Resin Warrior Interview | Respect the Artist
How did you get your Artist name?
Which one? Haha I have so many aliases and most of them are self-titled. I am "Resin Warrior" for so many reasons. Some of the core reasons are being a thyroid cancer warrior and overcoming struggles with anxiety, depression and bipolar ll disorder.
How did you get into creating?
I have always been drawn to science and understanding how things work. There's something about the process of creating in any form that captivates my attention. I remember being into art from a very young age. Fun fact: The first instrument I learned was not the ukulele, it was an electric guitar that my older sister played and I asked her if I could try to play. But the ukulele will always hold a special place in my process and is what folks recognize me playing.
How has creating changed your life?
It's been everything to me and always will be!! My glasses are engraved with 'create or die' on the outer arm and 'forever' on the inner arm. I also have "create or die" tattoo'd on my arm. It's rare that art doesn't sneak it's way into conversation on the daily. It's been a blessing to connect with people and share good vibes wherever I can!
Where are you from?
I'm from Westfield, NJ (Union County). Currently repping for Springfield, NJ. JERSSSSSSEYYY all day. **insert fog horns here**
How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?
I grew up in a nice area where art was valued and I think that helped me appreciate it more. There also were so many other creative people to interact with and resources to explore (galleries, shows, art classes, workshops)
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
I am always watching what other artists are doing and Youtube! Tons of ideas, tips, and answers have been found from youtube or the interwebs. When I first started doing pour art, I would endlessly watch Youtube to learn different techniques and I still do to this day.
What does your current setup look like?
My current setup is an upgrade. For the past 2 years, I was using plastic containers and cardboard boxes over my brother's old bed to hold and store my resin pieces and pour art canvases. Now, I have a desk! I have a desk y'all!! It's much more organized. There are big silicone mats on top of the desk, with a ton of molds from my last session and molds ready to go for the next session.
Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you?
Bill Nye, J57, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessica-Faith Torre, My Mom, and Your Local Uber driver. They all inspire me for different reasons.
Bill Nye- he's a legend and he's basically the scientist of science. He is 1000 hundo % the reason I am drawn to learning and science. Thank you, silent mentor.
J57- J57's music has helped me navigate through incredibly rough times in my life, times I was struggling with my mental health, times navigating through the madness of thyroid cancer and the aftermath of getting back on track (literally), and motivated me more than a million times to rock an art session. I am infinitely grateful for that.
Leonardo DiCaprio- Leonardo DiCaprio is super classy. He is so particular with the roles he chooses to participate in and everything he has a hand in in amazing. I take notes from Leo.
Jessica-Faith Torre- My ride or die! We have been friends for almost 2 decades. We have seen each other through every phase of life and been through so much together. You inspire me to be better every day, Phoenix. Appreciate of all that you do. & Yes, I drank water today. Haha
My Mom(Amy) - Amy works two jobs and never complains. My mom taught me resilience and is my main supporter. Love you, mom!!
Your Local Uber driver- 9/10 times I have Uber'd to a job interview or work I have gotten into a conversation with the driver and we connected through talking about our dreams and future goals. Most of these conversations led to me giving the Uber driver a piece of art to brighten their day and remember me by. It's always refreshing to talk about what drives me and it reinforces why I do what I do. Shout out to y'all. I see you. We outcheaaa!
What is your goal when you create?
My goal when I create is to make something that can bring people peace..... I become completely immersed in the process and I have always wanted that to show through my work.
Why do you create?
I create because it's what I am destined to do; it is a therapeutic outlet for me. I create because I am still here. It lights up my soul when folks see me doing what I love and tell me that I inspire them to do what they love!
What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?
I know this may sound weird, but I don't have a go-to song right now. The last songs I remember having a hold on me were "Rebirth of Cool" by DJ Cam or "Chillaxin' By The Sea" by Gramatik. I've been on an instrumental kick for a while and these tracks in particular really speak to me. Rebirth of Cool gives me energy and is a feel-good vibe and Chillaxin' By The Sea gives me tranquility to channel peaceful vibes as I create. I am really big on mantras and this is one I have been living by...I am somewhere between the sea and the stars (I have a tattoo for this-- two mini polaroid pics--one has a wave--the other has Saturn and space vibes).
What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?
My dream as an artist is to own my own studio space/creative hub/ platform where artists and fellow creatives / fans of the process can come to hang and create in whatever form speaks to them ; however that looks like to them(cooking, painting, wood work, sculptures, photography, illustrating) etc. For right now, I am honing in on my craft, staying consistent and connecting to as many artists and creative souls any chance I get.
I also aim to become an art therapist/teacher. I'm planning to go back to school and double major in art & psychology or art & teaching.
What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?
I strongly dislike odd numbers, so I will leave y'all dreamers with 2 bits of advice.
1) Don't dim your own light.
2) Remember your why and sharpen your skills.
Bonus advice - Focus on the small steps, they will lead you to the bigger ones.
Tell us about your most recent release
My most recent release hasn't been released yet!! It's top-secret, but y'all will be finding out very soon. Stay tuned.
Share a link to your most recent release
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sharkinthesky
Facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/resinwarriorrissa
Website: http://www.thatresinwarrior.com
Stereotype Co’s mission is to shine light on dreamers around the world.
Your support helps us continue make a difference.