Conversations with Arin DeGroff

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arin DeGroff.

Hi Arin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story begins about 11 years ago when I asked myself for the first time; ‘what does it mean to love yourself Arin?’ I found myself perpetually frustrated that no one could tell me how to love myself, what it looked like, how they did it or let alone even know how to talk about it. At the time, I was not aware of the weight of my question nor did I know that the Universe would provide me the exact experiences I needed to discover the answers.

In life, I believe the smallest moments are the strings that stitch everything together. What brought me here today was a chain of moments and decisions; ones that I could trace back to childhood, leaving home, graduating college, moving into my first apartment or even a coin toss. All beautiful stories worth sharing and significant turning points in life, but none as potent as the choice I am consistently making to show up for the discovery of myself. By doing so, I find gratitude for life in the present moment which enables me to continue unlocking the gifts within me that have been the catalyst to my life as an artist, activist and energy practitioner.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Coming from a mixed race household in the south, identifying as a Black Woman, and as a working artist and activist in Los Angeles, I am aware of two truths. For the Black and Brown American, the road was not designed to be smooth or void of systematic oppression. Nonetheless, in experiencing varying degrees within this unfortunate reality, I also must acknowledge that I have been afforded privileges and opportunities that others have not. Regardless of these truths, my gender, the color of skin, or any label I could place upon myself; the reality is that I am a spirit having a human experience.

Hard times, struggles and everything in between are inevitable realities of life. Through all of my perceived struggles, I continue to integrate the knowing that not everything can or will be smooth, duality exists, and when life stretches us, it is to expand us. All in all, I rest in the knowing that the most difficult parts of the journey have taught me the most about myself and how I want to exist in the world. I have learned the power of my mind. I am built to be resilient. I know forgiveness frees the heart, while compassion and grace can heal wounds. It becomes increasingly clear that activism is the momentum of the people and most of all, acceptance partnered with letting go of control is the most potent medicine.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Throughout the last decade, I have spent time exploring and curating from various mediums and for the first time in my life, I feel my purpose is clear. My work is my art and my art is my truest expression. Photography, painting, writing, dance, energy work, and activism have all taught me that art in any form can be used as a tool to process or heal our realities. Capturing moments in time constantly teaches me the value of being able to find beauty wherever I am, even in the most unexpected places. Painting is the language that I speak. Whereas writing has become prayer, a way for me to marry my outer world with my inner spirit. Expression through movement and dance is how I learn to lean into myself, to trust what my body needs. All in which enable me to dive into the space of energy and bodywork. Most recently, I am activated by the Revolution that sparked across the country this past year.

In June 2020, destiny brought me into the world of 16 fellow artist to establish. We the Movement LA – a pending 501c3 nonprofit organization which promotes social justice, financial equality, and judicial equity in marginalized communities; through legislative initiatives, community outreach efforts and strategic partnerships. In 2020, we held over 25 protests, community events, and demonstrations across different Los Angeles neighborhoods and planned to continue this energy forward into this New Year. Activism is the nucleus in which all of the areas of my artistic expression get to be explored. My intention is to encourage everyone to seek, discover and honor their own personal truths. For others to find the expressions within that serves as a reminder that the present moment gives us the power to step into our divinity. Ultimately, the goal is to continue to use my vast range of experiences, creative expression, and voice through activism, to create a space for others to tap into their mind, body and spirit.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Please feel free to reach out if you feel called 🙂 For questions, sessions, commissions, or collaborations Email: [email protected] Instagram: @arinmylungs. We The Movement LA Instagram: @WeTheMovement.LA

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.arinashleydegroff.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arinmylungs/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNgRHHJbNTHW3OXssdbnwgA

Image Credits:
Austin Martinez (@Austnn) Roz Kumari (@RozKumari) Emma (@TheEmmaExperience) Arin DeGroff (@arinmylungs)