Meet Tomas Fierro: Painter, photographer & author

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

Hi Tomas, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk. Risk are fun! I have led a life of meandering risks! Starting in my early 20’s I decided that I wanted to have a full life of trying, seeing and doing a great amount of things. I never wanted to be pigeon holed or stuck at just doing one thing. I enjoy learning, and when the time comes that I feel I know too much, I move on. 

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’d like to begin by quoting from Jackie Robinson, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Art matters only in the impact it has on its audience as well as fellow artists. I’m most excited about influencing future artists as creators from the past have influenced me. Adhering to my core values as an artist: integrity, persistence, and originality allow me the create freely and without fear. The task of advancing a craft is daunting; many gifted people are interested in the same thing. Yet it’s the commitment to pushing the proverbial wheel every day that will eventually move the wheel; it may seem slow, but it is moving. Put simply: you get out what you put in. To refer to Jackie Robinson, I want the world to know that they can do anything, and that their story can do the single most important thing: impact!

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?
Austin’s preservation of nature and trails is– to me– breathtaking. I would start every day with a hike; greenbelts, hidden paths, rolling hills, Pennybacker Bridge, all in the name of starting every day with fresh air and great views! We would simply HAVE to get barbeque, authentic Mexican, food truck, Whataburger, as well as check out some local spots. There’s a wonder in Austin that you can let the day take you as it may, and you’ll end up exactly where you need to be. We would swim in town lake, see the bats at the bridge, soak in all the weirdness that South and East Austin have to prescribe, shop at the Domain, and check out as many live shows as time would allow. Depending on the company, we’d head downtown to one of the many strips of nightlife bars and restaurants to ensure they are showed the “best time ever”!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Upon winning the Oscar for Best Picture, Matthew McConaughey spoke about his hero, and he shared with the world his hero is perpetually himself 10 years in the future. This is profound because he is chasing something he knows he will never catch, and yet he chases all the same. It’s so easy to be thankful for all mentorship I’ve received because the guidance, encouragement, and answers have all come free of charge. I want to provide the same love and energy to those in need some day. Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” has made all the difference in my professional development. There are many lessons to take away from the book, yet the most valuable lesson learned has been: “it’s not about you.” Deserving a little credit– always– are those who criticize and doubt; they are sometimes right and can teach without knowing it, yet they are a constant motivating factor in my journey.

Website: fullgrownscallywag.wordpress.com
Instagram: @tf13rro_artist
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tomasf13rro/