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About El Tapia Kwan
Purpose and Passion
El Tapia-Kwan's personal creative practice is grounded in Interpersonal Communication, Expression, Accessibility, Education, Advocacy, and Storytelling.
His personal experiences as an intersectionally marginalized person and passionate storyteller has led him through many creative projects, most notably:
- Performance Art with Ceramic Sculpture at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD '17,) where he received a BFA in Ceramics.
- Sharing "Shameless Stories of Survival" on Youtube, where he also conducted interviews with BIPOC Artists, and facilitated international panels with Polyamorous / Ethically Non- Monogamous people.
- Starting Uppercutt in Central Florida, and brand and stand against the widespread struggles of LGBTQ+ Floridians. Through Uppercutt, he continues connecting local resources and hosting community events for processing collective grief.
Education and Experience
El has spent a combined decade working in Art Education, Mental Health, Non-Profits, Museums, Residential treatment centers, Social Services, Detention Centers, Ceramic Studios, (management and teaching,) as well as Art Therapy - informed facilitation. He also attended Masters- Level classes in Art Therapy and Counseling, with additional coursework in Sex Therapy. He remains unlicensed, and finds beauty in the ability to trade services and accommodate those in financial distress without ethical repercussions.
Now disabled and unable to perform physical labor, El has devoted his life's work of professional and personal experiences into providing virtual services for fellow creatives and caregivers. His sessions focus on the heart of one's love and loss in the act of creation - the inspiration, the desperation, the flow states, the mistakes, the burnout, and the rising from the ashes. Most uniquely, his services are not intended to help groups or individuals capitalize on their resources and abilities as fast as possible; instead focusing on the integrity of intentions, sustainability of practice, and personal growth through the act of creation.
Creative Coach, Consultant, and Facilitator
El brings his lived experiences, interdisciplinary skills, and ever-growing empathy together to deliver deeply intentional and personalized sessions to fellow creatives through two virtual offerings; Creating with Care, and Creating with Community.
He also offers group facilitation for the following populations and those who serve them:
- LGBTQIA+ Youth (14+) and Adults
- Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Adults
- Incarcerated Youth (14+) and Adults
- Unhoused / Homeless Individuals
- Adults Navigating Addiction
- Survivors of Interpersonal Violence
If you have felt lost, distressed, or disconnected, welcome home. You no longer need to travel the journey of self-discovery, care, and growth alone. Whether you're an artist, a designer, a maker, a culture bearer, a mental / social service provider, a hobbiest, or a professional; El recognizes the amount of heart that you put into everything you do for yourself and others. He is here whenever you are ready.