We recently connected with Paola García and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Paola, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?
I consider that my life story has been fundamental in developing my empathy towards the pain of other beings. In my case, I lost my mother when I was very little. This meant that my family’s life changed abruptly and consequently my own life as well. I know what it is like to lose a loved one and live in a fragmented family that does not fit the happy family model. Also, I consider that death and violence have surrounded my life in different ways, so now in my adult life I have decided to show solidarity with different causes. My academic and artistic work has focused on the study of transgender populations, violence against women and girls in Mexico and personally I support the fight against animal abuse. Furthermore, since I am dedicated to teaching at the high school and university level, I am in constant contact with youth populations, which present different vulnerabilities.
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?
My name is Paola and I am a visual artist. My artistic work explores the themes of the city, feminism, gender diversity and violence against women and girls. I consider that these last three topics are the ones that I have worked with most of the time. My work has explored different techniques and media: photography, painting, stencil, urban intervention and the last medium I have explored has been documentary film although to date I have only made short films. I am currently making a new short film about specific cases of feminicide and disappearances in Mexico.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In my case, it has always helped me to fight for what I want to be and achieve, regardless of other people’s opinions. The path of artists is full of instability and it is difficult to make a living from the works of art one makes. Therefore, I believe that we must take advantage of the time in which we live, where one can create their audiences through social networks, as well as give workshops and believe in independence and self-management.
I also consider that support networks among colleagues are essential so that as a union we can demand spaces, support, scholarships, social welfare and exhibition and sales spaces
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I believe that teachers at any level play an important role in the development of affinities, learning and experiences. I have had both good and bad teachers. But my best teachers were the ones who managed to mark my life in a positive way. They helped me to develop my skills and achieve my goals professionally. I believe in education as a transformer of society and I consider that it is essential to have access to quality education
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.imagenymemoria.com/
- Instagram: @kirapauletta
- Facebook: @kirapauletta
- Other: www.paolavisual.net
Image Credits
Paola Adriana García Ruiz
