We recently had the chance to connect with Raffi Wartanian and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Raffi , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
On an ideal day:
-5am wake up & do creative work
-7am help toddler prepare for day & get to school
-9am creative work
-11am communication & logistics
-12:30pm lunch
-1pm nap
-1:45pm bicycle ride
-3:30pm communication & logistics
-5pm family time
-9pm wind down reading
-10pm asleep
As the great thinker Dr. Gabor Maté reminds us, normalcy is a myth. The schedule above is an ideal for which I strive during summer breaks. During the academic year, I adjust to budget time for teaching and other related commitments.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Since I have done this in previous interviews in October 2023 (http://bit.ly/46TwdCo) and May 2024 (http://bit.ly/4oxiRly), I’ll focus on three things I’m currently working on: San Gabriel Valley Phoenix Poets, Quarter Tone Poets, and Meditations on the Oud.
San Gabriel Valley Phoenix Poets champions and celebrates the authentic self-expression of individuals and groups impacted by the Eaton Fire of January 2025. Our program harnesses poetry and community to remember, honor, mourn, express, and explore the possibilities of recovery. We will approach this collective journey through the lens of a Phoenix, the immortal bird in Greek mythology who rises from the ashes. SGV Phoenix Poets programming elements include five actions (workshops, community poetics, scholarship distribution, video interviews, closing event) and five deliverables (anthology, bookmarks, scholarship fund, mural, website). Our website, a work-in-progress which attempts to synthesize and present this information, is coming together at http://sgvphoenixpoets.org/
Quarter Tone Poets Քառորդ Ձայն Բանաստեղծներ (QTP) promotes and celebrates innovative literary expression in Western Armenian by exploring the musicality of language and the linguistic possibilities discovered through music. We will specifically do this by cultivating new poetry inspired by original compositions on the oud and other Armenian folk instruments. QTP’s programming elements includes a series of 7 poetry workshops; print & digital poetry anthology; poetry contest with cash prizes; and music video integrating poetry and oud music. More on our values and other details at our in-progress website: http://quartertonepoets.org/
Meditations on the Oud is an album of ten instrumental oud compositions. The music is ready, the band is rehearsing, and we’re in the process of fundraising and seeking recording studios. https://www.raffijoewartanian.com/music
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was, am, and will always be me, a being blessed to exist, in a constant state of change, seeking to understand, and trying to take things one step at a time. I don’t believe there is a singular external world with one set of instructions. The shifting relationships, contexts, and priorities that surround us compose our world, and even these elements are in flux. I adhere to the adage that change is the only constant, and that our ever-evolving identities reside within this fluid nature of reality.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, countless times. In fact, I think I give up a little each day. To me, giving up is a form of letting go, a way of recognizing that things are not progressing as anticipated. Often it’s the feeling of “things are not as far along as I wish.” With that realization comes a bit of heartbreak and disappointment, followed by the pressing question: if this process of creating and conjuring is so ridden with hurt, then why keep going? Because the bliss of discovery and progress always outweighs the setbacks. Giving up, thus, becomes a path of letting go of preconceived notions of what a thing can be, how it can progress, and instead becomes an invitation to open ourselves to the possibilities that emerge when we release preconceived notions.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
You’ll have to ask them! I can tell you what really matters to me: expression, authenticity, service, spirituality, creativity, health, relationships, dignity, justice, and discovery.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
When I am fully present and in the moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raffijoewartanian.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/raffijoe
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffiwartanian
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/raffijo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6MCvlLExGlJP0_JCuy6oTQ
- Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/raffijoemusic
Image Credits
b&w headshot photo by Anahid Yahjian
