Much has been written about
the artist’s journey, but not so much about successful artists who are also
successful writers - simultaneously. Linda Vallejo is probably extraordinary
in this respect, as she has won awards for her sculptures and paintings (1st
Place Prize for California Sculpture Slam at the San Luis Obispo Museum,
Durfee Artist Completion Award, Comisión Femenil Latinas Making History Award; Brody Arts Fellowship; and a
Distinguished Recognition Award from the National Association of Chicano
Studies), and also wins grant awards for non-profits that transform the lives
of others (PUC Schools, Pacoima Beautiful, Project GRAD Los Angeles; Self
Help Graphics, The Los Angeles Classical Ballet, and many others).
Linda’s dedication to her
life, in its many forms, and her community are inspiring. From her prolific
work as a painter to her significant contributions as a grant writer, she has
established a scope of work that extends from operas to prisons, as well as raising
over $30 million in grants for great projects that benefit everyone from
children to the elderly. Linda also teaches her course A to Z Grantwriting in
over 2,400 colleges and universities nationwide on the Internet.
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Images provided by Linda
Vallejo, the artist.
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SHAN: How do you accomplish
all that you do as an artist and a writer?
LINDA: I’ve never had a
full time job, but I work 80 hours per week. I’m very specific about my
schedule. That’s the best advice I can give anybody. I work with my writing
and art businesses in the morning. Then I paint in the afternoon and quit
about 6 p.m. to cook dinner. I go back to writing until 10 p.m or so. It is a
pretty strict schedule. I work pretty much hands-on in writing, art,
motherhood, and in life.
I believe that you must do
what comes naturally to you. That’s how I’ve built my life. I think it’s
important to pick a lifestyle and career that matches your personal skills
and abilities. If you choose something that doesn’t come naturally to you, it
will become difficult. If you pick what comes naturally, however, it will be
easier to dedicate yourself to and more likely that you will be accomplished
and successful.
Being an artist is wrought
with difficulty. I don’t actually recommend it to everyone. You need to be
driven and tough-skinned. If
being an artist isn’t something that you have to do, believe me you’re going
to suffer through it. Being an artist is a hard row to hoe. Don’t get me
wrong, it’s a beautiful life, but it’s wrought with challenges,
disappointments, the search for true creativity, and hard work.
To be a good writer, you
must be a good listener, able to translate peoples’ thoughts onto paper, and
be well organized. You also have to care about the people you are writing for
and what you’re writing about. I found out very early that I am a natural
writer and that I enjoy the intricacies of completing complex proposals and
applications. My abilities in
grantwriting have been a wonderful gift and have made it possible for me to
take good care of my family and support my art career.
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SHAN: What are the challenges in choosing such a varied life?
LINDA: Sticking to it. Not getting sidetracked. Personally, I spend a great deal of time working on my projects and plans. I’m a starter and a finisher. I don’t go out too much these days except for art or grantwriting business. I stay in communication with my friends and family by phone, email, or FaceBook. You can stay in touch without having to leave the office these days. |
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SHAN: What are the projects
you are most proud of?
LINDA: I’m proud of my
28-year-old son, Robert, a successful lawyer and my 26-year-old son, Paul,
who is in medical school. I’m very proud to be there for them and be a part
of their lives. Just to get into grad school takes some doing. Oh, and I have
always believed in mentors and tutors.
My next favorite thing is
that I’ve been married to my husband Ron for 35 years. There’s a lot to
commitment, but there’s so much joy in having a family.
The next thing I am proud
of is that I’ve been an artist all my life. I first started painting when I
was four years old. I love my new series “Make ‘Em All Mexican.” The work is traveling all over the
nation and it’s been great fun, a lot of work, but great fun. A show of this work is opening at CSU
San Bernardino Fullerton Museum this Saturday, September 29th.
Then I’m most proud of my
work as a writer with non-profit organizations. I enjoy the work a great
deal. I’ve worked with many organizations since 1980 and raised a lot of
funds for wonderful
organizations and projects. |
"Make 'Em All Mexican" art exhibit I also teach grantwriting to about 5,000 individuals annually via the Internet. I believe that by teaching I am making positive change for others, their communities, and individuals and families in need. |
"Make 'Em All Mexican" art exhibit |
SHAN: What advice do you have for others?
LINDA: Everything you are going to dedicate yourself to, whether it is art, marriage and children, or business – takes dedication. Make careful and wise choices for yourself. Find out what you’re naturally good at, make a strong commitment, and then “abandon” yourself to it. Abandon yourself to the choices you have made. Abandon yourself to your life.
Give it all you’ve got and
follow through with plans regardless of your expectations. The outcome is
important, but more important is to throw yourself into your life, to
experience it all, and to enjoy every minute. I love that I am completely
abandoned to my life as a wife, mother, artist and writer. I have a very full
life. I am surrounded by the love of family and friends, by good work, and of
course, by art and creativity.
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You can see Linda’s art work at www.lindavallejo.com and her work in grantwriting at www.atozgrantwriting.com.
Linda Vallejo is represented
by the George Lawson Gallery in Culver City, CA.
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Shän Boggs is a writer and
editor living in California. Her interests include science, technology, the
environment, health, education, multimedia, art, and gourmet cooking.
