Meet Joa Suorez | Poet, Artist, Visitor Experience Assistant at the Anderson Collection at Stanford

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joa Suorez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I like when artists take risks. Who knew just what would happen when Agnes Denes decided to grow a field of wheat in downtown Manhattan? Giving up some measure of control—to process, materials, or environment—feels full of possibility. I try to stay open to opportunities to take risks. I enjoy painting en plein air and drawing a live model in figure drawing class in part because of the unpredictability. If what I write or paint starts to feel too automatic or comfortable, it’s time to change my approach.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My desire to be out in the world is stronger than in years past. It’s no great secret, but I take pleasure in seeing what my friends are creating and in being part of a community. I’m an active poet and painter, and also work at an art museum. I feel lucky that my work puts me in close contact with so many other people making art.

I participate in art shows, feature poems in literary journals, and lead a monthly poetry writing group to stay involved. Additionally, I teach painting and poetry classes and retreats seasonally through the Yosemite Conservancy.

I’m studious at heart—I received my BA in Literature from the College of Creative Studies at UC Santa Barbara, and my MFA in Creative Writing from St. Mary’s College—and I continue to move through the world like a student, eager and hopeful and ready to learn. I live in a part of California known for its concentration of engineers, but I get to talk to writers and artists and musicians everyday. A big part of my motivation comes from seeing what everyone’s up to.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think a walk around Stanford University makes for a great visit to the area. Stop by the Anderson Collection and say hello. It’s free! There’s also a tradition of swimming in certain fountains on campus if you come on a hot day. If you can, drive in on the 280—known by some as the “World’s Most Beautiful Freeway.”

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this shoutout to Mikaela Pearson of PALO Architecture & Landscape Office

Website: joasuorez.com

Instagram: @joajoahey