Latino Hispanic Culture, Art and Film at Bullfighter’s Cafe

The title says it all! When you got the goods it’s not boasting it’s stating the truth and when we saw Liza Orozco’s photos on her myspace page, the truth is evident. Liza’s images are hot! They’re not just snap shots of places, people and things, they are stories that take you into another world. It’s best if we don’t try to explain Liza’s images, we invite you to look at them yourself and be mesmerized by their beauty.

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BFC: Based on your photos it looks like you grew up in Nashville or Texas?
This is funny, a lot of people don’t expect this answer but I was born and raised in the city of Compton in Southern California. When people think of Compton they think of a ghetto filled with gangsters. People always ask me where I’m from and I use to lie all the time, because when I say Compton I get a weird reaction. They get a baffled look on their faces and most of the time say “Wow, it must have been rough growing up there”. To tell you the truth, it wasn’t bad to me because that was my home. When I was little I had to lie about where I lived otherwise I would have been kicked out of the district Catholic School. While I was at Art Center one of my teachers said to never be ashamed of where you are from. Now I tell everyone with pride, I’m coming straight outta Compton just like Easy-E. I cant complain… its all good in the hood!

My parents are both Mexican/Americans aka Chicanos so, I was raised on Mexican and American culture. I regret that my parents never taught me Spanish. They only spoke Spanish to each other when they didn’t want me and my sister to understand what they were talking about. However, my dad was very Mexican in his upbringing which reflected on us.

BFC: How did you get into photography?
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life and was stuck in a 9 to 5 job that I hated. All I knew was that I was interested in the Arts, so I started going to the local community college taking every art class I could. I started with drawing then painting, graphics and photography was the last. I did so well in the class my teachers told me to continue so I did.

BFC: There’s a very soft quality to your photos. Can you describe your style?
Style?? hhmmmmm… well, I love interesting faces and people from different cultures and circles. My subjects inspire me to capture their essence on film. My father was a DJ and a musician, because of him I’m heavily driven by music as well. I love going on tour with musicians and seeing the country.

BFC: What made you decide to go to the Art Center School?
At the time I was attending Pasadena City College and I had reached the maximum of my education there. It was time to move on to the next level of my education. I did research and Art Center College of Design was the best choice. I always wanted to attend ACCD ever since I could remember.

I have always been called a dreamer because I have so many dreams. And attending Art Center was only one of them. My problem is after I accomplish one dream which one is next?

BFC: What obstacles have you faced as an artist/business woman?
People try to take advantage of me all the time. Being a Latina woman doesn’t help. There are lots of men in this industry and to tell you the truth I’m tired of being hit on. I hate having to but when those people come around I put my bitch boots on.

The whole friends and family discount thing… business is business no matter who it is.

BFC: Any last words of advice for our fellow artists?
Life is all about going after your dreams and kicking that door down!

www.myspace.com/sickgirrl
View Liza’s photos in Art Gallery

pm10/06