Meet Salomon Vertiz

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Salomon Vertiz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Salomon below.

Hi Salomon, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

Creativity Blocks is just another name for General Avoidance or Plain Procrastination. Typically, I’ll have at least three different projects simultaneously active. At the moment I’m working on a collection of essays, a collection of short stories and in the planning stages of a sculpture. Any stress that might arise due to deadlines, lack of time/motivation, all of it should inform your work. Don’t avoid anything. Let it all happen to you. Everything is transitory.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a self-taught writer/artist from Southeast Los Angeles. I stress “self-taught” because I lack academic discipline. Most important lesson I’ve learned is to always finish a thing. I began writing when I was ten, short scripts of sequels to my favorite movies. In my teenage years I wrote really bad poetry, songs and skits. I taught myself the bass guitar and formed a crappy pop-punk band. When that form of expression burned out, I came full-circle back to writing. Four years ago, I began to share my writing and was published for the first time, ever. My work finally felt validated. And then to see it in print was surreal. However, as an expressionistic artist, the only reason I continue to create and to write is for myself. A selfish artist. I only seem to create when there’s a need to express something I’m going through. So I take my time to complete anything. An artist themselves is a work-in-progress.

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. Keep an open mind – Regarding reading/art, be omnivorous. Read everything.
2. Share Your Completed Work With Fellow Creators/Artists.
3. Always finish a thing.

I didn’t take writing seriously until my thirties. I procrastinate, life gets in the way. Eventually, you have to get your ass on the seat. That’s the hardest part of creating. To actually sit down and finish your piece. I’m privileged enough to be able to create when I’m passionate about something.

And that it’s fun.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My sister, Vickie Vertiz, who is also a fellow artist/professor. She is the first person I shared my writing with and the first person to brutally edit my writing. I learned a lot about editing because of her honesty and overall insight. My brother Jesse, my mother and my sister are the three pillars that continue to support me. Without them, I don’t think I would be here answering your questions.

Also, shoutout to Pablo Cuen, a friend and artist who believes in my work enough to recommend it.

I’m forever grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.saturdaynightwristblog.wordpress.com
• Instagram: @salomon_vertiz
• Twitter: @Salomon_Vertiz

Image Credits

All photos by Jenny Ayon