Episode 26: Art, Resilience, and Rebirth: A Conversation with Jeremy Arviso
Episode Summary:
From poverty to artistic mastery, Jeremy Arviso's story will ignite your soul. This Native American artist overcame immense challenges to reclaim his cultural heritage through breathtaking art. In this episode, Jeremy gets raw with Jen and Gordon about battling health issues, embracing his roots, and the fight for indigenous representation in the art world. Prepare to be inspired by his journey of perseverance, self-discovery, and the transformative power of artistic expression. Subscribe now and embark on an unforgettable exploration of identity, resilience, and the human spirit.
Show Notes:
Segment 1: Introductions and Greetings
Timestamp: [00:01:10 - 00:01:54]
Jen and Gordon welcome listeners back to the podcast.
Jeremy Arvizo, a Phoenix-based Native American multimedia artist and designer, joins them as a guest.
Segment 2: Early Life and Family Background
Timestamp: [00:02:23 - 00:07:54]
Jeremy shares details about his upbringing, born to a young Native American mother in Phoenix, Arizona.
He discusses his parents' backgrounds and their relocation to New Mexico.
Segment 3: Childhood Challenges and Adaptability
Timestamp: [00:05:26 - 00:11:04]
Growing up in a turbulent environment of poverty, addiction, and dysfunction.
Jeremy reflects on the challenges of constantly moving and adapting to new schools and situations.
Segment 4: Discovering Artistic Talents
Timestamp: [00:13:42 - 00:15:58]
Jeremy's early exposure to art through drawing sessions with his father.
Exploring graphic design and typography through his parents' album collection, igniting his passion for design.
Segment 5: Influence of Music on Art
Timestamp: [00:15:24 - 00:16:10]
Discussing the impact of album cover artwork on Jeremy's artistic development.
How band logos became the foundation of his design career.
Segment 6: Transition to Artistic Expression
Timestamp: [00:16:10 - 00:17:26]
Jen and Jeremy discuss the heavy influence of music on his artistic creations.
Reflections on how their mutual love for music facilitated their initial connection.
Segment 7: Reflecting on Personal Growth
Timestamp: [00:17:28 - 00:18:54]
Jeremy reflects on the journey of self-discovery and artistic development over the years.
Discussing the process of updating his portfolio and the realization of the breadth of his accomplishments.
Segment 8: Exploring Rebellion and Artistic Inspiration
Timestamp: [00:18:54 - 00:21:22]
Jeremy delves into his rebellious phase in middle school, sparked by exposure to bands like Rage Against the Machine.
Exploration of his self-education in American Indian history and the influence of punk rock and hip-hop on his artistic expression.
Segment 9: Immersion in Graffiti Culture
Timestamp: [00:21:22 - 00:24:50]
Jeremy recounts his immersion in graffiti culture, learning the craft from fellow artists and self-education.
Discussion on the significance of graffiti as a form of expression and its evolution from American subways to global popularity.
Segment 10: Transition to Clothing Design
Timestamp: [00:24:50 - 00:27:54]
The transition from graffiti to clothing design, sparked by a desire for a less risky outlet for creativity.
Jeremy's experimentation with airbrushing and the inception of creating custom clothing pieces for himself and peers.
Segment 11: Persistence and Discipline
Timestamp: [0:32:01 - 00:32:39]
The importance of embracing discipline and perseverance.
Challenges of immediate gratification in creative work.
Reflecting on personal growth through struggle and dedication.
Segment 12: Longevity and Relevance in Creative Work
Timestamp: [00:32:46 - 00:34:50]
Discussion on maintaining relevance over time.
Reflecting on personal growth over the years.
Embracing the idea that creativity is a lifelong journey with no age limit.
Segment 13: Humility and Cultural Identity
Timestamp: [00:34:52 - 00:38:42]
Observations on humility as an attractive quality.
Exploring the influence of indigenous cultural identity on humility.
Acknowledgment of personal significance beyond creative achievements.
Segment 14: Recognition and Response to Praise
Timestamp: [00:38:46 - 00:40:46]
Humble response to recognition and praise.
Cultural perspective on praise and its emotional impact.
Appreciation for acknowledgment and support.
Segment 15: Impact of Collaborations with Organizations
Timestamp: [00:40:47 - 00:44:18]
Jeremy's journey with Cahokia in downtown Phoenix, from designing their sign to becoming an ambassador and member, fostering transformative work that reshaped mainstream perceptions of Native Americans.
Challenges of collaboration with diverse perspectives, leading Jeremy to prioritize personal goals and family, particularly his autistic son, and shift focus away from organizational commitments.
Segment 16: Tribal Influence in Art and Design
Timestamp: [00:44:18 - 00:54:22]
Jeremy discusses the incorporation of tribal influence into his artwork, exemplified by laser-engraved watch bands reflecting seasonal ceremonies and traditions.
