Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jess Ofelia Sandoval. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jess Ofelia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My Artistic Journey

Early Inspiration and Self-Taught Beginnings

My passion for art, painting, and textiles was ignited during my childhood, nurtured in libraries, through PBS, my mother’s 1980s World Book Encyclopedia Collection, and individual caring teachers. These early experiences planted the seeds of creativity that would flourish later in my life. Though I am self-taught, I embraced the challenge of learning and developing my skills independently, driven by a deep love for the craft.

Personal Artwork

As I ventured into creating art in my later adulthood, my paintings and textile work naturally gravitated towards the landscapes and waterscapes of Los Angeles, as well as intimate portraits drawn from both past and present memories. These subjects hold personal significance, serving as a bridge between my internal world and the external environment.

Personal Inspirations

My artistic style is a vibrant tapestry woven from a diverse array of influences that reflect my cultural roots, personal experiences, and favorite art movements.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was born in the springtime in Compton, California, and though my childhood was filled with many firsts, my earliest and most cherished memories revolve around making art. One of my favorite memories is of painting with watercolors for the first time in elementary school. Our teacher had just read us *Linnea in Monet’s Garden*, a story that transported us into the world of vibrant colors and delicate brushstrokes. Another time, we created art by gluing pasta onto a drawing inspired by *Strega Nona*. These moments of creativity were more than just school activities; they were lifelines that nurtured my resilience during my childhood in a working class neighborhood.

Yet, as life took its twists and turns, especially when I was 18 and constantly moving, I made the difficult decision to discard these artworks. The pieces I had so dutifully and patiently saved from kindergarten until that moment were lost. What I would give now to have them back—those fragments of my childhood, those expressions of my early self.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes. My workshop Learning by Doing! It is a unique community workshop that creates a nurturing space for creativity and self-discovery. It offers a thematic monthly curriculum that is accessible to all ages, drawing inspiration from nature to fuel the artistic process. The activities blend elements of folk art, environmental themes, and transformative art practices, encouraging participants to learn by doing. This hands-on approach fosters creative thinking, self-expression, and the confidence to experiment and refine skills.

By promoting self-discovery, originality, and individualism, the workshop deliberately avoids a competitive atmosphere, allowing each participant to progress at their own pace. This approach not only nurtures personal growth but also turns the workshop into a dynamic environment for idea seeding and spreading. It serves as a laboratory where natural curiosity and experimentation can flourish.

The ultimate goal of the workshop is to inspire new ways of seeing, feeling, and being, helping participants recognize and cultivate their innate creative potential. This makes the workshop a powerful catalyst for personal and communal creative development.

“Learning by Doing” began to take shape in 2021, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others who found themselves in isolation, I experienced a renewed appreciation for nature. This project was born out of a personal need to reconnect with my inner child as a path to healing from personal turmoil. Through this journey, I discovered a deep connection between art, philosophy, and nature, even within the confines of an urban environment. This fusion became the foundation of “Learning by Doing,” where nature serves as both inspiration and a medium for artistic and educational exploration.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I am inspired by Ann Wiseman, a versatile artist and pioneering program director from the 1970s, I draw on her innovative approach to hands-on educational art programs. Wiseman’s work was groundbreaking, blending art and education to create immersive, creative learning experiences. Her published books on art and crafts further exemplify her commitment to making art accessible and empowering others to explore their creativity. Like Wiseman, I strive to create programs and artistic endeavors that encourage active participation, self-expression, and a deep connection between art and learning.

Program Philosophy: Learning by Doing

Inspired by John Dewey’s Educational Philosophy

The program draws inspiration from John Dewey’s belief that education is not merely a preparation for life but is life itself. Education, in this view, is a continuous, lifelong process that is fundamentally linked to our social and democratic existence. Dewey emphasized that learning occurs through active engagement, taking risks, and embracing mistakes—a philosophy encapsulated in the idea of “Learning by Doing.”

Art as Experience

Following Dewey’s perspective from his work Art as Experience, the program champions the notion that art should not be isolated from everyday life. Instead, it sees the creative process as something inherently tied to culture, community, and even politics. Art, in this context, becomes a powerful tool for transformation, not despite imperfections, but through them.

Program Objectives

Create an Inclusive Creative Space:
Foster an environment where art is accessible to everyone and is seen as an integral part of daily life, not just a specialized or elite activity.

Embrace Imperfection in Art:
Encourage participants to take risks and make mistakes, understanding that these are essential to the creative process and personal growth.

Cultural and Political Connection:
Highlight how art is interwoven with culture and can serve as a form of political expression, promoting dialogue and community engagement.

DIY Approach to Art:
Empower participants to explore a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) approach, reinforcing the idea that one must actively engage in the process to truly understand and appreciate art.

Conclusion

The workshop’s aim is to bridge the gap between art and everyday life, making it a transformative experience that resonates with Dewey’s educational philosophy. By learning through doing, participants are invited to explore art in a way that is personal, cultural, and deeply connected to their lived experiences.

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Jess Ofelia Sandoval, born in Compton and raised in Southeast Los Angeles, is a first-generation Californian with deep working-class roots. She has built a diverse career as a nature-based educator, teaching artist, and gardener, blending her creative passions with a commitment to community and education.

Contact Info:

• Website: Jess.ofelia.sandoval.com
• Instagram: jess.ofelia.sandoval
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-ofelia-sandoval-
• Other: https://artintheparkla.org/event/opening-of-saudade-jess-ofelia-sandoval/

Image Credits

N/a
Taken by me and with permission