Today we’d like to introduce you to Art Of Nothing Press.
Hi Art of Nothing, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Art of Nothing Press was created towards the end of 2020, which of course, was in response to the isolation all of us felt at that time due to the pandemic. We see this indie press as a way for us to engage with the creative community and give space to creatives who don’t fit the mold of traditional publishing. We are all writers tired of rigid academia and publishers who turn away from experimental work. Through this process, we discovered a need for physical spaces that reflect our values. That’s where our events started coming to life. With the addition of these events, we are able to showcase local artists as well as our own projects, and donate profits to mutual aid.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We are all pretty busy. Some of us are in college, working full-time jobs, and taking care of family. But we’ve been good at balancing the work and giving each other grace. We pick up where we can and communicate pretty well about when we need a break. We recently brought a new editor, Sam Rivas, onto our team, and she has been a huge help with our upcoming chapbook. This time around, we haven’t felt rushed or overloaded—which is so important with our busy lives.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Art of Nothing Press is both an indie publisher and DIY show organizer run by Victoria Oshun Hurtado, Cameron Capanash, Jessi Jarrin, Cait Johnson, and Sam Rivas. We are known for our shows (consisting of local art vendors, bands, and poets) that we host all over SoCal. Our goal is to bring multiple art avenues into the same place. Our shows are eclectic, ranging from both music and poetry performances, short-film viewings, and open mics. We bring in local artists and creatives to showcase and sell their art, whether that be zines, clothes, polaroid booths, or bolo ties.
Between events and event planning, we create an annual chapbook made up of local and international artists who submit to the themed issue. Our issues include Bullshit (2021), ego death (2022), Daddies & Flowers / Planets & Blood (2023), Nothing to Write Home About (2024), and our upcoming issue Oddities is set to release Spring of 2025.
What were you like growing up?
Most of us met in college, and although we all have very different backgrounds, personalities, and quirks, one of the things that drew us together is that we are all curious about language—the ways we can use words to defy, change, and express ideas. We found our mission together because we knew what it was like to be rejected from the very art we fell in love with. You know, in terms of getting our work “out there”.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @artofnothingpress
- Other: members instagrams: @eccentric_vic @endlesscamalam @jmjarrin @jmjpoetry @nervous.driver
