Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Rios.
Hi Sabrina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been through extreme ups and downs throughout my life that leads me to the point I’m at today. I’m currently 28 years old, living in Long Beach, CA. I was born in Bellflower, CA, and was raised by my mom and dad until he left the picture around the age of five. We (my mom and younger sister) moved around to so many different cities when we were growing up, I need about three hands to count them on. When my dad was around, he was the artist in the family – I vaguely remember him drawing and showing me how to draw here and there (it’s always been funny to me that he wasn’t around but the one thing he showed me – art – became such a major pillar in my life). I was extremely close to him, so when he left it was very hard to deal with, especially at such a young age. Around the same time my dad left, I began to endure sexual abuse from two of my male cousins. This continued for about seven years until I was 13. During those confusing and tough times, I used art as an outlet for my pain and confusion. The saying that “Art saves” holds so true to my heart and soul because through all of those dark times, art truly did keep me strong and allowed myself to create an escape from reality. I would draw on a daily basis and allowed myself to get lost in process.
At 13, I came out to my mom about the abuse but begged her not to tell anyone. It was pretty much kept a secret until I was around 16 I believe. We told my family and they basically didn’t believe me and decided to still associate with my cousins, so our family split up. At that point in life it was pretty much my mom, sister, and I living life on our own. We would occasionally see my uncle and grandma, but it wasn’t the same. Again, I was heartbroken that I had to go through losing all of my family and that no one seemed to care or believe me about the abuse. I was attending high school at that point and I still kept up with my art, really diving heavy into it – drawing, writing poems, painting. I remember I would stay up some nights until 2/3 in the morning just drawing and listening to music. I would always look forward to art class too. It truly was a savior for me. Dealing with having no real family, my mom, younger sister and I sort of pulled apart as well. We were living under the same roof until I decided to move out, and we all started to do our own thing. My sister and I fell into depression pretty young after all of this family stuff happened – but unfortunately hers was worse than mine. We had ups and downs with her throughout the years, but she died by suicide in 2014.
Again – more loss and this one was the worst of them all. She was my best friend, truly. She helped me during the hard times, and I was always so thankful to have her there with me through it all. Also, If anyone was my biggest supporter with my art, it was my little sister. She would always tell me to pursue my dreams of selling my art and making it my life. While my mom was “whatever” about my art, my sister really saw how much I loved it and always pushed me to do more. After losing her, I honestly stopped doing any art for a good few months. I was in too much pain, and it hurt knowing I didn’t have her by my side like before. I eventually attempted to get back into it, telling myself that that is what she would want me to do. And I’m glad I did – again, Art soothed my pain as much as it possibly could and it helped me find myself again because I can say that I was very lost after her passing. A few years passed and I decided to give myself a chance and put my work out there to sell. I started making things like hand-painted/ handmade jewelry, accessories, and drawings as well.
I was recently accepted to have a space at the MainPlace Mall Openmarket OC store, where I will be selling my handmade items. I’ve also done a few craft shows and am working on other side projects too. I just keep telling myself that I need to do this, not just for myself, but for my sister as well. I know she would be so happy if she were here and would tell me to keep pushing and to reach my full potential until I’m happy. Although I’ve been through a lot of pain and hurt in my life, I can honestly say that I am happy at the moment and that all I can do is stay positive and keep pushing. Aside from my mom’s endless love – art, music, and my sister’s memory are the things that have kept me strong up to this point. I’m extremely excited to see what the future holds and I plan to keep working on my craft until it’s something I can do full time.
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?
I’m an artist in many shapes and forms. I draw, paint, write, craft, take photos, etc. The main thing I’m known for is my drawing and painting. I make custom hand-painted mirrors and earrings that people order from me on my Art IG: @Artbybean. The thing that sets me apart from others, I would say is my work ethic. I’ve been doing art for my whole life, and I’ve always had such a passion to share it with others. I’ve always tried to make items that not only I love but that others would love as well. I work on my craft daily and take pride in sharing my process with those that care to watch. I pride myself on being kind – always and building personal connections with others when I have the chance.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I would say my biggest supporter is my Mom. We never really saw eye to eye, and when I felt like I wanted to make a living off my art, she wasn’t as supportive as I’d hoped. But with as much crap I’ve been through in life, she truly has been the ONLY person there for me through it all. And my dogs, I love them haha.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Artbybean.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/artbybean?igshid=1gmxj5wnxh6xx
