We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christian Valverde a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Christian, 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 recognizing this is an evolving journey for me. It’s not about chasing some elusive perfect formula to keep my art mojo alive. It’s more like a “figure-it-out-as-you-go” kind of deal. It’s a conversation with myself that remains open, and there is freedom in that.
Life has its seasons, and creativity dances to that same tune. As for me, I’m sort of in this chill phase, because there’s a whirlwind of other stuff going on. For instance, I’m prepping for my wedding in October with my amazing soon-to-be wife and that takes precedence. Some things weigh heavier on the priority scale than keeping up with pressure to produce work, post on social media, which, trust me, is a shortcut to burnout city.
I’ve realized that it’s not just okay, but actually more sensible, to pump the brakes and give yourself a breather when these seasons come along. If you’re gasping for inspiration, get your hands dirty and dive into your work. As Picasso smartly put it, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” So, yeah, that’s the groove I’m riding. Work hard, take a pause when needed, and let inspiration crash the party when it’s ready.
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?
Well, long story short – I’m a Kansas City native, born into a wonderful blend of Hispanic and Italian heritage. My journey into the art world wasn’t your typical story. It all started with a casual suggestion from a friend, and before I knew it, I was on an artistic adventure I hadn’t planned for. What began as a simple experiment soon became a source of incredible fulfillment, allowing me to express my life’s experiences on canvas in ways I never dreamed of.
Color has always been the beating heart of my artistic expression. I love playing with vibrant hues that blend to create unique shapes that seem to tell stories from the heart. You’ll find hints of abstraction and Latin influences in my work, adding a touch of mystery that invites viewers into a world of hidden meanings.
What makes my art special in a sea of creativity is its essence – it’s unpolished yet magnetic. Being entirely self-taught brings a raw and authentic quality to my work. It’s not just about shapes and colors; it’s an open door inviting you to explore your own emotions, experiences, and perspectives.
Among the many colors on my artistic journey, one stands out vibrantly – a milestone I’m truly proud of. Early in my career, I had the privilege to showcase my work in numerous group and solo exhibitions. Then, in December 2012, the Brooklyn Art Library honored me by featuring my artwork in an international art book, a moment that truly established my presence on the global artistic stage.
As I look ahead into the future, my creative path takes on an air of mystery. Themes evolve, concepts shift, new interests emerge, and the seasons of life come and go. My art remains a reflection of emotions woven into colors, shapes, and stories – a testament to the limitless power of human expression.
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?
When I look back, I’ve come to realize that two qualities have played a profound role in shaping both my work and my creative approach:
1. Fearless Experimentation: Embrace Playful Exploration
Central to my journey has been fearless experimentation. Stepping into the realm of art without a lot of art formation actually set me free to explore without constraints. It led me to discover my artistic voice naturally, without the burden of preconceived notions or deliberate efforts. I started my artistic venture without a rigid plan, which turned out to be a blessing. It gave me the freedom to play and unearth a way of working that resonated with me.
Advice: I encourage you to embrace experimentation. Give yourself the freedom to create without judgment and see mistakes as steppingstones to growth.
2. Multidisciplinary Fusion: Embrace Diverse Influences
My artistic journey is enriched by blending diverse disciplines. My background in marketing, graphic and web design, and 3D motion artistry infuses fresh perspectives into my canvas work. This multidisciplinary approach lets me draw from one field to enhance another, creating a unique tapestry of creativity.
Advice: As you embark on your artistic journey, explore various fields like music, literature, or science. Let these influences intermingle with your artistry, uncovering unexpected connections that invigorate your work. Remember, creativity thrives on the exchange of ideas.
I offer these insights as a guiding light for emerging artists: embrace fearless experimentation, revel in multidisciplinary exploration, and cultivate an intuitive connection with your art. Let your journey be a voyage of self-discovery, authenticity, and boundless creativity. As you navigate the paths of your artistic expedition, remember that the most profound discoveries often lie just beyond the familiar.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
(Laughs) Well, it seems I’ve already tipped my hand on this one.
Focusing on our strengths can lead to impressive results, boosting our self-confidence and competence. When we channel our energy into areas where our natural talents shine, we often unlock a level of excellence that makes us stand out. These strengths become our signature, something unique that captures attention and resonates with people.
In my artistic journey, leaning into my strengths has been transformative. Embracing what comes naturally to me has allowed me to carve out an authentic niche. My art has a distinct voice, a blend of colors, shapes, and emotions that springs from my strengths.
However, it’s essential to balance this with growth in less familiar areas. You don’t have to be an expert in everything, but investing effort in improving weaker skills can expand your toolkit. This openness to learning and adaptation can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
For me, this balance emerged as an artist with my previous professional experience. At first, these fields appeared disconnected from my work on canvas, but blending them together introduced new angles that elevated my art.
Instead of seeing these two approaches as opposites, I believe in their harmonious coexistence. Nurturing strengths provides a solid foundation for creative expression, while embracing growth enriches our perspectives and widens our artistic palette.
Ultimately, it’s about recognizing that pursuing excellence in our strengths doesn’t exclude pursuing growth. It’s an invitation to explore the intersection of these two ideas.
As I continue my artistic journey, I navigate this balance—an approach that intertwines learning and comfort with growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valverdearts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valverdearts/
- Youtube: https://link.valverdearts.com/youtube
