Meet Yaz Reve | Visual Artist

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

Hi Yaz, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I believe something important to consider when wanting to become a creative or just to learn about the art industry is that you are not just going to create art. Obviously it is the crucial aspect of being an artist. but it is also understanding that there are multiple layers to making your work reach other people. I would say it depends on the medium you work with but as a visual artist and photographer, besides creating, I start concepts and ideas, constantly research topics, new techniques and publications to accept my work, at times plan and schedule with an entire team, edit, submit, promote, create videos of between the shots or film the process, plan and post on social media etc. Artists have to be their own manager, assistant, advertiser amongst many other things, so to me its perfectly understandable when people feel burnt out to make art but I want to note that you are still an artist if you just create your work. You are an artist if you don’t post, share or promote your art. Whether others like what you make or not, It is all about your intimate process as the artist because after all what’s more important than anything is you enjoying what you create and being happy with it.

Art doesn’t have to be perfect for you to share it, it just has to be yours, so please don’t stop creating.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Throughout my years as a photographer, I’ve been looking to experiment more with my art. I have tried new techniques, learned about lighting, how to make a cohesive idea or concept but as time passes by I like creating these concepts from a visual artist perspective, one in where I am the subject and I am able to get to know myself better through my art. This is not to say I do not enjoy creating fashion editorials or portraits, it is a continuation of the layers of who I am as an artist and I think this is something that could make me different from others, I’m open to learn about everyone but most importantly from myself
because at the end of the day the art you make speaks about you louder than your own words.

The road has not been easy nor i expect it to be, the life of the arts is nothing but full of challenges, it might sound cliche but the most important thing I’ve learned is to believe in what you do, feel confident about your decisions when it comes to your art. To be honest with yourself about being proud of the fact that you might not like the ending result of what you’ve created but its ok, you created something that perhaps could lead you to something better.

Another recent big lesson I’ve learned is that creativity and discipline are linked and many of us artists don’t believe that way. Perhaps with jobs, school, friends, family, among other occupations, we have to make time to make our art, sacrifice some things like going out a weekend to be able to plan a six hour fashion editorial shoot, or maybe waking up a bit earlier in order to write more if you’re a poet. The point is to also figure out a way to prioritize your art in a way that will make you feel more complete and accomplished, otherwise we fall into the “I stopped making art because we didn’t have time” and to any artist it sounds like an unhappy life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve truly fallen in love with the idea of living in two countries at once and with that privilege I would like to appreciate the beauty of the city in which I was raised, Tijuana. Not only theres a party for anyone and everyone but you’ll find a story for any experience, amazing people with the coolest personalities and the art scene keeps expanding. I love the mixology of Minimal, the food of las ahumaderas or new restaurant proposals such as St. Bordello or BIANCA, the coffee culture with amazing spots such as Origen 40, and the mexican coca cola espresso by Granate Café, or local shops that carry products by Mexican designers such as Makario Ceramica, Doratto Store and Matiz Studio. Tijuana has something to offer to everyone.

As for San Diego for coffee or tea I love Paru for their amazing ceremonial grade matcha, the seasonal drinks from Scrimshaw Coffee or the vibe from the coolest spot Long Play Hifi. I love the Pho from Pho Hoa in El Cajon Blvd, the California Burritos from Filiberto’s in North Park or the life changing garlic dip from Fattoush.

My favorite spaces would be the rare books section in the San Diego Library with the most amazing selection of interesting books such as the tiniest book ever, the living room cafe in El Cajon Blvd to study or work and Bread & Salt to check the latest local artists.

I feel so lucky to be able to enjoy what these beautiful cities have to offer!

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?
Being thankful for the support and recognize the help you’ve received is incredibly important and sometimes not seen enough. I want to acknowledge that without the never ending encouragement of my mom to keep going for my dreams I would not be in this stage of my art, she never fails to motivate or offer help in whatever ways she finds possible and let me just say anything is possible for that woman, there is nothing she can’t do and because of that I believe I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. I would also like to dedicate this shoutout to my entire support system, no one makes me feel more loved than them, for the constant showing up for me, dedicating time to help out with any project or just share words of encouragement. I once read an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. And with them, we’re going far.

Last but not least, I want to give some credit to every creative I’ve crossed paths with. San Diego and Tijuana is filled with so many talented artists that is impossible not to acknowledge how every interaction has helped my growth. My community has taught me tips and tricks in regards to my art and photography, they’ve sent their love to me with every share, repost or beautiful words and inspire me to learn by just existing, so a big shout out to everyone that does their part to keep the binational art community stay alive!

Website: https://www.yazrevephotography.com

Instagram: @yazreve @reveobscura

Other: Online Portfolio: https://www.behance.net/gallery/198045457/YAZ-REVE-PORTFOLIO

Image Credits
Models: Elizabeth Dyball, Kyla Philipps, Shantal Ibarra, Marisol Valdez, Isabella Holguín
Makeup: Claritza Castro
Stylists: Keyana Palomera, Isabella Holguín, Elizabeth Dyball
Hair: Jesus Alarcon
Set Design: Shmikoh
Photo Assistants: Apollo FM, Chad Abarca