Jimena Buena Vida: Meditation, Family & Embracing the Journey (Interview)
Who is Jimena Buena Vida?
Jimena Buena Vida is a Colombian-born artist, who merges art, emotions, and technology, igniting personal transformation. As a creative and entrepreneur, she explores geometric and colorful expressions through coding, analog and digital techniques.
Her art has been featured in TIMEPieces and the Latin Grammys in 2022, amplifying her vision. She discovered NFTs in early 2021, embracing the digital art market and becoming a full-time artist with collections sold on Ethereum and Tezos.
Balancing her artistic pursuits with parenting two children, Jimena finds inspiration in her holistic journey. Passionate about web3's concept of sovereign ownership, she continually pushes boundaries and invites others to embrace the transformative power of art.
Jimena Buena Vida
What is something you wish someone had told you before becoming an artist?
Trust your gut and don't listen to your ego. Create like nobody's watching. Don't be afraid to explore.
What skill should anyone harvest early in their career that will pay off massively for years?
The skill that holds immense long-term benefits, based on my personal journey, is the early cultivation of a healthy relationship with money and the healing of one's inner child.
Additionally, setting clear goals in all areas of your life is vital, as it greatly impacts your direction and the ability to establish strong business relationships, foster networking opportunities, and maintain authenticity while being professional and accountable.
Recognizing that everyone's journey is unique, developing these skills early on can have a profound and lasting impact on one's career trajectory.
Where We Come From by Jimena Buena Vida
Who are 2-3 artists you admire or respect that you think deserve (even) more recognition?
Anne Spalter and HolaLou (Luisa Salas) have been instrumental in my journey, and many more. Their early generosity and wisdom in the NFT space inspired me to take the leap of faith into the web3 world.
What activity do you fall into when you are trying to enhance your creativity?
Yoga, movement, and meditation. I also love visiting museums and being surrounded by the masterpieces of other artists. Immersing myself in different artistic styles and techniques inspires new ideas and perspectives.
Getting lost in the vast array of art in museums fuels my creative energy and encourages me to push the boundaries of my own artistic expression.
Shadow Work by Jimena Buena Vida
What do you benefit the most when working with NFTs and the blockchain?
Working with NFTs and the blockchain helps me stay open-minded. The vast and rich dimensions of the community working towards the same goal of freedom of creativity and expression are very inspiring.
It motivates me to work harder!
What is one thing you think artists should focus more on, and why?
Place less trust in what social media tells you and instead focus on getting clear about your financial goals and purpose. Take decisive action and embrace the journey. Take breaks, ask for help. Foster a mindset that artistic success rarely occurs overnight; rather, it is constructed through years of discipline, hard work, and unwavering dedication.
Epiphanies #17 by Jimena Buena Vida
What’s the hardest part of being an artist?
One of the greatest challenges for me personally is grappling with the desire to please everyone and say ‘yes’ to everything that comes my way while balancing motherhood and my personal life.
Additionally, I have a constant influx of ideas for artwork that may never come to fruition. Accepting this reality is the key to achieving the things that truly matter to you. By acknowledging that you cannot satisfy everyone and accepting the limitations of time, resources, and need for self-care, you can focus on prioritizing and accomplishing the projects that hold the deepest significance to you as an artist.
What does your creating process look like?
My creative process is intuitive and explorative. Silence and stillness are crucial for my creativity, so I find inspiration through meditation and nature.
En Route #105 by Jimena Buena Vida
Why do you create art?
I create art as a means of authentic self-expression, a way to communicate emotions, thoughts, and ideas that cannot be conveyed through words alone.
Art allows me to tap into my innermost creativity and imagination, giving form to intangible concepts and giving voice to my unique perspective. It is a powerful outlet for introspection, healing, and personal growth, allowing me to explore and understand myself and the world around me on a deeper level.
Moreover, I create art with the intention of evoking emotions, inspiring others, and sparking meaningful conversations. Art has the incredible ability to transcend boundaries, connect people, and create a lasting impact.
Ultimately, I create art because it is an intrinsic part of who I am, bringing me joy, purpose, and a profound sense of fulfillment.
What’s a book or an article that has greatly influenced your life?
One book that has greatly influenced my life is "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle.
This transformative book explores the concept of living in the present moment and finding inner peace by transcending past regrets and future anxieties. It shifted my perspective on life and taught me the importance of mindfulness and embracing the now. The profound insights and practical teachings in this book have helped me cultivate a greater sense of awareness, acceptance, and gratitude in my daily life.
HODL but Surrender by Jimena Buena Vida
What habit or practice has changed your life the most?
Starting each day with meditation and exercise sets a positive tone, cultivating a calm and focused mindset. Prioritizing self-care and listening to my body's signals are essential for my well-being. Embracing a flexible schedule allows me to adapt to family needs, navigate challenges, meet deadlines, and engage with collectors while staying informed about Web3 developments. Although there may be moments of resistance in the "behind-the-scenes" work, adhering to an 80/20 rule for these practices ultimately brings me harmony and peace.
What does success look like to you?
To me, success means wholehearted living. It encompasses achieving financial stability and freedom, nurturing deep and meaningful connections, and positively impacting those who come into contact with my work.
Giving back and using my art to inspire and uplift others is a vital component of my personal definition of success.
Epiphanies #104 by Jimena Buena Vida
What is your favorite failure?
My favorite failure is the one that teaches me the most and propells me forward. This only happens when you are willing to create authentically and trust your own vision. Which slowly becomes a turning point that forces me to reassess my approach, learn from my mistakes, and grow stronger and wiser. Embracing failure as an opportunity for growth has been instrumental in shaping my resilience and determination.
What are you willing to struggle for?
I am willing to embrace the struggles that come with pursuing my dreams and realizing my artistic vision. The creative journey, particularly in the fast-paced world of web3, may not always be easy.
However, I face challenges, setbacks, and uncertainties with unwavering commitment and perseverance. I believe that these struggles are essential for personal and artistic growth, shaping me into a stronger and more resilient artist.
Uplevelling by Jimena Buena Vida
What is one strong opinion you have?
One strong opinion I hold is the belief in the transformative power of art as a universal language. Art has the capacity to transcend boundaries, bridge divides, and evoke emotions in a way that words alone cannot. It has the potential to inspire, unite, and create profound connections between people from different backgrounds and cultures.
All Our Faces #16 by Jimena Buena Vida
Which of your past experiences/learnings have set you up for success in the present?
One of the experiences that has set me up for success in the present is the ability to embrace failure and view it as an opportunity for growth. Learning from past mistakes, adapting to challenges, and staying resilient have shaped my mindset and equipped me with valuable lessons that I can apply to how I show up in my art practice.
Additionally, nurturing a growth mindset and constantly seeking new knowledge and skills have played a significant role in my ongoing personal and professional development.
What would you say to your 25-year-old self?
"Embrace the journey, trust the process, and believe in yourself. Remember that every experience, success, and setback is a stepping stone toward growth.
Stay true to your passions, follow your intuition, and never be afraid to take risks. Cherish the present moment, for it holds the seeds of your future.
You are stronger and more capable than you realize, so keep pushing forward with determination and resilience.”
Thoughts In Motion #116 by Jimena Buena Vida
Learn more from Jimena
Something to listen to:
Jimena Buena Vida NFT Artist from Colombia
