Discovering My Creative Path: A Journey of Self-Exploration
March 19, 2024 | By Sofia Lugo
Greetings, fellow creatives!!
I'm Sofia (she/they), and I'm thrilled to share my creative journey with you. As a proud East LA native, I've always been drawn to the creative world, where imagination knows no bounds and storytelling reigns supreme.
My path has been one of exploration and self-discovery, navigating the intricate world of the arts with curiosity and passion.
From vocal intern, assistant stage manager, assistant director, activities coordinator, plant-based sous chef, amateur photographer, and now, as a Producer in Residence with the National New Play Network, stationed at Studio Luna, each role has and is shaping me into the creative artist I am today.
Born and raised in East LA, my roots run deep in a community rich with diversity and culture.
Yet, it was during the pandemic—a time of uncertainty and isolation—I found myself struggling to reconnect with my creative instincts. The chaos of the world around me seemed to close me off from the very essence of what made me thrive—staying curious, creating, playing, moving, connecting, and being vulnerable.
But I found comfort and happiness in starting a journey to really understand myself better. When I felt lost, I couldn’t connect with the creative energy that usually drives me. And as I delved deeper within myself, I rediscovered the power of creativity in unexpected places.
In the quiet moments of solitude, I found solace in the embrace of nature. I wandered through the wilderness(my front yard & various parts of national parks& hiking trails), feeling the earth beneath my feet and the wind in my hair. Each step I took brought me closer to who I truly am, filling me with a newfound sense of wonder and endless possibilities.
It wasn't until one particular moment, while working on my yard, I spotted a wet patch of mud nearby, shining in the sunlight. Curious, I felt drawn to have a moment of connection with nature.
As I got closer to the mud, a sense of anticipation and curiosity bubbled within me. I felt sparks of excitement. It was like I was about to discover something incredible, sparking my curiosity. Without thinking twice, I dove right in. The mud's cool, squishy texture wrapped around me warmly, just like a big hug. It was refreshing, like jumping into a pool on a hot day. This experience felt different, almost rebellious, like breaking away from the usual and connecting with nature in a unique way.
In that moment, as I bathed in the mud, I felt a profound sense of release wash over me—a shedding of the layers of stress, doubt, and uncertainty that had weighed me down for so long.
It was as though the mud itself held the key to my healing, an ancient remedy passed down through the ages from Mother Earth herself.
I emerged from the mud feeling like a born-again creative, as if I had been baptized by the earth, cleansed and ready to embrace the limitless possibilities ahead.
As I lay there, completely submerged in the mud, I felt a sense of peace and clarity wash over me.
This moment of pure connection with the earth, ignited my creativity and reminded me of the joy and freedom that comes with embracing spontaneity and playfulness.
I realize that true creativity knows no bounds, and it’s often in the simplest moments of connection with the world around us that we find the most profound inspiration.
Creativity, I've come to realize, is not just about making art—it's about healing, transformation, and tapping into the limitless potential of the human spirit. It's about letting go of boundaries and allowing our imaginations to run wild, knowing that there are no limits to what we can achieve. I am reminded of the importance of nourishing that creative spark within myself. It's essential to make space for creativity, to make space for me, and to flourish in every possible way.
As I continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the arts, I am excited about what’s next. My time at Studio Luna and with NNPN's Producer in Residence program so far is a real eye-opener. It's helping me understand how complex producing can be, the importance of nourishing that creative genius, and why inclusivity matters so much.
While my time at Studio Luna has been filled with valuable experiences and learning opportunities, I've also encountered moments of reflection and growth. It's through these experiences that I'm gaining insight- instrumental in my growth as a creative.
Moving forward, I eagerly anticipate continuing my journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Join me as we embrace creativity, navigate challenges, and strive to bring our visions to life in meaningful ways!
