Rising Stars: Meet Victoria Herrera of Lakeview Terrace, California

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Herrera

Hi Victoria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a kid, I spent most of my time in my room creating all kinds of art. I didn’t have a large amount of supplies back then but thanks to creative influences like, My Grandmother, My Uncle (An elementary school teacher that lived with us ), and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood I became resourceful.
The usual suspects were: Paper, Scissors, Glue & Stickers; along with anything else I could find around the house. At about 8, I learned how to hand sew from my grandmother and started making clothes for my dolls and small purses. Around that same time, I began making greeting cards, paper flowers, gift bags, and boxes with big bows, for special occasions or when we attended parties. At 13 or so my sister’s coworkers introduced me to rubber stamping, scrapbooking, and crystal bead jewelry making. I was officially obsessed with making all the things!
As I got older and started with an office job and community college classes I had less time to create but used any opportunity to exercise my creativity by making things for birthday parties, family gatherings and gifts. At the same time, I started using mediums like acrylic and watercolor paint, polymer and air dry clay, and electronic paper cutting machines.
The more I would learn the more I would want to learn. After some time, I decided to quit my office job to focus on Child Development as well as Art Therapy and sharing its benefits with my community. That’s when I emailed The San Fernando Brewery and got the opportunity to meet Vic & Joe Chouchanian. I explained what I wanted to organize and they gave me the opportunity and freedom to do so on my own terms while utilizing their amazing space to do so. That was the beginning of Crafts & Craft Beer. The first workshop was March 10th, 2018 and I have only had positive experiences since.
As I’ve conducted these workshops I have witnessed and experienced how much art can be therapeutic for us all. There are so many mediums to use as tools for expression and I want to be able to facilitate a space that is safe for people of all art levels, skills and willingness for vulnerability to exist and play comfortably. Every time I have a workshop it’s like I’m inviting others into my process. Insight into who I am and the things that are significant to me without using words. I enjoy sharing space with others as they create and discover a little bit more about themselves or the person they are creating with.

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?
Like many, it hasn’t always been a smooth road with family struggles like divorce and disconnects. Health issues ( I have type 1 diabetes), and battles with self esteem can be a real challenge at times . Art helps me cope and better express my feelings. It helps me focus on the positivity and the gratitude that I have in my abilities to show up as the authentic person that I am for myself and those around me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an Artist, an Art Instructor, and Therapeutic Art Coach. I love working with as many mediums as possible and then facilitating workshops for others to try things out as well. For the past 6 years I have been conducting arts and crafts workshops at my local brewery. I try to make it as unique of an experience as I can by choosing projects that are fun, beautiful, and non threatening … just a good time. Anyone of any age or skill level can have fun getting crafty with us. I am the most proud of having the chance to live my dream of sharing art and providing space for others to do the same comfortably. I also conduct private workshops: one on one, or for groups.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I feel as though the best thing to do is to follow your gut. If you like the way someone expresses their passions and you feel as though you can relate or are drawn to them, be open to learn and express your curiosity towards them. Make an effort to pursue the things or people that naturally create a spark and make you feel invigorated. It may mean getting out of your comfort zone and being a little vulnerable in social situations but I find its always worth it! Take the leap and just put yourself out there. Don’t overthink it. People are nicer than you think.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://heartfullymadebyvee.com
• Instagram: @livingcreativee @heartfullymadebyvee
• Facebook: @heartfullymadebyvee

Image Credits
Adam P. Williamson