Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Serrano
Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a proud Chula Vista native, I’ve come to realize that San Diego is more than just a hometown – it’s a part of me. Growing up, I once dreamed of leaving, but with each passing day, my roots grew deeper and stronger. My love for this city and its community has only intensified with time. My grandparents, who raised me from the age of 8, instilled in me the values that shape me today. Their love, support, and guidance have been the driving force behind everything I do. I strive to honor them and the life they built for me, grateful for the sacrifices they made and the person I’ve become because of them. Simply put, they saved me.
My grandma was a true Renaissance woman and a talented artist in her own right. Her versatility and creativity inspired me from a young age, sparking a passion within me to explore my own artistic expression. As I grew up, I was fascinated by the world through a lens. My grandma, who encouraged my all creative pursuits from the start, gifted me my first digital camera. I was hooked, constantly snapping photos and creating vlogs with friends at school.
In college, I discovered film photography, which initially left me very skeptical. It was 2010, and digital photography was all the rage. But my grandpa’s gift of my first film camera (which I still treasure today) changed everything. The tactile experience of loading film, the anticipation of developing rolls, and the unique aesthetic of analog photography had captivated me. Film photography taught me invaluable lessons: patience, perseverance, and even coping with loss – like those rolls I didn’t quite load correctly.
Film photography captured my heart, but after college, I took a brief hiatus from photography.
The spark reignited in 2020, and I dove right back into film using my expired rolls from college. Since then, my work has been featured in various art galleries in Barrio Logan and Chula Vista. I’ve also had the honor of participating in the Art of Pride and Del Mar Fair photography contests, where I placed in both – a truly humbling experience that validated my passion.
Today, I continue to capture the beauty of San Diego, documenting the ever-changing cityscape and its vibrant culture. With each click of the shutter, I’m reminded of the journey that brought me here, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my perspective with others.
I’m drawn to capturing candid moments of people, freezing genuine expressions and unguarded beauty. There’s something captivating about revealing the authentic, unposed self. To me, everyone possesses a unique beauty, and I’m passionate about uncovering and celebrating it through my lens.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As an artist, I’ve faced my share of struggles, but it’s precisely those challenges that make every triumph so sweet. I’ve lost precious rolls of film, like the one that slipped away at a Padres-Dodgers game at Petco Park – a memory that still lingers. With some gallery submissions not yielding the results I had hoped for. However, these experiences have taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, growth, and staying true to my artistic vision.
I’ve also wrestled with imposter syndrome, doubting the value of my work. For a long time, my grandma was my sole audience, and her support meant the world. But after losing her last year, those doubts resurfaced.
Lately, I’ve been navigating another hurdle, finding my creative spark again. My grandma was more than just my biggest supporter – she was my muse, my guiding light. Losing her felt like losing a part of myself, like my art had been extinguished. But as I slowly heal, I’m rediscovering that passion, that drive to create.
It’s a fragile flame, but it’s burning brighter with each passing day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Photography is my passion, and I must confess that film photography holds a special place in my heart. It’s ironic, considering that if you’d asked me in 2010, I would have predicted a different preference. However, since college, I’ve fallen deeply in love with the nostalgic aesthetic and tactile process of film photography. From start to finish, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience that has taught me valuable lessons beyond what digital photography could offer.
My affection for my hometown of San Diego is well-known to those close to me. Chula Vista It will forever hold a unique spot in my heart. As someone who grew up here, I wish to represent my hometown in a positive light, showcasing its beauty and charm through my photography.
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come in my photography journey. From submitting my work into galleries for the public to see, or even when I first started! I was hesitant to photograph people, despite my passion for capturing their energy, emotions, and authenticity. I’ve since overcome my shyness and fear, becoming comfortable approaching strangers to ask for their portrait. I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty in everyone and to see the unique qualities that make each person special.
I’ve come to realize that the worst that can happen is someone saying no, but even then, I’ve given them a rare gift – the chance to see themselves through someone else’s eyes, and to take pride in their own unique presence.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe that taking risks is essential to artistic growth, and it’s something I’m eager to explore more in my own work. While I appreciate various forms of art, my own creations tend to lean towards the more subdued and safe side. However, as I’ve evolved as an artist, I’ve felt an increasing urge to push beyond my comfort zone. This means experimenting with unconventional themes, capturing and sharing photos that challenge my own boundaries, and embracing the uncertainty that comes with creating something truly innovative.
I have immense admiration for individuals who dare to take creative risks, venturing into uncharted territories and pushing boundaries. Their courage and willingness to challenge the status quo is truly inspiring, and I’m constantly in awe of those who embody this spirit of boldness and innovation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jesserrano.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mildserrano
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sdjes?si=lGEvRNi7HwWdzIjH
Image Credits
Jessica Serrano
