Jeremy Arviso: A Tale of Redemption, Creativity, and Resilience
Jeremy Arviso: A Tale of Redemption, Creativity, and Resilience
Part Two of a Two-Part Series
Jeremy Arviso's life story offers a roadmap for Indigenous creatives aspiring to thrive authentically within modern capitalism’s constructs. Yet, battles with personal demons, systemic injustice, and industry exploitation paint a stoically realistic portrait—one where joy comes entwined with endurance and an unyielding resolve to persevere.
From the grip of addiction to a life painted with the vibrant colors of prosperity and cultural homage, Arviso provides a captivating narrative of transformation, courage and inspiration. This multidisciplinary artist, based in Phoenix, Arizona, represents the Diné, Hopi, Akimel O'odham, and Tohono O'odham nations with pride. Through social media, he has bravely shared his four-year triumph over drugs and alcohol, his rebirth into fatherhood, and his ascension to becoming a respected multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur publicly.
This blog post, part two of a two-part series, celebrates the rebirth of Jeremy Arviso into a man of integrity and a promising career free from drugs and alcohol. His narrative is not simply about personal success; it's an invitation to explore the intersection of healing, creativity, and cultural reclamation through the arts. This post celebrates not just the artist, but the man who emerged victorious against the odds.
Four Years of Clarity, Creativity, and Change
Jeremy Arviso's metamorphosis is a narrative steeped in the vibrant tapestry of his Indigenous heritage and marked by an unwavering commitment to personal integrity and sobriety. Artistically, Jeremy has transcended from chaotic expressions of trauma to purposefully curated masterpieces. Having spent his 1,460th day sober this past February (February 21st, 2024, to be exact), Jeremy reminisces about the challenging earlier days of walking away from a life tainted by drugs, alcohol, and crime—fueled by systemic racism and personal demons. From the stark cell of the 4th Ave Jail in Phoenix, Arizona, he embarked on a remarkable journey to sobriety, driven by a resolve to face himself and heal. His 120 days behind bars were spent not in despair, but in determined planning for a sober life. Through the fierce challenge of cold-turkey withdrawal, Jeremy forged a path to recovery. His fatherhood adds to his profound transformation, celebrating life through the simplicity of joyous moments spent with his son.
Healthy Living & Fatherhood: A Platform of Perseverance and Possibility
Life flourished as sobriety took root. With clarity came a deep relationship with his son—a bond symbolized in a shared moment of wonder beneath sprawling skies. Every art piece, brand built, and daily training from then on, not only sculpted Jeremy's future but also mirrored the nurturing he provided as a father. For Jeremy, fatherhood brought more than joy—it provided a profound sense of purpose and propelled him into a life dedicated to wellness and creativity. His connection with his son is a touchstone for his recovery, a reminder of life's preciousness and his responsibility as a guiding light for future generations.
On an Instagram post Jeremy wrote, “The mind is a terrible thing to waste and I thought I had lost mine years ago, turns out I was just numbing it so I didn’t have to face my own demons. That’s the hardest part of all of this shit, facing your own damn self, it’s hard to look at the man in the mirror if you don’t even know who it is anymore. The healing HAS to start at some point and the sooner the better cuz time is ticking.”
“I spent the day with my son and we pulled over to the side of the road to take this photo cuz he really liked the clouds. I’m grateful and thankful for everything in my life, especially him”.
Artistic Alchemy: From Pain to Purpose
In an exclusive collaboration for the 100th Santa Fe Indian Market in 2022, Jeremy worked tandemly with Jamie Okuma, an internationally acclaimed fashion designer of Luiseno, Shoshone Bannock, Wailaki and Okinawan descent. She is an enrolled member of the La Jolla band of Indians of Southern California and specializes in one-of-a-kind pieces that are hand-executed while also designing ready to wear fashion. Okuma is Arviso’s fashion design hero, presenting outstanding work that perfectly marries tradition with innovation. Being accepted into the market on his first attempt is a testament to his unique perspective and the respect he commands within the art community.
