebrated, and supported. I’m driven by this need to build bridges not just between artists and audiences, but across generations and identities so we can honor cultural heritage and make sure it’s passed down.
Art is everything to me. It’s how I resist the erasure of my culture and fight against gentrification. It’s how I create boundaries and connections. I believe art can heal, inspire, and transform. That’s why I pour my heart into all my work. The Poet’s Cauldron and El Caldero were created to bring people together, share stories, and show the power of creativity to change lives. Let art tell your story.
Honestly, I just want to create as much as possible more paintings, more poems, more outfits, more cupcakes and cookies! These are my favorite things, and I can’t help but laugh out loud when I talk about them because they bring me so much joy. I want to leave a legacy of creative sustainability and show others what’s possible when you embrace your voice and your art. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that even when you’re scared, you can take that fear and create something beautiful. I’ve learned that I can be the vastness, the darkness that allows the light to shine bright, That’s the amazing part of this journey, it’s limitless, and I’m here for all of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thepoetscauldron.com
- Instagram: @brujathevillain @thepoetscauldron
Image Credits
Nark Lizard
German Chiriboga
Kate Lally