Around The Blok. Vol. 3 - Isela López
Isela is a creative and writer working primarily in the Downtown Phoenix area. She also organizes creatve writing classes for the Phoenix community. Today, we are extremely thrilled to sit down with Isela for Around The Blok!
1. Tell us about yourself?
My name is Isela and I am a Phoenix based freelance writer. I am what you call a “tri-city kid” (but actually not a kid). Meaning, I was born in Guatemala, Central America; raised in Los Angeles and have been residing in Phoenix. I actually didn’t realize how hard it is to talk about
yourself since I always find myself on the opposite end of these type of exchanges. But here I am agreeing and feeling honored to be given this time and space.
I started writing at a very young age- so naturally, my main focus is writing. But I am someone who cannot conform to only knowing and being good at only one thing in life. So when I say I’ve dipped my toes in a variety of realms coexisting in a creative world- I mean that to its entirety.
So much so, that two years ago I founded and birthed “ARTMOSTFIERCE”.
Artmostfierce, serves as an innovative platform giving exposure and opportunity to both our community and individuals who inspire us. Via this positive catalyst, I put out social projects using photography, writing, and some video content but it doesn’t stop there. I’m proud to say since the very start- it has been interactive outlet hosting shows in the Downtown Phoenix area- giving artists the space to share their art with a real lifetime audience.
I’d like to say I’m a go-getter and if I’m not working on something of my own, I assure you I’m out collaborating and helping others with their work. Personally, I’m not one of those people who believe we’ve got all the time in the world…to me time is a privilege, so I make the most of
mine. I’m always on the go, and I enjoy life that way.
2. Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because as a woman, as a latina, as an immigrant I’m pushing every obstacle out of the way, despite of. Basically, because statistics and people have said “no” to me- I’m clapping back with a “HELL YES”. It’d be a shame for me to have so many ideas and wait for someone else to magically have the same idea and bring it to life. So I continue out of love for what I believe in, and for the mere fact of “If not me, then who?”
3. What benefit does art provide to society?
Art is one of those subjects in life- that you don’t need to understand to it’s full extent. Technically speaking you just have to understand the feeling(s) it provokes in you. In the world of art- you’re open to interpretation and imagination, which is hard to keep as an adult. The benefit it brings to society is, outlook…it can evolve.
4. What’s your advice to others chasing their dreams?
I’d say- to stop looking at them as just dreams. As if they were something far-fetched. I’d encourage them to fight for that feeling that makes you uneasy, nervous, and even upside down. Of course you may trip, fall, slow down but you were made for those dreams to be your reality. I would finish by saying- this is your song to dance to, only yours.
5. What is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is death. I know it sounds morbid (and I actually even felt weird recognizing it as inspiration) but when it comes down to it- that’s what inspires me. I have this beautiful life present time, and I’m so fortunate to know life as I do. But this is borrowed time- and when my journey comes to an end, I want to be able to say I did everything I wanted to, everything that was needed of me and that I left my mark on this planet.
6. When you think of home, what comes to mind?
I love this question. Home to me, is anywhere I can find my mom or more so the memory of her. Home to me, is the feeling of knowing I belong to someone, that I am someone’s daughter. If I’m in an unknown place, or experiencing something new…all I have to do is remember where I
came from. She lives within my laughter, she is my Christmas morning and she’s the map I follow with every step I take. She was my first home, she is my forever home.
You can follow Isela on INSTAGRAM
