The Art of Self-Expression: A Creative Journey

I’ve always been creative. Somehow, along the way—life, school, people—something seemed to dim that spark. Now I understand creativity isn’t something that can be taken away. It lives in all of us. Everyone is a creative. Art is self-expression. Our creativity appears everywhere—from the way we dress, to the colors we choose, to how we decorate our homes. It’s personal, it’s visible, and it’s beautiful.

In the last few years, I’ve started re-exploring that side of myself. It’s been a personal journey of reflection and discovery. One of the first milestones was at the Dragon Theater. Together with Rahman, Barbara, Chaz, and Max, we brought hip-hop, breakdancing, popping, strutting, burlesque, comedy, and live music to the stage—a vibrant tapestry of our communities. That work continued until the pandemic, and as I kept exploring, it naturally led me to CulturaFest—a festival that allows me to share my story, my culture, and the communities that have shaped me.

Alongside these public projects, I’ve explored creativity in quieter, personal ways. I’ve spent days painting, tending bonsai, doing photo challenges, and traveling to many cities with my brother on photography walks. Those small rituals reminded me that creativity isn’t about the final product—it’s about patience, attention, and the joy of seeing something emerge.

This year, KQED hosted the Pupusa Showdown, and I was lucky to be connected through friends like Josue, Fatima, and Rodrigo. I shared work my brother, Raymundo Archila, and Eric Valle have done documenting the Salvi Renaissance and the food scene. During the event, my brother handed me a Polaroid camera and asked me to be his photographer for the day. That simple gesture reignited a passion for photography and reminded me of the joy in exploring creativity with intention.

I’m excited to continue this journey in all its forms—writing poetry, drawing, photographing, and expressing what I feel, what I think, what I see. Until now, my main creative outlet beyond personal expression has been through real estate—helping clients negotiate creative deals and exploring inventive financing—but I’m eager to pull out more tools from my creative toolbox and see where they take me.

I’m grateful for the creatives who inspire and challenge me—Marlon, Hoozay, Tony, Crooked Stilo, Josue, Carlos from Bayuncos, Chef Anthony from Popoca, the Panchita Sisters, Fatima, and countless others. They remind me that creativity is both personal and communal, intimate and shared.

I’m energized for what 2026 will bring: new explorations, collaborations, and projects that continue to shape this creative journey. Our first show is set for March with Artbias—more information coming soon. Stay tuned.