The fashion show at SWAIA Indian Market is a notable highlight and key event of the market weekend. For Arviso, the collaboration with Okuma was the first time he had ever submitted an application and was let in to show. Okuma had Arviso design fabric and do black letter “script writing” for the fabric and collection. Arviso’s collaboration with Okuma “meant a lot to me and really established my name in Santa Fe Indian Market as a first time”. Arviso considered the centennial show “an amazing show,” and 2022 as the “most amazing year I had ever had up to date”.
On his website, Arviso’s explains, “Jamie invited me to collaborate with her on several pieces that graced the runway at the most talked about fashion event in Indian Country, SWAIA’s Fashion Show. This annual event has become the premiere stage for indigenous fashion designers, models and tastemakers. Our collaboration was shown on Sunday, August 21, 2022 in front of a sold-out audience during Indian Market”.
The Digital Integration
The marriage of tradition and technology fuels Arviso’s deeply creative intellect. Modern technology has revolutionized Arviso's artistic process, notably through rapid prototyping and production capabilities that swiftly turn his concepts into market-ready products. With the latest gadgets and internet capabilities at his disposal, Arviso’s mastery over creative software tools and tech equipment echoes a narrative of adaptation and innovative use of technology in Indigenous art creation.
Leveraging high-speed internet, state-of-the-art computing devices, and a GlowForge laser, Arviso turns concepts into tangible products with astounding speed. With every laser-cut design or rapid prototype, he demonstrates how technology can amplify artistic vision and cultural relevance. This tech integration has not only revolutionized his creative workflow but also allows his message to transcend traditional markets, reaching a global audience while retaining its cultural integrity.
Jeremy’s mastery of technology positions him at the forefront of avant-garde innovation. Each piece of art, accelerated by technology's touch, reaches new audiences and markets, revolutionizing Indigenous art in a modern tableau. Standing as a beacon of inspiration, not only to the communities he represents but to any creative venturing into the tumultuous waters of art and business, Arviso’s creativity is magnified, not diminished, by the tools of the future.
Interweaving Fashion with Athleticism
Beyond the personal triumph of a stable and joyous life with his son, Jeremy's creative resurgence has reshaped his identity as an artist with a cascade of significant achievements. His sober perspective now infuses his art with a sense of purpose, clarity, and hope for future generations of Indigenous artists. Through sobriety, Arviso has made extraordinary strides in the realm of creative entrepreneurship. He's collaborated with giants like Nike for Super Bowl LVII, bringing forth his Indigenous heritage into the global sports and fashion scene. His philosophy blends traditional wisdom with modern techniques, achieving a balance yet seen in contemporary Indigenous art.
When asked about his collaboration with Nike, Arviso commented,
“The NFL Super Bowl in 2023 was a dream come true, not many people get asked by this company to do whatever they want and I was lucky enough to do so. This capsule collection of sneakers and apparel was one of the most fun projects because I had total creative freedom, they did their homework on me and wanted me to bring my A game and I delivered, I'll never forget it.”
Collaborations with giants like Nike during Superbowl LVII highlight both his Indigenous heritage and the universal language of art that unites us all.
Original Landlords / Heavy Pedal
Since the discovery of a new sense of purpose and direction through sobriety, Arviso has become an avid cyclist. As a part of Arviso’s recovery, the bicycle has helped him climb out of depression while simultaneously getting him physically fit to help get him to where he is today. The bicycle—an emblem of Jeremy's renewed vigor and direction—has led to a collection of bicycling uniforms emblematic of Arizona's tribes with cycling company Heavy Pedal. For this collaboration, Arviso did three jersey designs. The Heavy Pedal jerseys, dropped on Indigenous Peoples' Day 2023, marry athleticism with cultural profundity. These designs carry messages far beyond their seams—a dialogue of identity and presence.
