Ixchel Valiente shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ixchel, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Imagination is my answer for both of these questions. I think it’s something that we can easily take for granted, especially as creatives, because it happens so automatically for us. For me, I’ve come to learn that nurturing my imagination is crucial for my work, so I purposely dedicate time to let my mind wonder and create things for no other reason than playing. Sometimes that leads to me suddenly realizing that half an hour has gone by and I’ve just been sitting there, imagining things. It can get in the way, at times, but it’s also always the answer when I don’t know what do. When I don’t where to go with an idea, project, character, etc., even the logical answer is in my imagination.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an actress, writer, and dancer based in LA. I grew up in Guatemala doing ballet and later theater before moving to the US to study performance and creative writing. Because my foundation is based both in the performing arts and in literature, and a little bit on painting and visual art, what appeals to me the most is searching for ways to merge different forms of art, and operate under the idea that all artistic disciplines are entwined in a cyclical process, all feeding into each other. A holistic approach, I think, is what is most fun and rewarding for me.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
At the core, I still am what I was, which is a person with an overactive imagination. I try to be that, uninhibited, as much as I can. Everything I do is work towards being and preserving that.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I wouldn’t say it has held me back exactly, but the fear of not knowing, that state of tolerating uncertainty, has been the most difficult to navigate throughout my life. Very difficult to not let it define all my choices at times. Learning to just do things, see what comes out of it, and, even if it’s nothing, take it and then do something else, that has been a rewarding process. It’s finally starting to get a little easier to do too, which I consider a win.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Writing. Anything and everything involving writing. This might sound like it makes no sense and maybe it’s true only for me, but I’ve found that even if you write fast and are very prolific, something about it will inevitably be slow. Or at least require a process that is slower than your mind moves.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m performing or when I’m writing. There are times when everything else is just absolute noise. The only other exception is when I get to be completely surrounded by nature, but that doesn’t happen as often as I wish or as often as I need it. I’m still working on that.
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Image Credits
Zulma Valiente, Andrea Decker, Luque Photography Corp., Laura Burke Photography.
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