Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lucia O’Cleary. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lucia, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
My story is one of reclaiming and celebrating identity, a fusion of pixels and spirit, a balance between the server room and the canvas. It’s a risk woven with the threads of my Chicana heritage, a defiant bloom in the concrete of a 9-to-5 world.
For years, I navigated the binary world as a computer tech, troubleshooting networks and fixing hardware in a school district. But beneath the surface of code and cables, a vibrant artist pulsed, yearning for expression. The titles they gave me – “computer tech,” “employee” – felt like constricting labels, failing to capture the rich authenticity of my being. I knew I was more: a storyteller, a visual architect, a keeper of cultural memory.
The risk wasn’t quitting my job; it was daring to be all of me, simultaneously. It was saying, “I am Chicana, I am an artist, I am an entrepreneur, and I am a tech, and these facets are not mutually exclusive.”
The backstory was a deep-seated desire to honor my ancestors, to amplify the stories that often go unheard. I craved to create art that echoed the vibrant colors of my culture, the resilience of my community, and the shared experiences that bound us together. I wanted to celebrate our joy, not just our struggles.
So, I began to merge my digital skills with my artistic vision. I created digital art that pulsed with the spirit of my heritage, vibrant depictions of folkloric figures, reimagined landscapes of my childhood, and digital altars that celebrated our ancestors. I took the leap and joined the ArtWalks in Downtown Ontario, California, a nervous flutter in my stomach as I displayed my work, a blend of traditional motifs and modern technology.
The risk paid off in ways I never imagined. My art resonated with my community. It became a bridge, connecting generations and sparking conversations about our shared history. My work was exhibited in the Ontario Museum of History & Art, a testament to the power of reclaiming our narratives. My photography, capturing the raw beauty of my city and its people, was featured in the Made in LA exhibits, a validation of my vision.
But the real reward has always been the joy of collaborating with other artists and photographers, capturing their sacred moments, witnessing their triumphs, and sharing in their success. It was about building a community, a collective of creators who lifted each other up, honoring the spirit of comadrismo and shared strength.
My risk wasn’t just about personal fulfillment; it was about creating space for others like me, showing them that they didn’t have to choose between their purpose and their livelihoods. It was about proving that we are more than our titles, that we are a symphony of experiences, a vibrant mosaic of culture, and that our joy is our resistance. It’s a risk that continues to unfold, a celebration of my Chicana heritage, a testament to the power of art, and a reminder that we can honor our roots while building our future, one pixel, one photograph, one vibrant creation at a time.
Lucia, 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?
Alright, so, I’m Lucia O’Cleary. Chicana multimedia artist, model, and photographer, straight outta Ontario, California. And honestly? My whole thing is about celebrating our community, reminding us all of that spark, that divinidad we all carry. I do that through joy, through bright, bold colors, through creating spaces where people feel safe to just be themselves.
How did I get here? Well, I was always that kid drawing, always messing around with computers. I worked as a computer tech for a school district, and it was fine, but it wasn’t me. I realized I needed to bring all those pieces together, my tech skills, my art, my culture.
So, I started merging those worlds. I create digital art that pulls from our heritage, using those vibrant colors that just scream “Chicana.” Think folkloric figures reimagined with a digital twist, digital altars that honor our ancestors, all done with this real joyful energy. I want to show that our stories, our traditions, they’re not just history, they’re alive, they’re beautiful.
As a model, I’m about showing we can take up space. Proudly. Confidently. We don’t have to fit into these tiny boxes. We can be diverse, we can be ourselves. And as a lifestyle and event photographer, I’m honored to capture those real, sacred moments. It’s about seeing people, truly seeing them, and showing them how beautiful they are.
What sets me apart? I think it’s that mix. I’m not just an artist, or just a photographer, or just a model. I’m all of it, and it’s all connected. It’s about creating a space where people can be themselves, where they feel seen and celebrated. I’m most proud of the community I’m building, the connections I’m making.
What I want people to know? That my work isn’t just pretty pictures or cool digital art. It’s about honoring our roots, celebrating our joy, and showing that we’re more than any labels. We’re a symphony of experiences, and we deserve to shine.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Oh, man, there are so many resources that have shaped me! I really believe there’s a beginner, intermediate, and advanced level to everything, so I’m always revisiting things. These are the ones that keep reminding me of that inner spark, that divinidad we all hold.
First off, the collected works of Florence Scovel Shinn. Her stuff is just… powerful. It’s about mindset, about claiming your good, about knowing you deserve it. Then, anything by Neville Goddard. He flips your perspective on reality, gets you thinking about how your imagination creates your world. And, of course, Linda Goodman’s ‘Star Signs.’ I know, some people are skeptical, but for me, it’s about understanding the patterns, the energies, the way we’re all connected.
As for YouTube, I’m a big fan of ‘The Diary of a CEO.’ It’s not just business talk, it’s real conversations with people from all walks of life, all these specialists. You always find something that clicks. Then, ‘Know Thy Self’ is amazing for spiritual growth. They bring on really respected practitioners, and they don’t just talk theory, they give you practical tools. And finally, Coach Craig Kenneth. He breaks down attachment styles, how we connect, how we process grief. It’s like, he explains the human operating system, you know?
What’s beautiful is that all these resources, they connect. They help you understand why we are the way we are, how we function, and how powerful we truly are.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
It was a slow burn, honestly. I wasn’t overnight success or anything. But a really good friend, Nicolle, she told me, ‘Lucia, you gotta give it 125%. Just go all in.’ And that’s what I did. We started collaborating for the Downtown Ontario ArtWalks. We’d shoot footage, take photos of each other, because we trusted each other, felt comfortable in front of the camera. That’s where it all started, that trust and comfort.
And that collaboration? It opened up so many doors. Suddenly, I was working with other artists, other photographers. It was like, one good thing led to another. That’s how I built my Instagram, really. With integrity, with mutual benefit. I wanted to showcase the dynamic range of artists in our community, how we all have a purpose, how we all contribute. It wasn’t about me, it was about us.
It was little steps, you know? But those little steps, they built a foundation. And honestly, it’s still an ongoing project. I’m still building, still connecting.
My advice for people just starting out?
• Collaboration is key. Don’t be afraid to work with others. It’s not a competition. Find people you trust, people who lift you up.
• Be authentic. People can spot fake a mile away. Show your real self, your real passion.
• Give more than you take. Focus on building genuine connections. Support other artists, share their work.
• Consistency is crucial. Even small steps, done consistently, add up over time.
• Don’t be afraid to show your process. People love to see the behind-the-scenes, the real work that goes into creating.
• Trust the process. It takes time. Don’t get discouraged by slow growth. Focus on building something meaningful.
• Remember to serve your community it’s not about yourself, it’s about connecting and sharing.
Just be yourself, connect with people, and keep creating. That’s the real magic.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @5eyeswideArts
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Main Artist Personal Photo credit goes to @andy_khatchatrian