Collaborative efforts with the Phoenix Suns to represent all 22 tribes, creating a comprehensive brand identity for the Originative program, and the significance of indigenous representation in professional sports arenas for both cultural visibility and authenticity.
Segment 17: Cultural Appropriation in Sports
Timestamp: [00:54:23 - 00:59:50]
Discussion on the harmful portrayal of Native American culture in sports, particularly regarding the use of Native imagery by teams like the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jeremy's long-standing activism against such imagery and the societal roots of this appropriation within American culture.
Insights into the journey of raising awareness and working towards changing the narrative surrounding Native American representation in professional sports.
Segment 18: Evolution of Artistic Expression
Timestamp: [00:59:50 - 01:08:42]
Jeremy's exploration of art as a tool for social commentary and change, sparked by experiences living in San Francisco.
The concept behind Jeremy's subversive logo flips, using iconic imagery to convey deeper cultural and political messages.
Origins and significance of the "Original Landlords" brand, inspired by family history and cultural identity, and its evolution during the pandemic as a means of artistic expression and activism.
Segment 19: Advice for Young Artists
Timestamp: [01:08:43 - 01:11:01]
Jeremy emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and trying different forms of art.
Encourages exploration and experimentation to find one's passion and talents.
Highlights the unpredictability of a creative career path and the need for openness, curiosity, and resilience.
Segment 20: Legacy and Impact
Timestamp: [01:11:01 - 01:18:26]
Jeremy reflects on his legacy, aiming to be remembered as original, unapologetic, and fearless.
Shares personal experiences of surpassing perceived limitations and exploring the world.
Expresses a commitment to ongoing growth, embracing the unknown, and leaving a global impact.
Segment 21: Psychedelics and Cultural Connection
Timestamp: [01:18:28 - 01:24:02]
Jeremy discusses his experiences with peyote in ceremonial contexts.
Describes a transcendental experience that deepened his connection to his tribal land and cultural identity.
Reflects on the environmental impact of industrialization on indigenous lands and personal revelations regarding cultural preservation and environmental activism.
Segment 22: Cultural Respect and Ceremony
Timestamp: [01:24:05 - 01:26:22]
Jen and Jeremy discuss the importance of respecting indigenous ceremonial practices involving plants and fungi.
They touch upon the trendy appropriation of these practices and emphasize the necessity of respect and understanding of their origins and traditions.
Segment 23: Protection Ceremony and Indigenous Medicine
Timestamp: [01:25:50 - 01:26:22]
Jeremy shares insights into a protection ceremony conducted for his dad's wife's sister who was joining the Marines.
Explains how indigenous medicines are used for added spiritual protection in various life situations, emphasizing their significance beyond mere trends.
Segment 24: Yoga as a Transformational Practice
Timestamp: [01:26:52 - 01:32:26]
Jeremy discusses his journey with yoga, starting at 17 with the book "Be Here Now" by Dr. Richard Alpert.
Reflects on how yoga became an essential part of his daily routine, particularly during his incarceration, helping him overcome physical and mental challenges and contributing to his recovery.
Segment 25: Finding Purpose and Soul Alignment
Timestamp: [01:34:46 - 01:35:24]
Jen and Jeremy explore guiding others to align their actions with their soul's desires, drawing from Jeremy's own experiences.
Jeremy emphasizes the importance of sharing his journey openly and providing practical steps for others to find their purpose, underscoring the significance of authenticity and perseverance.
Segment 26: Self-Reflection and Holistic Health
Timestamp: [01:35:49 - 01:39:36]
Importance of starting self-improvement by looking within and addressing various aspects of life: emotional, physical, behavioral, mental, spiritual.
Jeremy's personal journey of prioritizing physical health first, leading to significant improvements and reversal of conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and the value of therapy and group support in addressing trauma and personal growth.
Segment 27: Cultivating a Rich Soul
Timestamp: [01:39:39 - 01:42:58]
Jeremy's reflections on enriching the soul through diverse experiences and aspects of life, including mental health, emotional well-being, and physical fitness.
Encouragement to draw from the past while moving forward, avoiding being stuck in past traumas or experiences.
Introduction to Jeremy's projects and brands: RVSO78 (portfolio), Original Landlords (clothing brand), and Hood Mats (yoga mat and wellness brand), emphasizing indigenous representation and sustainability.
Segment 28: Gratitude and Farewell
Timestamp: [01:43:03 - 01:44:42]
Expressions of gratitude from the hosts towards Jeremy for sharing his journey and insights.
Jeremy's acknowledgment of personal growth as an ongoing process, paralleling his journey of recovery from addiction.
Farewell and appreciation for listeners' support, along with a call to subscribe, leave feedback, and follow on social media for future updates and events.
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