Even if you are from the same neighborhood as someone else, you might still be coming from different places. Where you are from is a complicated question and it elicits complicated, but interesting and thought-provoking responses. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Samuel Vargas | Film Producer & Director

I grew up in Envigado, Colombia, which is located next to Medellin. I come from a family and a city that is full of artists, and it has had a great impact on my life as an artist. I have always been very creative since I was a child and have had a passion for all forms of art. I started with drawing, then moved on to painting, sculpting, music, and even tried to become a guitar player and singer. I also had an interest in dancing, but through all those stages, I found a huge admiration and love for acting and cameras. Read more>>

Caryn Rae Robin | Voice & Performance Coach

Newport, Rhode Island is my hometown, and it was an extraordinary place to grow up. Historically, culturally, aesthetically and musically, Newport provided an education to so much that interested and certainly excited me. The Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals were the events of the year, and because my dad ran the popcorn tent, I went to the shows every night, of course sold and ate lots of popcorn, and was inspired by the best artists in the world. All I wanted to do from a very young age was sing and dance. Studying ballet and piano as a child was the beginning of a serious and beautiful journey. Moving to California at 22, I found a voice coach and shortly after met musicians and started gigging and mostly haven’t stopped. I became a voice and performance coach 10 years ago and have been able to share 50+ years of experience with students of all ages and backgrounds. Read more>>

Josefa Cordua | Visual Artist

I’m from Chile and I think my childhood was very important in my formation. I had a very happy childhood, surrounded by nature and by my family. I lived my first five years in the countryside, and spent most of the time playing outside with my brothers, drawing and making things with my hands. I value those things a lot now, considering the way we live in these days, always hurry, trying to do the most of every minute, without really enjoying it, depending on technology for almost everything. Read more>>