What's your favorite form of Artistic Expression?
VANESSA COPPES, CEO + EDITOR-IN-CHIEFIt should come as no surprise that writing is my most favorite form of creative expression. Having been trained in several art forms, however, as a creative I had to work on reeling things in. Through my life, being called crazy became second nature. I had to learn to accept that the visions + dreams I had were simply looking for a way to be brought to fruition. Today, I find it completely encouraging that it’s become the norm to be multifaceted. I leaped with closed eyes in taking of ownership of BELLA because I would be able to express myself in different ways. Each issue we birth is the result of the creative visions + dreams that flood my head to this day. There’s truly nothing that compares to being able to express what’s in your heart, while being supported by beautiful, talented people who “get you” sometimes more than you do.
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GINA LAGUARDIA, EDITORIAL DIRECTORAs a journalist, I’ve pretty much been writing and editing most of my life. Truly, writing has been a way for me to express my emotions, think through issues, and reflect on where I may be at any stage in my life. The art of writing has helped me make my way through college, explore my personal passions, express love to my husband, prepare for the birth of my daughters, share my appreciation with friends, manage grief after the loss of my father, earn a living, and so much more. Writing can be different things at different times, but certain things always remain—putting pen to paper or clicking on a keyboard is equal parts therapeutic, fun, and challenging, and it defines much of who I am.
LYNETTE BARBIERI, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORMy background is not in journalism or writing and it has never been my creative outlet, I actually find it challenging. However, when I get to interview and write about women for our “BELLA Boss” feature, I do find it exciting. I love interviewing entrepreneurs and learning about their journey and their stories. I thoroughly enjoy it. It inspires and motivates me. I can actually say that I am embracing the process and look forward to writing about them.MINDY GURA AND PAULA ORLAN, FASHION STYLISTSAs celebrity stylists and fashion experts, it will come as no surprise that our favorite form of creative expression is through our fashion choices. We love to be bold and confident with our outfits while mixing trendy pieces with classic staples. Also, as identical twins, it has always been a way for us to enjoy our “twinship” by dressing in identical ensembles or choosing different OOTD (outfits of the day) to show our individuality. All in all, fashion is our passion, and it is our favorite way to make a statement!
JENNIFER DECILLIS, PUBLISHERGrowing up, I loved to write! My mom always told me I’d be a writer and, despite not believing I could do it, here we are! What truly inspires my creativity is TV and red-carpet hosting. I still haven’t figured out if that is typically a form of artistic expression, but for me it sparks joy and I find ways to express myself creatively through my interview questions, my chemistry with the talent, and even the fashion and beauty choices I make for the red carpet. My ability to express myself on camera through spoken word is even more inspiring than my ability to do so with the written word.JONATHAN CALIXTO, FASHION & LIFESTYLE CORRESPONDENTMy favorite form of artistic expression is dancing. Growing up, I attended Bronx Dance Academy and throughout four years learned different styles of dance from hip-hop to ballet, Latin, and contemporary. While I stopped dancing professionally, dance has always found its way back to me, and it has become a form of therapy, healing, feeling, and expression.
JENNIFER WALSH, MIND + BODY CONTRIBUTORMy favorite creative outlet is photography. I have loved it since I took classes in high school. We would walk around New York City and photograph the beauty of the city. From that point forward, I have always loved it. I’m a novice but I always seek out places and spaces that are full of the beauty of nature. I can spend hours and hours in snow, sleet, rain, and sun just to capture a moment. It is also why I have joined the team of the University of Pennsylvania Department for Neuroaesthetics to dive deeper into how our brains experience beauty and art.AMANDA MACTAS, FOOD & TRAVEL EDITORWriting is not only my favorite creative outlet, it’s also my job! When I am not writing, one of my favorite forms of artistic expression is adult coloring. I usually color at night to help me wind down and destress from the day. I find it to be really meditative, and also rewarding. I also really enjoy taking photographs in my spare time. I even sell puzzles of some of my work online at Zazzle.com/store/manhattantwist
M. ROMAN, BEAUTY CORRESPONDENTBeing creative is what keeps me going! I find total fulfillment in helping put together artist performances, whether live or video. Helping others execute their vision in performing is where my creativity really shines. It all started back in junior high for the cheerleading squad, and now it’s fun videos on social media or eye-catching live performances! When I’m not trying every skincare out there on the market, I’m performing and putting shows together!
CHRISTIAN VALENZUELA, CREATIVE DIRECTORSince I was very young, I have been interested in creativity to see things differently in every aspect of my life. I understood that creating was the best way to do things well and to make others feel good when they see them. Creativity today is part of life on a personal, as well as on professional level. I have always been interested in seeing the different aspects of what surrounds us, helping others, and understanding that to be different is to be authentic and unique. Being creative and creating unimaginable things is part of my daily life as a person, as a father, as a brother, and as a son.
ALEXANDRA ANASTASIO, ENTERTAINMENT EDITORAs a writer, I have always felt putting pen to paper was not just my work, but also a therapeutic outlet for me. I’ve kept a journal since I was a little girl, and what started out as me recording my days transformed into much deeper and meaningful submissions. These writings were my way of expressing myself, and in doing so, they brought me a sense of peace. I have always found it easier to share my thoughts on paper than speaking them out loud. Writing also allows me to be creative in the way I share other people’s stories. I can’t imagine what it would be like to no longer write—it has always been a part of who I am!
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