SAM RIVAS | LAKEWOOD, CA

How do you express yourself through art?

I am typically an emotional person so it is important that I release my emotions into my art. For example, I will jot down poems as an immediate expression and work on the poems until they become “publish material”. I also express myself through taking photos, something I’ve always been into as a hobby and now it’s a side job. In writing and photography, I like to capture the moments no one really notices, the small details that are still so relevant and relatable.

How do you stay creative while juggling school and work?

This is actually extremely tough especially when school is involved, but I try my best to stay creative and usually use my weekends to take photos. When it comes to writing, it’s something that just happens every day for me (I add to all of the unfinished poems in my notes app hahah). I just graduated from CSULB with a BA in Creative Writing and now I’m on my way grad school to get my MFA in Creative Writing — school can be extremely creative when it has to do with writing poems and essays. Also, I have an expressive part-time job that allows me to create my own workshops. I teach students ages 7-10 about writing and photography. On weekends, I also sell vintage clothes at pop-up events and flea markets from time to time - that requires tons of creativity especially when advertising and networking.

What message would you like to tell through your art?

I would like people to know they are not alone in what they are going through. I want to create a message of solidarity.

Do you think art and mental health coincide with each other?

Oh definitely! Art and mental health definitely coincide with each other. As someone who suffers from extreme social anxiety and OCD, I tend to feel at peace when I write poetry and take photos. I can honestly say that writing has saved my life especially in a time when I thought no one would understand me.

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LIZETTE GARZA | POMONA, CA

What forms of art sparked your creativity growing up?

Since I was a child, I always adored drawing and painting. That was my first calling and, to this day, my safe haven. I still draw a lot today, focusing on realistic portraits. I dab into a lot of different media and mediums, but graphite and paper are always my go-to. I am fortunate to say that my family introduced me to art galleries, art shows and museums at a very young age. Art history is a very big interest of mine as well. It really helps us appreciate art and it's artists, especially the backstories. Most of the time, it is very inspiring. As for beauty, I have always been inspired by the silver screen era and 90s Guess models. Hedy Lamarr is one of the first silver screen actresses that I fell in love with. She is absolutely my number one inspirational figure. She is a great example of what I mean when I say, "Heavily inspired by the silver screen era." The 1940s is my favourite era when it comes to style and music. The hair especially, for example, like the long Veronica Lake waves, the fun Rita Hayworth hair or the infamous split down the middle Hedy Lamarr puffy horseshoe wave. There are also bumper bangs and victory roll updos. So many fun hairstyles I would constantly see when watching old films growing up - and I wanted to wear them all, so I started to experiment with my own hair. No tutorials but just trial and error...was definitely not fun at first! When it comes down to makeup, my mother and the MAC makeup counter were the sparks to my flame. I would have to say that my mom is my biggest influence. She introduced me to mostly everything that I know and love today, especially when it comes to music and makeup. As a kid, I loved seeing my mom do her makeup and visit the MAC counters to see all the goodies. Makeup transformation has always been a big deal for me. Growing up as an ugly duckling in school, makeup made me feel a bit better about myself. It truly is incredible how makeup completely transforms someone.

I also have actually always been around the entertainment business and backstage life. I grew up around the Magic Castle, circuses and beauty pageants. My grandfather is a magician and clown and has always been a part of show business entertainment so he would take me to all the events he would participate in. The backstage was and will always be one of the reasons why I love the beauty industry. Vanity lights and makeup kits have always been a fascination of mine. Watching the entertainers get ready at their vanities was such a treat as a kid. I remember always reaching over my grandfather's makeup kit so I can get ready as well before a show. Fun fact, my grandfather actually attended the Max Factor makeup school in Hollywood, California before it closed. So in conclusion, there are a lot of reasons why I became the creative person that I am, hahaha.

What are some of your personal goals in regards to spreading and sharing in the arts?

I do what I love and I can only hope that I can inspire those to do the same with their passions. Life gets in the way but I believe it is very important to embrace your creative side.

Can you share your point of view on what it's like on being an artist in your area?

Growing up in SGV and LA counties, there were a lot of events and individuals that shared and embraced many art forms. Like I said previously, my family introduced me to a lot of artists and creatives by taking me to art shows, galleries, museums and events. I was always surrounded by some type of creative atmosphere. I was lucky enough to be in an environment that supported my creativity growing up and still am to this day. Los Angeles is mostly a city of individuality and it celebrates creatives by a lot, so I am very lucky to be born and raised within these 2 counties.

How can we follow you on your wondrous journey?

@silverscreenvanity and @misfitliz

“I do what I love and I can only hope that I can inspire those to do the same with their passions. Life gets in the way but I believe it is very important to embrace your creative side.”

“Remember to always be a Doll to others”

ORANGE DOLLY | COVINA, CA

Tell us a little about yourself!

Hello My Magical Dolls and Toons, my name is Nina aka Orange Dolly.

Here’s a little about me, Art is my life, and I am a sucker for Vintage anything. I have been drawing most of my life from Sketching, Painting, Ink, Mixed Media and now Pinup Illustrations. Amongst that, I create through the movement of Dance, which is my number one passion. My dream is to brand my signature “Dolly Cartoons” and share my art with the world.

What usually inspires you and how do you stay inspired?

Inspiration comes from all around me, emotion, life, people, but mostly the iconic eras of the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 90s. I know that was a lot, but those are my favorites. Fashion, love, music, and connection. There are so many artists I look up to in the Pinup/ Rockabilly and Art community, such as Copper Top, Sveta and Sandoner to name a few. They inspire me to create and stay on my toes because when I see them doing great, I want to do great with them.

What is some advice you would give to the younger creators out there?

I want to share my heart with everyone and all creatives out there. My advice to you all is that “YOU can do it, and YOU will, so believe in YOU so hard, and it will come!” It’s ok to fail, it’s ok to make a mistake, these mistakes help us grow and be who we are meant to be. Though you must be kind in the process, we all have stories. So, move with compassion, and magic will flow easily.

Love Always,

Orange Dolly

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GONZALO | TUCSON, AZ

What is your main field of expression?

I am a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. I love creating a sense of community when I jam with friends and bond through music.

Do you play in any bands and what kind of music do you play?

I play in a band called Valley Rats, we play a mix of surf, garage rock and psychedelic music. I am also working on a side project that will have original Spanish ballads on a 3-track EP called “Adios”. The release date for the EP will be around mid-2021.

What is your perception about art and how does it relate to your personal goals?

I think art can tell people about who you are. I hope that my listeners are able to tune into themselves and relate to my music.

Anything you would like to shoutout?

My EP “Adios” will be released mid-2021. Follow my band Valley Rats on Instagram and Spotify and you can follow me on Instagram and SoundCloud.