We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sam Herrera. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sam below.
Hi Sam , thanks for joining us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?
I have always struggled with finding my footing within my own identity. Whether it was dealing with my mixed ethnicity, my sexual orientation, or my gender expression; it has been something I have had to learn to be patient with. I have learned to express my identity through my unique experiences, and not allowing societal pressures shape my artistic process. In my opinion, it is easy for artists from marginalized communities to conform to what society wants in today’s age of “fast” commerce. I don’t blame anyone looking to survive, but it is something I try to avoid because I wish to not be mischaracterized as a monolith of own mix of cultures. Inside each subculture is a wide array of expression, and I would like to be able to freely explore what that means to me in my own life.
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 am a self taught multi media artist, but started meeting a lot of the artists due to participating in the Los Angeles DIY backyard show scene from the years of 2013-2017. I took on the role of solo booking team, tech team & general operations of 3-4 band lineups in my friend’s backyards as a way to promote the local talent. Looking back, I can see how those days shaped me into the artist I am today becoming. What sets me apart from others may be my stubbornness when it comes to accepting no as an answer, finding a solution that is accessible to as many people is always my main goal. If I am proud of anything regarding my career up to this point, I would like to acknowledge my ability to genuinely build connections to my community and peers not only in Los Angeles, but in other art communities across the country and even internationally. I aim to always stay open minded, kind, and resourceful when working with others.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Not that I wasn’t aware of it, but the internet has helped me grow independently in my own secure way. Instagram can be toxic at times, but I like to curate my following to constantly inspire and motivate myself instead of wasting time degrading my own self image due to jealousy or other negative emotions. Other internet sites such as Reddit or Youtube also have become such a strong tool in my independence as an artist. I also enjoy these resources because for the most part, anyone can readily access these sites and that keeps the creative field open to new creators. It has become nearly impossible to gatekeep knowledge if you’re determined enough to learn new skills or even change your perspective on your own creative approach.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My main objective as an artist is to promote accessibility. I grew up low income, but due to being supported by a strong community I was able to participate in things that would end up growing into a passion for the arts. I also have the goal of supporting those from marginalized communities and uplift them from any hardships they may face. I believe that the role of an artist is much more than fame, money, or love; I see myself looking up fondly towards those who advocated for social change and progress as well so I aim to do the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sam95herrera.wixsite.com/satanswifey
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/_satanswifey
- Other: Mixcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/satanswifey/ Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/Js5YrKi9psTZLoU56