We were lucky to catch up with Steven Rubalcaba recently and have shared our conversation below.

Steven, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The backstory begins a year earlier in 2023 when I first explored the world of community art, asked to create an interactive mural at a local event. With excitement and a heart full of new ideas, I went on a journey to bring people together through art. The concept was simple, a pixelated California sunset on a large wooden panel, painted one square at a time, with stenciled birds and music notes soaring through the sky. But as the crowd gathered, things took on a life of their own. The mural was on track until it wasn’t. It ultimately transformed into a vibrant, chaotic expression of creativity, far from my original vision, yet more alive. It taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes, the best art comes from not following a plan and letting the community organically shape it.

That experience led me to another community project in 2023, the Mosaic Festival where I created a collage using clippings from the local magazine “Eastside Magazine”. I also used homemade wheat paste glue. Observing people, especially the youth, searching through images and written poetry, carefully selecting pieces that spoke to them, and placing them intentionally on the panel was magical. The joy of seeing the participants as they composed their contributions was like nothing I had felt before, like a beautiful dance of collaboration and creativity.

By 2024, I was ready for something more ambitious. When the opportunity arose at the Women’s Leadership and Policy Summit, I expanded the collage concept to honor women leaders, both local and global, past and present. The materials used included paperprints from my office job, images of all the event speakers & honorees that included policy makers, elected officials, athletes, and community activists. I even included women who inspire me personally, of the strong women in my life, which made this project deeply personal. It was a tribute, a celebration, and a reminder of the strength and resilience of women everywhere.

Finally, in June 2024, at the SubZERO festival, I decided to push the boundaries further and create a community sculpture. This project was particularly meaningful because it embodied lessons learned from my previous endeavors. I used almost all repurposed materials, wooden scraps of 2x4s, a wooden panel from a prior project, and spray paint remnants. The theme of my booth was “Resilience, Rebirth, and Regeneration” and it felt fitting to create something new from scrap materials that others might have discarded.

The real magic happened when the community got curious and involved. Watching people select their blocks, considering colors, shapes, and composition, it was like witnessing a collective vision. There weren’t really any rules, just the freedom to create. The result was a stunning, colorful sculpture that stood as a testament to our shared creativity and the beauty of reimagining the world around us.

This project holds a special place in my heart because it brought together my inspirations of community, sustainability, and the power of art to transform. It reminded me that the most meaningful creations often come from unexpected places, from letting go and embracing the process, from turning what’s discarded into something beautiful.

Steven, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Art has been a part of my life since childhood. Growing up, I found solace and connection in creativity. I recall the matriarchs in my family were always crafty and creative. My father, often absent due to incarceration, would send me beautifully hand-drawn cards for birthdays and holidays. I’d trace those drawings, sharing them with my friends, and through that simple act, I discovered a sense of belonging/identify. Visual art became my voice when I was too shy or awkward to speak. Not to mention, I also had a stutter. It was my stability and peace in a world that was constantly changing, as my family moved all over.

In the early ’90s, my world expanded when I discovered hip-hop, and the vibrant world of graffiti. Graffiti taught me to see the city as a canvas, and I became obsessed with crafting bold letters and even a little character work. My early works were scrawled under bridges and in hidden tunnels, places where time seemed to slow down, and I could experiment freely. Eventually, run-ins with the law forced me to step back, but the creative fire within me never dimmed.

Around 2001/2002 I picked up a paintbrush and began creating with acrylics on canvas. For years, I immersed myself in this medium, but by 2018, I found myself drawn to the tactile nature of wood. I began creating geometric sculptures, blending the rough texture of wood with the vibrant energy of spray paint. This shift in material and form was a revelation for me. It allowed me to explore new dimensions in my work, and I started incorporating antiquated objects, especially analog tech like cassette tapes and VHS tapes into my pieces. These relics of a past era became symbols of transformation and nostalgia, giving new life to things that might otherwise have been forgotten.

Today, my work is deeply rooted in sustainability. I am passionate about reusing materials, finding beauty in what others might consider waste. My community & interactive sculptures and collages are made from repurposed wood, scrap paper, and other discarded items. I find joy in engaging with people, inviting them to contribute to these pieces, and showing them that art can be made from anything, even what we trash.

What sets my work apart is this commitment to sustainability and community. I believe art has the power to connect us, to make us see the world differently, and to inspire change. Whether I’m leading a community sculpture project or crafting a new piece in my studio, I’m always thinking about how I can create something meaningful while also minimizing my impact on the planet.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of my practice. I want to collaborate with local builders, contractors, and developers to transform their scrap materials into art exhibitions. I want to engage more schools, offices, and community organizations in interactive art projects that spark creativity and environmental awareness.

I’m proud of how my work has evolved, especially in recent years, as I’ve fully embraced the principles of reuse and sustainability. I see art as a way to make a positive impact, and I’m committed to doing my part to keep our planet healthy and vibrant. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to see the beauty in the world around them, and perhaps even to create some of their own.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist lies in the profound sense of freedom it grants me. When I immerse myself in the creative process, everything else seems to fade away. My mind quiets down, and I find a deep peace in the present moment. It’s just me, my materials, some music, and sometimes marijuana, an alchemy that takes me somewhere beyond the everyday and opens my mind. In those moments, I’m not just creating, I feel like I’m truly living.

