Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Prisila Vazquez-Nava. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Prisila with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic and need for success definitely stems from my parents. They are Mexican immigrants who came to the United States in pursue of the American Dream. From a young age, their sacrifices for the sake of my brother and I’s housing, sustenance, and education were made apparent. By witnessing their dedication and hard work, I saw the value in a harboring strong work ethic, and I pride myself in my achievements as a result of that work ethic.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am currently an art student at Metropolitan State University of Denver and I strive to build a career as a professional artist. I work in sculpture, ceramic, photography, drawing, painting, collage, and more. I’m still exploring which mediums I prefer to work best in, or *what* in the art world I want to base my career around. Maybe an animator, or a gallery artist, or a graphic designer, or a photographer, or a museum curator…I’m not quite certain about that, but what I do know is that art makes me feel alive. There is no greater nor more beautiful form of self-expression to me than art. Art is how we communicate our feelings, our relationships, our sense of self, etc. It allows for human connection and to build on preexisting relationships. It is my strongest form of existence, connection, and intellect.
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?
1) Experimentation – allowing myself to try new mediums, materials, and practices outside my comfort zone really enhanced my skills as an artist. If you don’t experiment, how else will you know what you like/dislike? Its also incredibly fun and trying new things can bring forth new ideas/concepts.
2) Practice – once having found a medium that I enjoy doing, I practice it! I apply that medium in all the different ways I can think of—on its own, integrated with other mediums, applying it to different art styles—and I really push it to my creative limits. Practicing multiple mediums allows you to be jack of all trades, and a combination of them can result in really successful works.
3) Networking – one of the best ways to get your work out there is to network. While I am still entering the Denver art scene, a cool pattern I’ve noticed is that everyone knows each other. That’s an exaggeration, but more often than not my teachers, mentors, and peers in the art world have some sort of connection to one another. Building on those relationships not only strengthens your friendships with fellow artists but it opens the opportunity for you to engage within the art community. Perhaps knowing the right people can get you to be part of shows and collaborate with others.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m quite interested in photography at the moment, I am learning the different aspects of it and finding different environments to practice in. I would love to take portrait shots of people, maybe do a little fashion photo shoot or just capture the moments of a fun time/event. Anyone interested in being a model or creating artwork alongside me can find me on Instagram!
@prisilavn is my personal handle.
@prisilavn,art is my art handle.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @prisilavn @prisilavn.art
Image Credits
Gary Seils Prisila Vazquez-Nava
