Meet Ra’Von Simone Crawford | Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ra’Von Simone Crawford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ra’Von Simone, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Art is the home in which the mind can be free.”

Art is the home in which the mind can be free is a statement of power, a statement of fact. It is a small road that can lead to happiness if you let the feeling it creates take you there. To me, it means letting go of the chaos in the world and immersing myself in the colors and textures of whatever I can create to get out of my mind. It is a reminder that there is more to life than what I’ve been told and shown. I like that it’s honest. I like the mood it creates inside of me to let go and be authentic to who I am versus who others think I should be.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is my heart and I feel like I can finally express myself in a way I could never do previously. It’s raw, colorful, and filled with pieces of me I didn’t know before I created it. It’s great because anyone who sees me from here on out is getting a real treat. I am poetry. I move in colors and that sets me apart from others. I’m different because I’m being introduced to myself at the same time and it is a beautiful bleeding process that comes through in my work.

Creativity is ever changing, and it’s important to recognize that change in the creator themselves. As things in life progress, I’m elevating. I’m most excited about that growth. I’m excited about taking the journey I’ve been on lately and adding color. I’m excited about creating things that mean a lot to me, especially when I was told they’re wrong.

I got where I am today by being vulnerable. I wouldn’t have made it to where I am without being willing to take that plunge to post things or take some constructive criticism. I’m just hoping that vulnerability helps someone else in the long run. It wasn’t easy because there was a lack of self-confidence, but I slowly learn that it takes time to get to who you really are. You have to kinda wing it until you’re out of that mindset. Find things you love about yourself and who you are and continue on in those footsteps without looking back at who you once were until you’re confident in who you’re destined to be.

I want my colors and my words to fuel a different perspective. I want people to know it is okay to be uniquely you in this place where no one wants you to be. It’s okay to be kind to yourself and vulnerable with who you are in order to be who you want to be. That is what I would want the world to know about me. That after living, truly living, I have a changed perspective and I love myself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If we have a week, then we have plenty of time to do a lot of great things and California has so many things to choose from. Places to visit would definitely be the Broad, Griffith Observatory, and OUE Skyspace for fun things that are a bit out of the norm for some people. The beach is a given, but is definitely worth mentioning. Manhattan Beach and Sunset Beach are my favorite to visit because they have free parking if you can find a spot. I love the water, so whale watching and maybe taking a Catalina day trip would be a great way to spend some time. Also, taking a drive along the coast is a beautiful way to see the different things certain parts of Cali offer. There’s Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden and Hilltop Park to get out of the house and into nature without going to the mountains. Hilltop Park also has fun trails. I love supporting local for food. If I was in the mood for good chili, I’d go to Jean’s Ice Cream. Few people know about it, but those that do know what’s up. Lomelli’s is one of my favorite little Italian spots to frequent. I feel like because it’s so small and not franchised; the food tastes better. Taco truck tastings are even more fun that finding traditional restaurants. Just drive around the neighborhood trying tacos at different trucks until you find one that tastes amazing. My favorite is from Tacos Los Primos Soloma, across from St. Andrews Recreation Center. I’d also check out Simmzy’s and Hopdoddy just for fun American eats. Can’t forget the ice cream, though! If not Jean’s Ice Cream, then La Michoacana, Afters, Frostbites, and Fosselman’s are the best places to try.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The person who deserves the credit in my life is a person who definitely wouldn’t want it, but she’s going to get it, anyway. My wife, Khamille, means the world to me. In all the times in life I wanted to give up, she was right there reminding me with very stupid reasons why I’m dope, and why the world needs little ole me. She made me realize that despite what others say and do; I am responsible for how I react to those things. The sooner I realized not everything needs a reaction, the more I’m able to let go and be free. It took me a very long time to see her point, but I couldn’t be more grateful for the role she’s played in me being the person I am today.

Website: https://www.ravonsimonecrawford.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravonsimonecrawford/

Other: https://ravonsimonecrawford.myportfolio.com/