“ Being an artist is my purpose in life and that is something that I realized a few years back. My work represents the underrepresented. I also LOVE what I do, I love being able to tell stories.”
It all started when…
SOULDEGA: When did you become comfortable taking the leap to making art your full time job?
PERALTA: In 2009, I quit my job as a handbag designer, not to become a full-time artist but because I was put in a position where I felt I wasn’t going to be happy going into the office anymore. Quitting my job gave me time to do freelance and also focus on creating artwork and the Peralta Project, my clothing company. It wasn’t until my website started to really pop off and I was able to make a living off the clothing that I felt comfortable enough to do what I do full time. I don’t live off solely off of my artwork but a multitude of things. Like selling prints and t-shirt but the actual art pieces, not yet.
SOULDEGA: What is integral to your artistry? What do you feel you need to create and continue The Peralta Project?
PERALTA: Being an artist is my purpose in life and that is something that I realized a few years back. My work represents the underrepresented. I also LOVE what I do, I love being able to tell stories. I also never want to work again for anyone and I also employ 4 people, so it’s bigger than just me know.
SOULDEGA: What has been one of your most memorable experiences in your career thus far?
PERALTA: There’s been a couple of memorable moments for me. Every time an opportunity is presented to me is memorable to me because, somethings wasn’t part of the plan. For instance, my Celia con Rolos being part of a museum exhibit and the work being bought and part of the collection at The Smithsonian. Never in a million years I thought my work would be part of a permanent collection at a museum. Working with Barcelo and having a limited edition Rum Bottle or the Adidas sneaker collaboration I did last year.
SOULDEGA: What have been some of the struggles (if any) that you have encountered in developing your artistry and building The Peralta Project?
PERALTA: When I first started the Peralta Project in 2005, I didn’t think about struggle because I had a career and it was a side project for me. I was doing it for fun and to bring forth my ideas. As an Artist, the struggle has been selling original artwork consistently. My art pieces are at a certain price point and I haven’t been able to break into the right art buying demographic. Another “struggle" is the learning curve of building a business, especially since that’s not something that I was planning. Running a business is not easy but I’ve been able to figure it out as I go.
SOULDEGA: How have you been maintaining during the COVID19 pandemic and quarantine? What's keeping you positive during these uncertain times?
PERALTA: I’ve been doing OK. I’m not the most social person in the world, so I’ve been quarantining most of my life. We been busy when it comes the Peralta Project and online orders. I’ve been cooking a whole lot and tending to some home things I haven’t been able to get to. There are days though that I wish this thing was all over. I miss going out to eat and meeting for a drink.
SOULDEGA: Out of all the artwork you have created, what is your favorite piece?
PERALTA: My favourite one at the moment is the one I did of my mother. I’m really happy and proud of how it came out. Before covid I was working on a new exhibit, and I figured out how I was able to include my mom in my new exhibit.
To view more merch from the Peralta Project visit PeraltaProject.com
