Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Ustrell.
Rebecca, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My involvement in the arts on a professional level began in 2017 when I decided to showcase my illustrative work in a series of local solo shows in Downtown Claremont. I had grown connections with local business owners through my involvement with the Claremont Chamber of Commerce in my position as the Emerging Leaders Chairperson during a term from 2017-2018. At that time most of my professional work was in fundraising in the non-profit sector, however, as my connections grew, I was able to make a few crucial connections with local galleries and eventually started to organize for the Claremont Art Walk. This gave me an opportunity to connect with art professionals throughout the Inland Empire, and eventually Los Angeles.
A turning point in my career as a business person in the arts began with a connection I made with the CEO, John Machado, of a non-profit organization called The Arts Area. I had been playing around with the idea of beginning an art magazine which would showcase regional art throughout the Inland Empire and Los Angeles as well as host art openings for the release of each issue. Having grown up in the IE, and always finding the need to seek culture in Los Angeles was my main motivating factor for starting this magazine which would bridge the gap between two distinct regions of Southern California, bringing the same attention and platform to the talents of the IE which are available and well established in LA.
Of course, with starting a business comes a few unforeseen obstacles, and support from the community is what ultimately brought my project to light. The Arts Area offers fiscal sponsorship for art business start ups, so I applied and became their first sponsored project. Then, Curious Publishing was born, and with the support I was able to do what I’ve always done best, organize events, and raise money to fuel the business. Since then, Curious Publishing has printed four issues of Curious Magazine and recently has picked up the title “Mise en Abyme” as their second publication. Each magazine has featured over 15 up and coming artists throughout the IE and LA and has brought an opportunity for hundreds of artists to showcase their artwork.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Curious Publishing never started from zero. If I hadn’t made it my goal to consistently network with a diverse book of contacts both in the nonprofit sector and the budding art community around me, I would never have had the confidence to launch a brand. However, with persistence in one aspect comes sacrifice in another area of life. I left the financial security of my 9-5 job in professional fundraising to focus more energy into Curious. As large as a sacrifice this was at the time, I never second-guessed that my ability to excel. I believe it is the confidence in myself that has fueled this business, and it is always fortified when another issue of Curious Magazine has been successfully published and celebrated.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Curious Publishing – what should we know?
Curious’s mission is to promote and nurture the underrepresented and under-serviced talents of the Los Angeles, Inland Empire, and greater Southern California. The quarterly magazine “Curious” features an interdisciplinary collection of artists who, in their diverse creative mediums, offer their interpretations of the current issue’s theme; themes that are sensitive and undiluted in their honest examination of the human condition. In addition to Curious Magazine, we will be launching a revamp of “Mise en Abyme” Magazine biannually starting in 2020. Curious Publishing’s next big step is to design and publish high-quality art books for artists throughout the Inland Empire and Los Angeles, our first project is already underway with a photographer based in San Bernardino set to publish later this year. The business was established to full fill a huge void for artists just starting; a professional platform in which artists can showcase their work as well as an emphasis in preserving arts and culture throughout Southern California. We are currently the most active art publication based in the Inland Empire, and continue to grow our reach every single day.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Of course, startups require a lot of leg work, financial contributions, and long hours. With every event there is set up, take down, and an endless list of the little things that really make a memorable experience for our patrons and artists. Curious wouldn’t be possible without a handful of very important people: my friend Erns Valdez of The Ernslab Project, an old art class peer of mine, gave me some crucial connections with media people; Kelsey and Robert Graber of Graber Olive House gave donate their space to magazine launch parties twice a year; Daniel Gohman of The Artlands Gallery in Redlands continues to support our cause as a bridge to the desert communities; Nicholas Aceves, graphic designer, offers graphic design consulting as well as design collaborations to establish a brand for Curious; Samuel Signer supports Curious where ever I need it, whether it be rides around town to get simple errands done or support during events; The Arts Area for doing what they do best, providing fiscal sponsorship; Christopher Lawrence Baird, our head of photography; and my interns Emanda Ceccia and Jessica Spindler; and Anthony Antunez, long-time friend, for providing absentee support in your very busy life.
Pricing:
- Curious Magazine’s latest issue, Issue No.4 “Saudade” is now available for $20 on CuriousPublishing.org/shop
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CuriousPublishing.org
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @curiouspublishing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curiouspublishing/
Image Credit:
Image of Plasmic holding Curious Magazine, Credit: Christopher Lawrence Baird
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