“Beautiful, where to begin?”
That is all it took to be charmed by this
creative human’s words.
It was just a simple few words that sparked
this gentleman to speak so graciously about his charismatic doings in his city.
How Rich takes on what he does is the like-mindedness that Soul Story looks for
to keep discovering more like him, like her, like them. He is a recruitment of finding the elements
that enchant a successful life. While not impossible, Rich’s emphasis to why he
does what he does opens the challenging platform of creativity to a bigger
stage of exploring the confident mind.
Lol, who are
you? (Always smiling)
Fundamentally I'm an egoless individual &
the work I do is a challenge in its own at times to credit myself solely. Any
accolades are earned through teamwork & selflessness. I couldn't have done
any of this work without the amazing people around me.
I'm an advocate for
course correction. Through mediums of expression whether poetry, song, dance,
etc. we are able to bring attention to what matters from an inner perspective. Discussions
can entail connecting issues from speaking on the failing educational or
political systems, to the social economic disparities of modern artistry &
the fine line that defines worth & value.
Recently, as the Creative Development
Consultant at AV Expression in San Antonio. I've recruited a team working on an
initiative to bring a multi-faceted & diverse arts community together. At
first glance it doesn't seem physically possible, given the multitude of
uncontrollable variables, but the outcry for a platform or conceptual idea to
provide San Antonio, TX with a successful & unifying endeavor is one the
people on our team knows is critical. The challenge is for us to incorporate all
"5" Elements of hip-hop; primarily to allow a younger generation
freedom of expression through their own mediums & art forms, be it
traditional or abstract.
Define:
Creativity- Is Spiritual Freedom.
Passion- Is the secret ingredient & difference
between hard work & natural talent.
What do you do
to inspire your city?
I aim to inspire
creativity & the possibility of a fruitful outcome by way of creative self-expression.
I've encountered many artistic minds that fall victim to negativity or a
pessimistic outlook when judging their own works. Focus and intentions matter
when exerting creativity. It's always in your hands in regards to the
interpretation of criticism.
The most useful advice from my musical mentor
Mr. Al Salinas--- "Always take things with a grain of salt. Never half ass
anything in life." Together those two priceless pieces of advice have
helped me keep an open mind & heart to criticism & self-accountability
when starting a new work.
Working closely with the AV8 Marketing / Dream
Team, a think tank of powerful motivators focused on accomplishing a common
selfless goal, have developed an
original concept that'll incorporate art forms such as Fashion Designers,
Videographers, Photographers, Choreographers, Actors, Models, Producers, Glass
Blowers, Computer Engineers, Builders, Composers, & Entrepreneurs Break
dancers, Urban Artists, & Disk Jockeys alike.
We hold creative meetings weekly & encourage likeminded individuals to join us. We keep an open door policy, and are always open and accepting to new ideas.
Beautiful, what
is that to you?
Beauty to me? Beauty
is righteous, raw, real, and organic. Not fake, chemically modified, contoured,
or judgmental.
What memory has
left the creative imprint on your heart?
Philosopher Alan Watts
said "How could you know you're alive if you hadn't already once been dead?
Death is but an undulation in consciousness…" Creatively these words left
an imprint on the growing cycle of awareness & the evolution of a higher
consciousness. Thus, introducing the differentiation between Material &
Spiritual dimensions.
What is you
soulful playlist?
My soulful playlist
musically:
Original works to
Oldies from the 20's 30's 40's 50's 60's 70's 80's 90's. To Mariachi music from
the late 1800's on, and classical pieces from composers such as Beethoven up to
Isaac Hayes, you name it; these sounds speak to my soul.
Now, why would you work so hard to do all you
do?
The Creative mind is
constant, as we autonomously wander about our lives there are times where we
are briefly granted with notions and visions that obviously something's
missing. Question is: Can you identify it? If so, how soon can you bring those
notions to fruition?
We came up with the
answer: Now. There is no other time except now. That's how we accomplish our
goals realistically within our given timeframe.
Events, Ideas, Concepts,
just imagine.
Well, I definitely see
SATX ready to get on stage with you to find out.
As of Summer of 2015, Rich
has personally developed an inexpensive membership program at AV Expression
that offers artistic services, classes, instruction, mentorship, & studio
sessions. In specialty fields or trades that traditional education systems
aren't offering classes or have been cutting funding for. Offering scholarships
to artists they see would contribute to their main initiative. Be it any form
of the arts, if deep down you want to learn, they will take the time to teach
you, break it down, and strip away the "rocket science" feeling &
start back at the basics. It is an artistic collective that is growing steadily
day by day.
Recent artistic works of Rich Herrera, includes
Theatre Arts (Chatos' Bridge - Coming 2016, Karma's a Bitch - 2015) Actor &
Sound Design. (Rapid Eye Movement - 2016) Actor, Poet. Professional Mariachi, DJ, Recording Artist, Music Producer, Composer, Poet, Political Advocate &
Private Lesson instructor. Also, a licensed insurance consultant in the state
of Texas. (he is definitely multi-talented)
