Art & Life with Valeria Lopez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeria Lopez.

Valeria, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My childhood was filled with countless performances on stage acting, dancing, singing, etc… My family was always motivating my artistic ways, and they made sure I was aware of their support. At nine years old my mother and I moved to Miami, and she had to work 24/7, so we could have a life. When it was time to leave middle school, my mom had fear of where I would go next for high school, so I applied for different schools one being Academy of Arts and Minds, for drama. My audition didn’t go so well because I didn’t take it seriously, so I was on the waiting list until they accepted me. During class I would play around with my friends and got in trouble for not paying attention, It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I began taking acting seriously, and it all happened because they messed up my schedule and instead of putting me in the second level of acting they ended up placing me in the most advanced class. My acting teacher and I immediately noticed the mistake and asked for schedule change. They took about two weeks to change it to acting level 2. In those weeks I was able to watch them rehearse for their first play and immediately realized that acting was what I wanted to focus on, so I did. That year I was in my first play and continued to work on two more until graduation.

After high school I lost focus and struggled with personal battles such as depression, eating disorder, anxiety, first heartbreak, the absence of my father, low self esteem, etc… until I realized I had to fight for my life and began attending youth groups, therapy, and had a personal encounter with Jesus. When I fixed all my internal issues (still doing so), I was able to put all the work into acting and realized that everything that had happened was a blessing in disguise. cliché and all but it’s true, I wouldn’t be who I am without all my struggles, and I wouldn’t appreciate acting so much if it wasn’t for that time I let go of it. Now I’ve been attending the Miami Acting Studio for 3 years off and on, recently booked my first job as Rosie Perez’s stand-in, was able to be an extra in two different film productions, worked with students from Miami Dade film production, took classes at Villain Theatre, and took the two week intensive program at Lee Strasberg Institute of acting in LA. I continue to fight daily and take it one day at a time, it isn’t easy, but that’s why its worth it.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am currently attending the Miami Acting, working with students from Miami Dade as a casting director, learning how to direct with classmates from the studio, going to castings, and writing. We all have a story to tell, and I find satisfaction in elevating others while helping, the best way I can, so they find their passion that helps them wake up every day. I believe a successful life is when it can be of use to others.

Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities, and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Have a balance. Find a job that is somewhat stable that has to do with your passion, so it aligns with what you’re trying to do in life.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My instagram @valeriauribelopez1

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @valeriauribelopez1
• Facebook: Valeria Lopez
• Twitter: @vloftb

Image Credit:
Jeff Malo
Carlos Baca
Andrew Bonilla

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