Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie-Jean Rivera.
Hi Valerie-Jean, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started with books! My older brother was an avid reader like me, and when he was attending the University of Arizona, he took me to the university library while he was studying for his classes. I found the art books section and I totally lost track of time and sat there for hours. Reading and drawing were my passions and escapes from reality when life became too much.
Much later, while attending University of California, Berkeley, I decided to take an art class and an art history class and I was hooked (prior to that, I had been taking science and math classes, but I was not feeling like it was the pathway that I should continue). I continued to take art classes, and was not aware of the stature of my professors in the art world until I saw their work in the major museums in San Francisco: Peter Voulkos, Joan Brown, George Miyasaki, Marilyn Levine, Elmer Bischoff, Robert Hartman, Karl Kasten, Brian Wall, and James Melchert.
Many years after my time at the university, I decided to go back to school to get a teaching credential. I started by teaching multiple subjects to my English-learner students, but I always included art activities to help them express their ideas while learning. Using visual art, theater, music, and dance to reinforce ideas they learned in English, history, and social studies had a very positive effect on their annual test scores, and helped me convince my principal that I should be teaching art full time.
During this entire time, I have continued to work on my own art, and it has evolved over time. I’ve added different types of media and different ideas. I have become more connected with the local Indigenous community (many of my ancestors were from Esselen, Rumsien, and Ohlone tribal areas) and it has influenced the type of art that I make. I feel very connected to this area, and have been fortunate to learn many words in the language spoken by my Esselen ancestors (thanks to my cousins in neighboring indigenous tribal nations). I am enrolled member of the Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes. There has always been a struggle. My siblings and I were diagnosed with ADHD when I was a child, and we were medicated for a few years. My inability to focus on things for an extended time made me want variety in all things. My experience with this has made me empathetic to my students who struggle with the same condition. (This condition was also passed down to one of my children, giving me the experience of dealing with it as a parent).
While attending the university, I was challenged by the high expectations inherent in such a prestigious institution. I went to high school in a small town, and was considered one of the “smart kids.” Once I was at the university, I realized everyone was the smart kid, and I was just one of many (most of them much more gifted than I was).
As a graduate with an art major, there was not a clear career path at that time. I worked a few different jobs that required some creative ideas, but did not really utilize my visual art capability.
My family and extended family are very racially and ethnically mixed – we have ancestors from nearly all parts of the world: Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Middle East, Europe, and Scandinavia. Growing up with this interesting mix was a challenge because I felt like I belonged nowhere and everywhere at the same time. “What are you, really?” was a frequent question (my mom’s answer was “we’re Heinz 57!”). As I grew older, I made peace with my entire background and now feel quite comfortable in my own skin (even though it doesn’t really tell the story of what is inside!).
It was not until I began teaching art full time that I felt that I was actually doing what I was meant to do with my life. I continued to make art on my own time for two different purposes: as examples for my students, and to work out my own ideas and passions.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love exploring different kinds of media. I use clay and mixed media to create sculpture. I also use watercolor, tempera, and acrylic paint on a rotating basis. Another media that I really enjoy using is textile; I use sewing techniques, yarn weaving, and wool felting to create artworks. I wish I could say that I specialize in a particular media, but there are so many choices that I love to keep changing what I’m doing.
My ADHD pushes me to constantly change the materials I’m using, and the focus of what I want to say. It’s good and it’s bad as well – sometimes I want to do a series, but then I see a completely different idea or inspiration, and I move on.
Like many other artists, I’m hyper critical of my own work, but frequently experience an epiphany when others look at my work and are captivated by what they see. “Did you really make this?’ is something I frequently hear. I often wish I could see it myself without another person validating what I do.
I’m proud of the work that I have done in representing some of the local historical sites and areas, while trying to present a different perspective than many of other artists who have painted some of the same things. My family history is tied up in this area, so it feels very personal to me.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I love waking up on the land that my ancestors have lived for thousands of years. I’m fortunate to have a home that has a great view of the bay, and I never forget to be grateful. I never get tired of being here, and although I love to travel, it is wonderful to come back home.
I have two fantastic children, three stepchildren, and several grandchildren. My grandchildren are one of the highlights of my life – hearing them say “Grandma!” never gets old. I also like visiting my extended family; it seems like there is so little time to do this as often as I’d like.
Visiting art galleries and museums is a passion of mine. There is very little artwork or styles of art that I do not enjoy viewing. I make it a habit to visit different places as frequently as possible.
Reading is still an interest, but now I do a lot of reading online. One of my favorite sites is Hyperallergic because they report on many aspects of the art world.
Finally, I am fortunate to have a husband who is also creative – but in music and theater. He makes me laugh every day, and also challenges me to be better every day.
Pricing:
- I don’t currently have gallery representation, but am hoping to set this up soon….
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsrsartclass?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artistandteacher
- Twitter: https://x.com/MontereyArtist
