Hidden Gems: Meet Melissa Rodriguez of Viable Vision

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Rodriguez.

Hi Melissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Highland Park in North East Los Angeles by amazing and loving immigrant parents.

I deeply love and value them, for surviving a devastating civil war in order for me to have the privilege to be alive (and make art). I value my brother, who shed light on hip hop, punk rock, and skating culture in my formative years. He taught me to keep my word.

I am also influenced by my love of street art, my cultural roots, nature, and living in Los Angeles as a first-generation person. I make sense of my personal experience through art. It is a form of personal healing and meditation.

In addition, I also have a background in Sociology and am truly interested in social justice. I believe all of these factors subconsciously appear in some of my pieces.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road, although I feel super privileged in the grand scheme of things. Some of the challenges I have experienced include:

* Changing the narrative around the validity/ legitimacy of urban art
* Justifying art education
* Access to creative spaces

Regardless of external validation, I always feel the need and find the time to create art. I am not sure if it stems from all the fun I had as a child making art or if it is innate, but it is definitely there. I choose to just go for it. Life is so short. Why not act out on our creative thoughts? I saw a post a few days ago that said that acting on our creative ideas is a form of self-love, and although cheesy, I agree. In a fast-paced and ever-evolving society, why not take a moment to slow down and just create whether it has an outcome or not.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Viable Vision?
During the pandemic, I created a passion project (@viable.vision.co on IG) that germinated from my original love of art (@mbr.arte on IG). I am simultaneously creating art and designing apparel. The art page and website are meant to be a virtual gallery, a quick walk-through for art enthusiasts and collectors.

Viable Vision and its respective IG page and website are virtual spaces intended to promote nature, movement, and mindset. It is meant to be a safe space full of encouragement. The garments are carefully designed and printed in Los Angeles on sweatshop-free and environmentally-conscious apparel. In an age of fast fashion and disregard for ethical labor practices, Viable Vision aims to stand for something else.

How do you define success?
I define success by happiness, time freedom, peace of mind, and the ability to feel at peace when you lay your head to rest. I define success by the ability to meet and exceed your basic needs and strive for self-actualization. I define success by the ability to help and be of service to others, to enjoy life, and to love yourself. I define success by being able to fulfill your own dreams and desires.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mbrarte.com & www.viablevision.co
• Instagram: @mbr.arte & @viable.vision.co