Meet Ofelia Jess Sandoval

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ofelia Jess Sandoval. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ofelia Jess, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep my creativity alive by seeking inspiration both locally and beyond. Traveling when I can allows me to experience new perspectives, which sparks fresh ideas. I also immerse myself in books, films, and cultural events that introduce me to different artistic voices. Visiting museums and art galleries, especially on the eastside of Los Angeles, is essential, as this area offers a blend of traditional and emerging art that resonates with me. I’m also deeply inspired by the changing seasons in Los Angeles. Each shift brings new colors, textures, and moods that influence my work in unique ways. Building connections with other artists and nature enthusiasts keeps me grounded and motivated, and together, we share ideas and encouragement that further enriches my creativity. This mix of exploration, community, and seasonal change keeps my work vibrant and evolving.

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?

Jess Ofelia Sandoval is a Los Angeles-based artist, gardener, and educator with over a decade of experience in community engagement. Her program, Learning by Doing, offers workshops that combine process art, gardening, and sustainable practices, fostering an appreciation for nature and exploration of various art mediums for participants of all ages. Through hands-on projects, Ofelia encourages exploration of art’s connection to the environment, especially inspired by Los Angeles’s seasonal changes. Rooted in accessibility and community, her workshops cultivate a welcoming space where participants can freely explore their artistic voices.

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

I would identify empathy, adaptability, and collaboration as the three most impactful qualities. Empathy allows me to understand and address the diverse needs of participants, ensuring that my workshops are inclusive. Adaptability is essential during events like LA Zine Fest, Other Places Fair in San Pedro, and Art in the Park. Lastly, collaboration with fellow artists and organizations enriches the experience for everyone involved. For those early in their journey, I advise cultivating these qualities through active listening, remaining flexible, and building strong community connections.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am passionate about fostering collaborations within Learning by Doing workshops at Leiminspace in Chinatown, where I value sharing space and knowledge, particularly with other women. This spring, I had the pleasure of working alongside teaching artist Val Medina, where we created vibrant paint and flower prints on fabric, blending our artistic visions. Over the summer, I partnered with artist Annais Morales for an engaging workshop focused on sewing and puppet-making, encouraging creativity through hands-on activities.

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