Meet Maria Vasquez Boyd

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Vasquez Boyd. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria below.

Maria, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

My creativity comes from many sources, I’m easily inspired. Reading and looking at photographs from Smithsonian Magazine stirs my imagination much like visiting museum to see new or older works of art. Often I view local work by artists who exhibit, perform, or record new music. Besides that, when I go into the paint department at a nearby home store and I’m surrounded by color swatches, I think to myself how much I want to use this or that color in new work. My number one source of creativity is taking a walk outdoors, feel the world around me an think random thoughts.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Currently I produce and host Artspeak Radio on 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio. For 12 years, I’ve interviewed local and international artists, performers, musicians, arts organizations, and supporters on air. I believe it’s an important service in the community since we no longer have the arts featured in print from previous years, it gives voice to the arts and artists.

I also continue to paint and write. Recently my work was on exhibit at the Nelson Atkins Museum, A Layered Presence, and currently new work is featured in my solo show at the Bunker Center for the Arts in Kansas City. I’m putting together new poems for a second chat book next year.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Fear rarely is good for anyone, but it can also push you to resign yourself to try something differently or build trust in a curious way. With that I discovered that fear isn’t quite as powerful now as I become older, that’s where the trust comes in, everything will be ok in the end and if it’s not, it’s not.

It’s very helpful to talk to others who have had or are going through similar obstacles as you to examine the outcome or how they handled the situation. It’s always good to share experiences and trust and surrounding yourself with mentors.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I’m overwhelmed I do several things to help alleviate the anxiety. First I’ll take a long walk in one of my favorite places and pay attention to ambient sounds of nature. Sometimes I may have to walk a lot depending on the anxiety I carry. Secondly, I’ll stretch while listening to recordings of wind chimes that are light and make me smile. The third thing I may do is immerse myself in writing that is silly and gibberish, just getting something on paper or a sketchbook helps me tremendously.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: mariatortilla86
• Facebook: Maria Vasquez Boyd

Image Credits

Maria Vasquez Boyd