His creation of the Original Landlords/Heavy Pedal bicycling uniforms showcases more than creativity—it's a voyage into his path towards healing and fitness. The jerseys are rich with native tribal designs from Arizona and represent the ongoing cycle of progress that continues to propel him forward. The product launch used all Native American models and cyclists. Jeremy’s sobriety through cycling continues moving him forward.
A Conduit of Healing and Empowerment
Arviso's work is not just art—it is a transformation, a symbol of hope, and a roadmap of Indigenous success. Grants through the City of Phoenix, the Arizona Community Foundation, and the Navajo Nation Department of Economic Security have enabled Arviso to continue to strive forward with his life. His recovery transcends personal achievement; it's a conduit for collective healing. By integrating the therapeutic attributes of native art into initiatives like Hood Mats, a collection of yoga mats available online, Arviso blends his entrepreneurial acumen with creative zest. Arviso describes his collection of yoga mats as “designed for people who practice physical, mental, and spiritual healing through movement”. Through Hood Mats, Arviso is shaping an entrepreneurial roadmap for self-discovery and success among Indigenous peoples.
As Jeremy explains on his Hood Mats website,
“It is my hope that with this brand I will be able to successfully initiate a program called Native Art Therapy & Healing Through Indigenous Design. Physical, behavioral, mental, spiritual, emotional, and financial health are at the core of this program. Guiding others on how to heal themselves through native art and indigenous design while fostering an entrepreneurial roadmap to be a successful creative is the goal. Systemic racism, generational trauma, alcohol and substance abuse can be healed through a program of self-discovery in the arts. Education through active participation in community art/fashion shows, classes, vending events, and pop-ups will teach self-sufficiency in a culture of capitalism”.
Jeremy’s liberation from addiction has empowered not only himself but also his community. His touching contribution to Native youth through programs like Native Art Therapy & Healing Through Indigenous Design aims to heal and invigorate the community through art, while also fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship. Through this program, he's not simply crafting art—he's sculpting futures. He fights against the systemic injustices that Indigenous creatives face, transforming his trials into triumphs that lead future generations. Defying the odds, he uses his narrative to inspire others, establishing a new wave of Indigenous creatives ready to move forward with their lives.
Final Thoughts
In this vast canvas we call life, Arviso stands as a testament to the power of redemption and the enduring spirit of the human soul. Yet, his story is not merely one of recovery. His reconciliation with the past channels energy into creative ventures that resonate with vitality and passion. Through sobriety, he has rewritten his narrative to one filled with color, determination, and a fidelity towards cultural heritage and invention. Every piece he creates, every stride he takes towards community upliftment, reiterates that there's always hope, and that personal transformation can lead to wider societal healing.
As we reflect on Jeremy Arviso's extraordinary life, the emotive power of his art bears testament to an indomitable spirit navigating the complex arena of modern artistry and healing. His tale is one of unwavering resilience, punctuated with brushstrokes of cultural pride and a legacy-making pursuit of creativity. Through social media, Jeremy beckons us forth—not as spectators but as participants—in the unfolding story of renewal, courage, and boundless creativity.
Jeremy's collaborations, notably with powerhouse figures like Jamie Okuma and noteworthy brands like Nike, have afforded him platforms to broadcast his story—a story interwoven with history, struggle, and victory. The Superbowl LVII collection is but a glimmer in the vast expanse of creativity that Jeremy has explored, canvassing various realms from fashion, sculpture, to avant-garde jewelry. However, underpinning recent creative successes to his career are the substantive milestones Jeremy’s sobriety have enabled him to meet: the crystalline joy of a fourth year of sobriety that gleams with promise; the warmth and growth of becoming a caring father and a beacon of health; the reclamation of creative passion, mending ties with his Indigenous identity through art.
Arviso’s life is a testament to the unwavering strength of the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity through creativity and community engagement. Join us in lauding Jeremy Arviso—an emblem of recovery, an ambassador for change, and an indomitable force within the realms of Indigenous art and entrepreneurship.
