Today we’d like to introduce you to Yeiry Guevara.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Yeiry. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a writer, translator, multimedia artist and arts administrator. My creative work is deeply rooted in representation, transnational identity, and intergenerational healing. My mediums range from bilingual zines, embroidery, and gifs. My work has appeared in Bust Magazine, VICE, Remezcla with several gallery exhibitions in New York and Texas for my photography. I have presented at Twitter NYC, Columbia University, L.A. Times Festival of Books, Zine Fest Houston and more.
I’m originally from Houston, Texas and very proud to be a first generation Salvadoran-American. I lived in New York for eight years as well. My intersectional identity profoundly informs my creative work. I began to share my writing and photography through zines. Zines provided a supportive community and a creative outlet for my writing. The self-publishing aspect of zines excites my editorial and design aesthetics. Thus, my bilingual zines are an amalgamation of poetry, Salvadoran caliche, and a visual narrative. This results in a direct and intentional form to bring accessibility and inclusivity of varying literacy levels.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My creative career has been my most challenging and rewarding endeavor. The process is arduous, undefined and completely endless. The level of responsibility and expectations has no limit. As a first-generation kid, I had to navigate systems that are not built for us; systems that are not intuitive or considerate of our existence. With my siblings, I had to be able to understand how the world moves in both languages.
One of the biggest challenges was developing my confidence as an artist. Growing up poor, brown, and Latinx in Texas, I had no role models besides Selena. I didn’t know the arts were a possibility because there was no Central American representation to be seen. No examples of professional Latinx artists who were living, creating, and also shared my experience. Once I began developing my creative practice, I found role models in my peers. My creative community became my support system. They nurtured my process where I was able to explore and grow as an artist.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I started Yeiry.com as an online portfolio of my creative work. Now, Yeiry.com has grown to include my publications, press features, upcoming list of events, blog and my online shop. The shop is where I sell my art such as zines, stickers, and Mami Made products. Mami Made is a collaboration with my mother where we produce a line of crafts and home decor. I am proud to have built the website myself, which is a reflection of my design style, entrepreneurship and professional work. I am currently focused on learning the Houston art scene through my new role as an arts administrator and as a creative professional. There is so much talent, support, connections and wonderful work being produced in here in Houston. Support your local art scene!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
There are many moments which stand out but the common theme is the connection made with the audience. The exchange with individuals who share their impressions and reaction to my work. It is that space where the personal experience meets universal sentiments, which can only occur in the intimacy created through art. Whether it’s viewing my photography, reading my zine or buying my art. When a person shares with me the impact of my work, how it validated their experiences, or how my work was a catalyst to deeper conversations with their family, those connections are profoundly treasured. These moments of visibility, gratitude and authentic exchange fuel my practice. Thank you all who have been a part of this mutual exchange!
Pricing:
- Zines – Varies from $1 – $12 https://www.yeiry.com/shop?category=Zine
- Stickers – $3 https://www.yeiry.com/shop/stickers
- Mami Made Embroidered Tablecloth – $30 https://www.yeiry.com/shop/embroidered-tablecloths
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yeiry.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yeirybird
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/yeirybird/
Image Credit:
Yeiry Guevara
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