She/Her,19,Pomona,CA
-I think it says messy but in a good way, like confetti. I think it shows that I don't care and I like the just have everything out there. Very fun and creative, maybe a little reckless (it was a bitch to repaint), but I don't regret it. I wanted my room to be an experience that everyone can share.
Q. Do you think your future room will have the same qualities as your room now?
-Well I am currently in my future room and while I would love to have it painted up, I've learned everything is temporary, and a space can be yours, but it’s you who makes the space. I move around alot so I try not to commit. I've started putting up some of my drawings on the wall, so I still decorate with putting myself on the wall but not so permenant.
Q. In some photographs, I may have asked you what items or pieces of your room meant the most to you, why did you choose those items? What connection do you have with these objects?
-I had a photograph of mom pregnant with me because shes my bestfriend, and we have a very close relationship, sometimes too close, but I love her. I also had my homies collection on the wall that my grandmother gave to me. I love the homies because when I was little, that’s all I would play with at her house, and one the many things I connected to her with. Getting the homies kinda felt like having a family herimloom passed down, so I carry a lot of weight with them, and I'm very protective. Also, they are universal in the latinx community, everyone has a memory or story with them. I love that I can share them and the happiness they bring me with others.
Q. Did you clean your room before it was photographed? I gave no instruction to clean or prepare your room in any way. If you did choose to clean it why? And if you didn't choose to clean it, how come?
- I definetly did clean my room, but it was a unique situation because the night of the homies shoot was the last night I spent in my room fully in tact before I went back to Texas. It was nice send off. However I would have cleaned my room anyways because I like people to see my room clean. In fact, I have on many occassions, made my friends wait in the livingroom up to 30 minutes by themselves while I cleaned my room. Which is a bad habit, but we all have our flaws.
Q. Are you home often? (if so why?) Do you spend the most time in your room or elsewhere?(if so why?)
-In that house I was not in my room often, I was either on campus or at one of my friends house. I think I was never really home because I hate being alone, I'd rather take a nap with my friend's then be alone. I think that because I group with a very close family and we were always around each other, Also, my family has major dependency problems, so that might tie in a bit. Not to say I don't like being independent, but I just prefer others, I think it’s better. I really love people.
Q. Would you say you're proud of your room? Do you feel like it suits you well? (alternate question: Do you feel like it is a good representation of who you are/how you project yourself?)
I am very proud of that room, it suited me very well. I saw life on those walls. I did not create that room alone, it was a group effort, and I made a lot of great memories in painting the walls. It was messy and kinda ugly, but it was mine, it was ours. I even ripped off a few pieces of the mural. I definetly do think it suits me when I set out to paint the wall. I did not imagine it looking the way it came out. I thought it would be a little more polished or pinteresty - I dont know - but it was better than was unexpected. I feel like that’s a pretty good representation of me.
Q. How do you feel about where you are in life right now? Are you content with how everything is going and how you are portrayed?
-I'm in a weird spot, I love those around me and the moments I make, but I'm not sure about me. I have always been very anayltical of myself and listened to what others have to give. Now, I'm figuring out what I think and who I am - like most 20 somethings. I'm probably in my head more now then ever, and I'm more sad, but I'm okay with it. I'm learning to love the bad and pain, and trying to appreciate it and learn from it. I'm less regretful and more grateful.
Q. What genre or groups do you think you belong to?
-Gay for sure gay, I think I might be seen as artsy, but I don't feel that way or apart of it. I feel like I'm an appreciator of the arts. I love hearing people talk about the things they love and are passionate about. That’s why I'm a big fan of podcasts. I recently got into Nicki Minaj, but not her music (which is great), but her personality and her barbz. I think the main group I belong to or genre is comedy. I love jokes, making others laugh, making myself laugh in any and everyway possible. It’s my greatest assest, and the only thing I confident in. I love comedy so much that I Iearn and research many topics just so I don't miss a joke. Sometimes, I don't even know when I'm not joking, it’s kinda scary. Just kidding... unless.
Q. Do you consider yourself a social person, or do you fall somewhere in between social and antisocial?
-I am a very social person however, I do think I'm pretty awkward at first, but it's no sweat cause sometimes people like that shit. But yes, I am definetly an extrovert. I'm an openbook, outgoing, very blunt. I'm not afraid to make a fool of myself and if I say something wrong now, I know and I'll be better. No sweat only sweets.
Q. Why did you want to be a part of this series?
-Because I was leaving Cali and what better way to commemorate my time (I will be back so watch out). Also, I got to see Ray one last time, and he is the sexiest man with a camera. To be honest, I wanted him in that bed with me but beggers can't be choosers.
Q.How do you think you'll react to these photos later on in life-I think I'l be very happy and nostalgic.
Q. Did you have any following statements about your room? Anything you want people to take away from these photos?
-Paint your room and do whatever you want, but be prepared to put your desposit on the line in the name of creativity.