Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Ester Orantes
Hi Victoria Ester, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
V.E.O.Visions, is an up-and-coming art endeavor that began on a blanket in Echo Park. There, I displayed prints of my artwork with the original poems hand-written on the back of each print corresponding to the painting. Even though I was afraid of judgment, I figured I had to be brave enough to be misunderstood by those that may never understand. The journey had to start somewhere and for me it was on the grassy floor of Echo Park, Los Angeles.
Eventually, after gaining some practice in informally exhibiting my art, the idea of formally expanding my art endeavors was transmuted into the 1966 Volkswagen Beetle Boutique. With my Volkswagen Beetle, I realized I could not only exhibit my artwork but also the jewelry and clothing I was upcycling at the time. After having the engine rebuilt, reupholstering the interior, installing the roof and deck lid rack, and most recently repainting the car, the Volkswagen became a mobile shop and gallery of my creations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road is rocky, and successes come slowly. But if I’ve learned anything, consistent, quality work is a steady catalyst to realizing my vision.
The path I’ve chosen will take many years to walk, yet there is a great satisfaction in taking risks because it is a journey of a non-conformist. Twenty years from now, I know I will not be tormented with the question: “what if?”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am most proud of coming up with an innovative way of exhibiting my artwork by converting my 1966 Volkswagen Beetle into a mobile boutique and gallery. In addition, I’ve kept the community in mind and have made a space on the vehicle for passerbyers to express themselves creatively via a community canvas. I usually get the reaction of:
“Wait, that’s you’re set-up?!” “I can paint there?!” “It’s driveable?!” “You drive that in heels?!”
My work specializes in surrealistic oil paintings and accompanying original poetry for each artwork. The poems are an extension of the painting, explaining the visual metaphor of the work. I would hope what sets me apart from others is the intertwine of a sentimental and cerebral creative experience.
Another aspect of V.E.O.Visions that is set apart from others is that each summer I have committed to having an art tour where the V.W. and I showcase at various locations in Los Angeles. This summer was my second art tour, culminating with my first solo show (titled “Make Light to Me”) at Ave 50 Studio in Highland Park, an interview with The Eskwilax Hour on YouTube, and a TV feature on Mañana Latina.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk taking is absolutely necessary. Each risk I’ve taken has terrified me but I’ve learned that true bravery comes from deciding to confront the fear, not lacking the fear. So instead of running from what scares me, I walk towards it- prayerfully.
Pricing:
- Original paintings: $600 +
- Large prints with the poem: $30
- Small prints with the poem: $15
- A follow on social media: FREE 🙂
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v.e.o.visions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MwAv5cycU0
Image Credits
N/A
