We recently connected with Phony Rivera and have shared our conversation below.

Phony, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I have a video project called “phonyvhs” where I post short videos,focusing on Fresno topics and people ! Also such things as Events or Anything Fresno
This project has been so meaningful and important to me !
Mainly because Fresno has a negative stigma around it! Based on our high crime rates / drug usage .
I have always said if all you’re doing is talking bad on your community and not doing anything about it you might be apart of the problem !
Fresno has many amazing people,Stories and history.
I hope to make a positive impact and inspire others to do the same.
Phonyvhs also helps me with my bad social anxiety.
I struggle talking to others but with so much curiosity, phonyvhs challenges me to put my fears aside and pursue !
Everybody has a different story and something to teach you 🤍.

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’ve always been creative for as long as I remember ! I would pass the time in class by doodling behind my paper , growing up in poverty ( we didn’t have internet) I remember riding my skateboard to the local library and reading step by step drawing books ! covering my room walls in my own art & characters Even wining art competition in elementary school ! Art has always been a way for me to decompress and step into my own phony world. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come ! super shy and to myself I’ve now grown to see my potential in knowing I can make a difference . The Fresno art community has accepted me with open arms. Inviting me to sell my art at social events , studios , being apart of photo shoots and many more creative collaborations. my day to day job is working for boys and girls club of America in the west side of Fresno , I hope to be the mentor I didn’t have as a kid for them. I absolutely love working with Fresno youth. They’re all so important. It all starts there. 🤍

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Ive struggled with anxiety since 2020 , it got BAD ! With covid around and a bad codependent relationship it was at an all time high! I was terrified to leave my room and interact with others. I had to take some time to really get to know myself , figure myself out and self develop. Although I still struggle here and there Im so happy to be where I’m at . I’ve come so far I went from being TERRIFIED of others to now stepping out of my shell interviewing people all around my city. everyone lives differently, has different motives & motivations. WHAT DO THEY LIVE BY!? I want to know what makes people THEM! especially those who come from where im from

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me the most rewarding aspect of being a creative doing what I do is seeing the impact! And the connections I’ve made. I’ve met so many people with inspiring story’s 🤍 I strive for genuine human connections

Contact Info:

• Instagram: phonyvhs
• Youtube: phonyvhs

Image Credits

Pic 2. Credit @issa_xm
Pic 6. Credit @biscaynebobbyroberts
Pic 7 credit @yxngbernie