Meet Victor Rivera | Artist, Designer, Builder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Victor Rivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Victor, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania and raised just North of there in Schuylkill County, a rural coal-mining community tucked away in the Appalachian mountains. People there are very hard working and resourceful, so that has always pushed me to make the most out of any situation. I think this has translated into my art and design because I try to use all reclaimed or salvaged materials when I’m making things. I think there is a lot of beauty in the older things. They have their own stories and uniqueness that can’t truly be duplicated. A lot of the older generation I grew up around worked in the trades, coal-mining, or farming so I’ve always been inspired to work with my hands and be making things. I would always help my step-father, James, work on different cars and machinery so he taught me a lot of basic technical skills and how to really approach engineering and design. My mom, Jackie, was always encouraging my creativity and independence from early on in life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have a design/build business based out of Boulder called Re:Vera Designs (reveradesigns.com) that I run with my partner Gigi Douglas. We are unique in our style, ability to customize projects for clients, and even design and curate events. We also recently just bought an old-homestead in the San Luis Valley in Southwest Colorado that we are calling New Sky Ranch. Were we are planning to do a bunch of cool projects on the property! Check out newskyranch.com to stay updated, collaborate, and be involved. Starting and running your own business is not easy. It comes with plenty of challenges and scary scenarios along the way. Everything is pretty much dependent on your ability to perform day after day and to keep to your integrity. I absolutely love it though and feel so fortunate everyday to be making art and doing things that. I would really encourage everyone to pursue their passions, interests, and art to the fullest. The world needs you more than you may know!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite places to eat in Boulder are, in no particular order, Arcana, The Kitchen, Pizzeria Locale, Sherpas, and Tiffans. The best coffee shop in Boulder is hands down Beleza Coffee Bar! The owners Greg and Nafi are dear friends and incredible community organizers and supporters of local artists. Definitely find time to hike and explore all of the amazing surrounding nature Boulder has to offer. If you’re up for a little road-trip head down to the San Luis Valley. The Great Sand Dunes National Park, Valley View and Joyful Journey Hotsprings, Del Norte and Wolf Creek if you like to ski.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Would definitely love to shout-out my mom, Jackie and her partner Mike! My grand-mother Irene who helped raise me and taught me so much about patience. My Uncle Pip and cousin JJ and their family. Stacy, Big Jamie, Sean and his family, Sarah and Neil and their family. My two younger brothers Jon and Jamie, and my older sister Amber. My life-partner Gigi and my dog Rumi. My uncles Ron Joy, Buzzy, Mike and Chickie, Tim Boyle and many others who helped raise and mold me into a good person. All of the craftsman who I’ve worked for along the way that have taught me everything I know and have helped develop my skills. The Imagine-Nation Crew who really helped revive my love for art and building when I needed it most- Kirill, JR, Switch, Tommy, Beesh, Hayden, Shayne, Prescott. There is so many other people who’ve helped me in so many ways along my path, I could type for days. Thank you all so much, I hold a special place in my heart for every one of you.

Website: reveradesigns.com

Instagram: victorerivera_

Other: newskyranch.com