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

Josefina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Being an artist is a pursuit that brings me immense joy, and allows me to explore my creativity and self-expression. However, it has been a challenge to earn a full time living from my work.

As a recent graduate I still have a lot to learn and explore in my creative journey, and this requires time and effort that doesn’t always generate an income.

The key for me has been to diversify, try new things constantly while continuing to grow in my personal practice.
For example, teaching is something that was not in my plans at all after graduating, and today I can say that it is one the most rewarding aspects of my practice. It allows me to have a steady income, pay for my studio space and continue working.

Being involved in different communities and groups of artists is another great way of finding new opportunities to work and collaborate, while receiving the support and understanding of other artists and creatives who face the same struggles as I do.

I believe the most important thing is not to give up, having the determination to continue making, and at the same time understanding that we might have to make small compromises in the path towards realizing our artistic vision.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an Argentinian artist living in Calgary, Alberta, Treaty 7 Territory since 2010. My current practice and research focuses on eroticism and sexuality, from a feminine and personal perspective.

This is broadly what I investigate through my practice: the discourse of the erotic from my personal point of view and experience as a woman.

I have been curious about these topics from a very early age, but my cultural background made it difficult to express my interests and ideas freely. I was born in Argentina and lived there until the age of twenty eight. Like in most Latin American societies, a woman’s primary roles are to be mothers and wives. Departing from those established roles is not well received and can have serious consequences, such as damaging family ties and social relationships, verbal abuse, physical violence and public shaming.

My upbringing in such a patriarchal and sexist culture let to me feeling out of place and in fear of sharing or exploring my ideas.

Today, I consider my work and my life’s choices to be a response to the male oppression I grew up with, and an invitation to look at and accept diverse sexual practices and choices. It is meant to empower and give a voice to people; to defy and denounce machismo as oppressive to women and men alike.

My intention is to continue to make art that is authentic and based in my personal experiences.

Community work and volunteering have always been important to me and I am actively involved in my community, helping develop an inclusive and collaborative environment between artists.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Right after high school I attended university for Textile Design for a few years, I knew I wanted to pursue a creative career. Unfortunately, due to some family issues at the time, I dropped out of school, and I always felt like I had failed my self and my family for not graduating.

I had to work instead to support myself and I found great opportunities in corporate jobs because of my ability to speak English fluently. I had to adapt and leave my passion aside for many years.

In 2016, when the company I was working for closed down, I felt it was the perfect time to return to my creative journey. I went back to school for my Bachelors Degree in Ceramics at The Alberta University of The Arts. Graduating in my mid 30;s felt like an immense accomplishment and it helped me find my voice and the courage to start my career as a full time artist.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I really wish I had engaged with Social Media earlier in my career. Growing up before internet and cellphones, I struggle with the fast paced and ever changing demands of having a media presence. For the longest time, I didn’t see the potential or the benefit of it, and I refused to do it. Over the past few years I have made it my goal to learn, understand, and utilize social media platforms for marketing, exposure, and brand building. It is a slow and sometimes tedious journey, but so far I really see the benefits to it and I will continue to work on it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.josefinarv.com
• Instagram: @brujaceramics
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo8Yb_FybDjExA-nQiRLk3Q