What amazes me endlessly is the brilliance of other creatives. Whether it’s a breathtaking piece of architecture, a poem, a stunning film, music that moves your soul, or even a beautifully plated meal, all of it started as an idea. And it’s a marvel that these artists were brave enough to nurture those thoughts, to shape them into reality, and share them with the world. I find so much inspiration in sharing one’s creations.

There’s something magical about translating a fleeting idea or feeling into a tangible creation. When people ask me what I’ve been up to, I can just show them my work instead of verbalizing it. This is what I’ve been doing, and how I’ve been feeling. It’s a way of communicating that goes beyond words.

I’ve also noticed that when I’m not creating, I start to lose that sense of balance. All the other tasks that come with being an artist, the business and administrative side, like seeking funding, updating the website, and engaging on social media – can be draining. Add to that my full-time job in the nonprofit sector, helping aging seniors and disabled residents in my community, and it becomes clear how essential art is to my well-being. I feel uneasy when I go too long without creating. It’s as if all the ideas inside me are fighting to be born, and they won’t let me rest until I give them life.

One of the most fulfilling experiences recently has been participating in the city of San José’s Climate Art Program, Resilient Artist Cohort. The program recently wrapped up, but the spark it ignited in me continues to burn brightly. Being surrounded by other artists who are not only creating beautiful works but also striving to make our planet more sustainable has been incredibly inspiring. Through this program, I’ve learned that art can be a powerful force for change, especially in the face of the climate crisis.

San José’s Climate Art Program is about more than just art, it’s about enlisting creatives as active agents in the city’s ambitious climate goals. Art has the power to shift public opinion, to awaken people to the urgency of climate action. And as artists, we have a unique role to play in that movement. The program has shown me that our cultural sector can be a model of sustainability, a catalyst for broader climate consciousness. It’s an honor to be part of this, and it has deepened my commitment to using my art to inspire change.

And through all of this, I’m grateful for the strong support system in my life. My partner, who’s been by my side for over 20 years, and our little family, consisting of our kitties Lil Yuyu and Mochi Mocha. I’m the eldest sibling of four, an uncle to many, and both my parents reside in San José. Having them close, knowing they’re part of this journey with me, is something I cherish deeply.

Art, for me, is about freedom, connection, and expression. It’s a path I’m grateful to walk, with the love and support of those who matter most by my side.

In the end, being an artist is about more than just making things. It’s about connecting, inspiring, and playing a part in something larger than yourself. And that, to me, is the most rewarding aspect of all.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience has been a constant thread throughout my artistic journey, often emerging during times of change and challenge. As I mentioned, art has always played a crucial part in my life since childhood, and there have been moments when I seriously considered how I wanted to continue creating and what my future art goals would be.

One significant moment came in 2018 when I purchased my first home. This milestone was both thrilling and daunting, as I took on the responsibility of homeownership and embarked on nearly two years of DIY renovations. During this time, I researched (thank you, YouTube), learned new skills (thank you, Patience), and asked for help (thank you, Friends and Family). This hands-on experience led to acquiring new tools, which sparked a transformation in my art practice. I shifted from working with acrylics on canvas to exploring wood as a medium, blending rough textures with vibrant spray paint. This marked a turning point where my art evolved from a hobby into a more serious and intentional pursuit.

Then, in 2020, the global pandemic hit, bringing with it uncertainty, isolation, anxiety, and depression. As we sheltered in place, I found myself in deep self-reflection. I began to take my art more seriously, sharing it with others outside of my friends and family on social media. This was both exciting and scary, as stepping outside my comfort zone and exposing my creations to a broader audience felt exhilarating but nerve-wracking. It marked a significant shift in my journey and pushed me to consider my future art goals more seriously, from engaging more deeply with the local art community to pursuing solo exhibitions.

During this time, I had conversations about how I wanted to pursue my craft as a business and also contribute to the larger local arts community that I had been a patron of for years. I regularly attended public art events and festivals, often sharing individual art pieces when local galleries provided opportunities.

In 2021, I deepened my involvement in the arts community by becoming a Board member of Works/San José, a local non-profit art and performance center. This role allowed me to contribute in new ways, fostering connections and supporting fellow artists. By 2022, I had expanded into a larger home with space for an art studio, further solidifying my commitment to my craft.

In 2023, I reached a significant milestone with my first solo art show, “Deconstruct / Reconstruct,” held at a new local gallery, Know Future Gallery. This was the most challenging project I had ever undertaken, with many late nights spent in my studio. The show featured sculptural pieces that reimagined futuristic versions of buildings and establishments on the San José streets and intersections where I had once lived or hung out. I made a conscious effort to use sustainable materials, with 50-60% of the materials being reused, including wood and cassette tapes from my personal collection. The overwhelming support I received during this show reinforced my belief in the power of community and perseverance.

By 2024, my journey had come full circle as I became part of the San José Climate Art Program’s Resilient Artist Cohort. This experience deepened my commitment to sustainability in my work, taking my interest to another level. Resilience, for me, isn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about continually evolving, learning, and pushing forward, even when the path is uncertain. Each of these moments has taught me the importance of adaptability and persistence, qualities that have shaped both my art and my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nizzotes.bigcartel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nizzotes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steven.rubalcaba.54/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-rubalcaba-b12288229/

Image Credits

@alexknowbody