Meet Stephany Valdez | Artist & Community Organizer

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

Hi Stephany, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Throughout my life it has been important for me to line up my actions with my philosophical perspective. The core principles that I have consciously and specifically entwined in every project include mutual aid, voluntary association, and direct action. I believe when these tenets are implemented then it is possible for people to truly choose to collaborate vs being coerced or exploited. I am most heavily involved in the art and music scene of every place in which I find myself. I am an artist and I value creating space for experimentation in performance, art, and sound. I have been in Denver for two years now and have only begun to scratch the surface at the amazing people who love, support, and create art in this blossoming city. My biggest contribution so far has been opening up my living space to create Chair Gallery Denver. Starting last October I hosted local visual and sound artists at least once a month. Sadly, in late January we were shut down because of noise complaints at 10 pm on a Friday night. I am currently searching for a new space that is better suited for these types of events and still dealing with the court because disturbing the peace is not just a fine, it is a crime! Going forward, organizing art and music shows will remain my focus in Denver through Infinity Eight Media.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I primarily consider myself a sound artist but I do mixed media, paint, and write poetry as well. For sound collage, I do a lot of layering and vocal manipulation. I use pedals, sampler, looper, guitar, bass, novel beats and occasionally keys. I love harsh noise but there isn’t much of an audience for that in Denver at the moment. Lately, I have been incorporating beats to my sound to make it more accessible. I started making noise sixteen years ago and I have definitely streamlined my setup since I began. I think the main part of success for me is being a part of a healthy creative community. I have found that in Denver and I’m thankful to be a part of it. Infinity Eight Media is my curation project and Lore is my noise project. I am a model, photographer, and actor. I am also an expert in holistic health with over twelve years of experience in natural healing methods. 96 Unicorns Botanica is my wellness brand and I make herbal salves, tinctures, teas, and infused oils. You will start to see me popping up at various markets through the summer!

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?
I would definitely suggest anyone visiting Denver to go to a first Friday art walk on Santa Fe, Lookout Mountain, The Crypt, Bar Bar, Jester’s Palace, Squire Lounge, Fifteen Ltd, Hoochie Hotel, Lions Lair, Trve Brewery, and Seventh Circle.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We are in a bit of hiatus right now but I appreciate the ongoing support and encouragement from the amazing artists that were a part of Chair Gallery and Infinity Eight Media. My shoutout goes to these amazing local bands and allies: The Void, Life Among Trees, Waste Basket, Insipidus, Ponce, Hex Cassette, Ben Parrish, Blank Man, Planet Erath, Galleries, Mariah Trench, Amy Pursifull, Alissa Kendall, Ross Ryan, Joe Ferry and Devin Paulson. Jacob Moss and Meghan Valdez have been with me since the beginning, always encouraging me to reach for my dreams and collaborating through the ether for our no wave project: Pitch Pine Black Box.

Instagram: @stestephanyany

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanyvaldez

Other: instagram.com/infinityeightmedia instagram.com/chairgallerydenver instagram.com/96unicornsbotanica https://loreofdenver.bandcamp.com/