We were lucky to catch up with Lolo Ostia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lolo, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
To overcome creative blocks, I break down large projects into 1 smaller task that I can complete within an hour. Once I’ve tackled the first task, I gradually move on to more complex creative work. I’m also a strong advocate for minimizing distractions, often leaving my phone on mute and out of reach. To maintain focus, I’ve deleted all social media apps from my phone, ensuring I can fully immerse myself in my work.
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?
Hello there, reader! I’m an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and researcher with a focus on biomaterials—sustainable materials that are environmentally friendly. My career began in photography and video, and I have since expanded into installation work. I still incorporate video elements into my projects, and I particularly enjoy experimenting with sound. Alongside creating art, I teach biomaterial techniques around the world, helping others explore the potential of eco-conscious materials. Recently, my research on Sustainable Art Practices was published by Cambridge Press, an achievement I’m extremely proud of. I’m passionate about blending creativity and sustainability to help shape a more mindful future in art and design. Also, this summer, I completed an artist residency on Governors Island, New York, with The New York Latin American Art Triennial. It was an incredible experience to feel the support from fellow artists, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to showcase my work in such a highly trafficked location.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I believe three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are determination, discipline, and a sense of humor. Determination and discipline are crucial for staying focused and pushing through challenges, while perseverance helps navigate the ups and downs of a project. However, amid the stress and demands, having a sense of humor—especially the ability to laugh at oneself—can be incredibly valuable. For those early in their journey, I recommend cultivating these traits by setting clear goals and maintaining a structured approach, but also remembering to embrace the lighter side of challenges. Balancing hard work with a good sense of humor can make the process more enjoyable and sustainable.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to yoga or go for a bike ride. Nutrition also plays a crucial role, so I evaluate factors that might be impacting my stress levels, such as sleep quality, diet, and time spent outdoors. Recently, while teaching abroad recently, jetlag had me up early, so I decided to take a 6 a.m. bike ride around the city. It turned out to be a lovely calming experience, also a wonderful way to see the city!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://loloostia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loloostia/
Image Credits
Photo 1 : Oscar M. Caballero
Photo 2 : ITP camp
Photo 3: Courtesy of the Artist Lolo ostia
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