We were lucky to catch up with Carmen Perez – Stoppert recently and have shared our conversation below.
Carmen, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Ever since I was a little girl, I cherished drawing and painting. Our home featured a barn poster on the wall—the only art in our house and I eagerly recreated it to evaluate my artistic skills. The notion that creativity might be woven into our family genes resonates with me.
The artistic legacy of my family has profoundly influenced my creative journey. My grandfather’s craftsmanship and my mother’s tireless creativity, particularly in her church work. My mom’s loved for story telling led her to create charming theater props, using toys and animals, captivating children during Bible story time shaped my artistic journey. I simply followed their path, guided by passion, heritage, and my own artistic narrative.
Carmen, 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?
During my high school years, I eagerly immersed myself in as many art classes as possible. Beyond the classroom, I explored diverse interests, including hotel management, fashion modeling, and even worked part-time as a cashier. My passion for art fueled my journey, leading me to make a pivotal decision: college. Northeastern Illinois University became my destination, where I was fortunate to receive government grants and secure art scholarships from the university’s art department. As a third-generation Puerto Rican raised in Chicago, I hailed from a lineage of strong women who supported each other through thick and thin.
The drive to create a better life and future propelled me forward. Balancing work and studies, I persevered for five years to earn my Bachelor of Arts degree. Post-graduation, I gained hands-on experience in a foundry, honing skills in wax modeling and bronze sculpture casting. Later, I was an assistant for architectural projects by constructing intricate miniature models.
But my artistic journey did not stop there. I delved into making, fabricating jewelry and small sculptures, eventually founding Linea Latina Arte while a part-time instructor at Chicago City Colleges.
What I offer my clients are one-of-a-kind pieces, priced fairly and delivered based on my client’s needs and wants. Whether it’s carving a wax model, fabricating from sheet metal, setting gemstones, or working within a budget, I strive to create pieces that may one day become cherished family heirlooms.
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?
As a creative, your studio becomes a sanctuary where you laboriously shape and reshape designs. Often, the outcome remains elusive until the very end, leaving you uncertain whether it will materialize or even be feasible. Picture this: you’ve embarked on five to ten unique designs, each iteration inching closer to your vision. Yet, amidst the process, mishaps occur—perhaps a burned piece due to an unruly hot flame torch. And so, you begin anew. All that time invested, lost. Now, let’s shift to the realm of client collaboration. And the full process doesn’t begin without client collaboration. Their initial concept, while vivid in their mind, doesn’t always translate accurately. It’s not merely a request for wedding bands resembling grape leaves; it’s a multifaceted journey. You delve into the nitty-gritty: size, weight, material, texture, polish, sanding, samples, budget, and time.
When working with clients, I involve them deeply in the process, making them integral to the path. I sketch, mold shapes, reveal textures, and ensure the fit aligns with their vision. They visit my studio or provide photo approval via text. One client once exclaimed, “Wow, I didn’t realize I’d be part of so many processes!” Yet, this collaborative approach benefits both client and artist, guiding us toward the right direction—a harmonious creative journey.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I thrive on closely collaborating with my clients, embracing new challenges, and constantly pushing the boundaries. I design and create art that fills my heart with joy and happiness, and I hope it does the same for my clients.
Contact Info:
Website: www.carmenmperez.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-m-
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Other: https://www.pinterest.com/
Image Credits
Carmen M. Perez – Stoppert Artist Photographer 2024 Linea Latina Arte