Earlier this year we hosted illustrator and Artist Fellow, Jerilyn Guerrero at Getaway Big Bear outside of LA. Here’s what she had to say when we sat down with her to ask about her creative process, her connection to nature, and her Getaway.
Fill us in on your background—personally and in your creative practice.
Hi! I’m Jerilyn Guerrero and I’m a Chamoru/Filipino illustrator and graphic designer, born on the island of Guam and based in Los Angeles, CA. My images celebrate self-sovereignty, the beauty of diversity, and growing through joy. I create art as a way to connect with my inner child, to express myself and what I want to see more of in the world.
How does your connection to nature influence you personally, and how does it influence your art?
Being around nature calms my mind and rejuvenates me. It’s always there to give me a chance to slow down, to rest, to breathe deeply, and to just be. It doesn’t ask for anything from me and I can just feel the joy of the present moment. These same lessons that I learn from being in nature are also themes that I explore in my own work. I’m also often inspired by the colors and shapes I see in nature. My eyes feel so refreshed by the deep greens of plants and I try to find ways to use it in my art.
How was your Getaway? Did your free time in your cabin influence your process or inspire any new ideas?
My Getaway was such a wonderful experience. The mountain view was so incredible and I will never forget the beautiful sunsets, sunrises, and the clear starry night sky. It was so dreamy and peaceful. I had never been camping like this or in a cabin before, so it was really fun.
It was also a good reminder for me to take more intentional breaks and to move even more mindfully in my days.
You can keep up with Jerilyn’s work on her Instagram and her website.