Javier C. Rivera reminds me of the Renaissance men of years gone by; he seems to be able to flow from one art form to another almost effortlessly. Javier and I met about twelve years ago as students at UW-Parkside. We became fast friends, and I always had a sense that one day he was going to accomplish some great things. We lost touch for a while, but fortunately, we reconnected and recently started catching up. I was amazed to see just how right I was–in just a few years time, he‘s become an accomplished director, author and musician. Though Javier moved to Austin, Texas about three years ago, he spent most of his childhood and young adult life in Kenosha. So sit back, relax, and allow me to introduce you to a former local who’s making his dreams happen.
Click the Arrow to listen to “Something Inside”
Lisa: I’m really excited about this interview! You know I’m one of your biggest fans, which I’m sure will become very apparent to anyone who reads this. You’re a former Kenoshan, so I’m eager to “re-introduce” you and your work to the rest of the community, so to speak. For those who don’t know you, tell them a little bit about yourself and your time spent here.
Lisa: Personally, I think you’ve accomplished a lot that you should be proud of. You have one project that you’re really focusing on lately though–the production of a DVD to accompany a children’s book you wrote, entitled Sometimes I’m Sad. You’d like to package your DVD and book together, to present to publishers. I think it’s a pretty creative approach; can you explain your idea a bit more ?
Most publishers or agents would strongly recommend against this but I’m taking a chance. Along with the illustrations, I’m also producing a short film to be packaged with the book, which by the way will also be available in Spanish. When the final package is complete, I will send them to publishers and agents in hopes that they see the marketability of a book and a DVD companion.
Lisa: You’re definitely a very multi-talented man! Besides writing children’s books, you also released a CD , entitled “From The Ground“. Which, by the way, has been playing in my house almost daily since I got it! I have to tell you, I was really impressed by the fact that your CD, and even individual tracks, are available for purchase on iTunes. How did Tino Ghost come about?
Lisa: As if all of this isn’t enough, you also direct! I know that directing has always been more or less your “first love”. What sort of directing projects have you worked on?
Lisa: How would you say your time here in Kenosha helped or influenced you and what you’ve accomplished so far?
There was always something amazing about living so close to Lake Michigan. Sometimes I think it’s because to me it represented exploration.
I discovered a lot of my passions as a child, everything from writing to music to filmmaking. I’m told that my projects often have a down-to-earth feeling. If that’s true, I know it must come from living in a small town. I’m proud to have lived in Kenosha because of what it made me today.
Lisa: You’ve said that you’d like to direct a feature film. Is that one of your ultimate goals for the future?
My past and current projects can be found at the following websites:
www.javiercrivera.com
www.tinoghost.com
www.sometimesweb.com
Lisa: Thanks for taking the time to do this! I hope the readers will take a few moments to look at your websites and explore your projects in a little more detail. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for you.
Lisa Adamowicz Kless is the newest member of the Kenosha Writers’ Group
6 comments ↓
Enjoyed the interview….looking forward to more!!!
Talk about ambitious. Way to go guy!!
Great interview. Insightful questions to capture the nature and feelings of Javier’s goals.
Catching a glimpse of a former K-Towner it is always interesting to see someone from my hometown stretching to make their dreams happen and still remember where they came from.
Like this guy’s done a hundred projects. Look at the list on his website: www.javiercrivera.com.
I went to school with him! I wondered what happened to him. He was so quiet then it’s nice to see him grow this much.
[…] director and musician Javier C. Rivera recently completed work on the DVD companion to his children’s book, Sometimes I’m Sad. […]
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