Willie Delacruz shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Willie, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
If you would’ve asked me this question about a month ago, my answer would’ve been completely different. However, since then I have changed the ways I do start out my day. Without a good morning routine, Which looks different between each person really sets a tone for the day you’re going to have. I start the day by writing 2 to 3 journal entries page’s as soon as I wake up, doing this really helps me to perform better throughout the day. It gets all of the thoughts and worries out of my head onto a piece of paper so I can evaluate it and address the issue if needed to be. After that I give my grace to God and the universe for giving me another day to create the life that I have. Depending if I’m up for it or not a quick stretch and some meditation is needed. Even a hypnosis meditation which I have found to be extremely helpful if you’re trying to break out of some old habit’s that doesn’t serve you anymore. Once I get out of bed I take a second to look at the painting that I’m currently working on, I think as artist we sometimes don’t see the talent that we have so every morning I try to just sit in the presence and look at the painting. I give myself time to express gratitude towards the gift that I was given to create art in this world. I hop in the shower and then brush my teeth and I’m ready to take on the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello Readers! My name is Willie Delacruz known artistically as Venti, I am a 28 year-old abstract Surrealism artist from Houston Texas. The work and brand that I have created isn’t just another painting on a wall or another artist showcasing his work because he hopes the world to “see” it one day. This is bigger than that. My work invokes a feeling, it surrounds you with an experience & leaves you with the question “what is he going to create next?”.My work blends Dreamlike concepts with both abstract textures to create a body of work of Surrealism to invite the viewers into the painting. The reason why my work is inspiring and valuable to see is because it gives you the opportunity to take a step back and connect with the present moment. Whether it’s on a 5ft x 5ft canvas or a 2in x 2in canvas, my work is not measured by the size, it’s measured by the feeling of what I know I am capable of. Right now I took the leap of faith to leave the U.S and travel around the world so others can see my art.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship I had with my ex for 3 years. It shaped me the most after the relationship ended just because during the relationship I was giving so much to another person and not pouring into myself and who I know I was destine to be in life. Even relationships with other people I was so focused on pouring into others knowing that my cup ran dry and knowing that it was going to. When I actually took the time to invest into myself that’s when I saw doors opening for me. Art galleries, private events, clients, Magazine interviews etc. I was always meant to step into the version I knew I was all along, but just because I wanted other people to be happy in my circle, I diluted my potential to level out with theirs so they wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. Going through that experience I will never let that happen again because I have to love myself first before I love others.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Stop Stop Stop. Stop overthinking of what you’re creating is going to sell, stop thinking if people are going to like it, stop diluting your potential on who you are as a person to fit into these galleries, crowds, or into the right places. Your name is already in rooms you haven’t even walked in. What separates you between the next person is because you actually stepped into the room with your head held high knowing that you were born for greatness. You know your personality shines hella bright and no one can take that away from. You are more than enough and the work that you create is going to be seen by the right people at the right time so even if you don’t see the return of investment now doesn’t mean that it’s still cooking up in the kitchen, and that’s on Period.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
As they say, what you see is get. My personality got me this far into my life and I know my energy radiates through People when they meet me they become happy. I always try to have a positive attitude in life and treat people the way that I would like to be treated. On social media I give a good insight of me as a person. My quirkiness, who I am in and out of the viewers eye, and just a person who is different expressing his passion. I know for social media It’s easy to put on a persona and try to be “liked” by others in the way of social media sees people. Nowadays authenticity is what’s valued and cherished. Some think a person should act or should look like a curtain way. If that works for them, so be it. But for me, that can’t work. I know how to act like me and that’s what I’m good at.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am 100% doing what I was born to do. If I was doing what I was told to do, that would be disservice to me, my talent, and the great creator God. It would be a waste to not use my gift the way that the universe intend it to be used.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artofventi.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofventi/profilecard/?igsh=dmo5bnJiMHQwYTJv
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@artofventi?si=jj1–SxqqD1XrUdd
Image Credits
Credits to Melissa Delacruz
