Jorge Lara, at 48, exploring the possibilities, collaborating with two fellow eclectic bright souls, building new connections while keeping at pace with his soul. To new reveries, the future imperfect, a mantra to live by and enjoying the journey.

VIM: You started VIM Magazine way back in 2005 and you have your first collaboration with SPCKRFT coming in November. How has the magazine evolved and changed?

JORGE LARA: It’s wanting to change the world and one’s own view of the world, a piece of art at a time. That feeling, that sense of purpose, is the same, it’s just the approach that has evolved through the years that has changed. We are focusing more this year on the fashion and music scene while still exploring the artists and creators that make all the magic come to live.

Adapting to the age of video, reels that capture the spirit of the creator and their imagination. Finding new ways to stand out. You have technological tools at your disposal, everyone does. It’s how you use those tools that makes for a treat to the heart and senses. Been photographing , capturing people and places for over 15 years now. I can only hope that my perseverance has paid off. I try to hone my craft and learn new ways to approach each photo and I edit nonstop. I think I’ve gotten it down to a formula. You just have to keep an open mind to what you can create. Also helps to listen to who you are collaborating with. It’s not science to show empathy and to include their own needs and wants.

I thoroughly enjoy the art of the zine. Whether it’s from the hands of one individual or a collective. You have Andy Warhol on one side that created Interview Magazine and on the other side you have RAYGUN Magazine, and you add in years of wanting to expand your knowledge and ways to explore experiences in a new light. The zine, the magazine, it’s a work of art all on its own.

VIM: You are collaborating with Noel and Michelle Calizo of SPCKRFT. How has that been?

JORGE LARA: I think of Noel and Michelle as two fellow eclectic bright souls. We are all on a mission to make a difference in this world. They wear their hearts on their sleeves and are truly passionate about the work they put out into the world. Whether it is in production, photography, video, or in Michelle’s case, the candles and soaps she also creates. It all comes from a place of wanting to challenge yourself and bringing into fruition something wholly beautiful. We’ve talked about creating nonprofits to help us bring more art and purpose into people’s lives.

VIM recently featured Michelle’s photo series ‘Behind Every Barbie’ which spotlighted a remarkable set of individuals, each on their own personal journey and who shared a mutual bond by exploring how they see themselves and the world around them. She captured a reflection of themselves that I think helped to inspire them to continue to do what they were meant to do.

My first three collaborations with SPCKRFT will bring to light the wonderful art of photography and fashion we have in Las Vegas. Premiering on November 2nd in collaboration with Nevada Humanities we have ‘Performing In The Dark.’ Later in November we will be celebrating Sin Amor Studios 2 year anniversary with a fashion show. And in February 2024 we have the amazing film and photography work of Shahab Zargari in his first solo exhibition.

VIM: What connections through the years have inspired you the most?

JORGE LARA: First thing that comes to mind is family. My mom and stepdad came down to Vegas to help celebrate my birthday. My mom has continued to be an inspiration in all that I do. She has worked hard all her life and has helped many of our relatives find their place in this world. She’s been a catalyst for change and her determination has been a key influence in how I approach life in general. I do enjoy seeing her get to travel and just get to enjoy her family now, my nieces and nephew and their families. She’s never lost hope despite all the obstacles life can throw at you.

I share my birthday today with my brother Johnny (Stitches) who I have to thank for coming up with the current VIM Magazine logo. A logo that has been with the magazine since the early 2000’s. We share a lot of the same likes and dislikes and passions for photography and creating. I think we inspire each other to keep going, even though Vegas can be tough at times. The city was meant to be an amalgamation of imaginations and dreams. I love watching what people come up with.

I think I’ve connected with the right people throughout my life. They’ve shown me which path to take. As I’ve gotten older, there are times that I don’t want to admit to myself that I have to slow down and make some time for my own well-being and health. These past couple of weeks have been challenging as I come to grips with some ailments and medical issues. The future imperfect as it is has a beauty all its own. I don’t regret the journey. Nor the difficulties. I’m always hopeful.

VIM: What’s next for you and the magazine?

JORGE LARA: These past two months I’ve photographed and collected images of some amazing talented people that we will be interviewing come later this month. We have interviews with an award-winning music composer, a lifestyle photographer and content writer, a punk rocker and music label owner, and a fashion boutique owner and fashion maven. And a few more surprises in stored.

It’s all about what we can imagine and put into focus. You have all these different voices bringing their own aspirations into the world.

I thoroughly enjoy the Q and A format and how it allows each individual to stand on their own and broadcast their mission in life with their own words. It’s the beauty of revelations, of revealing a side of people you’ve never seen that gets me excited to do the next interview.

We all live by our own mantra, we make the world what it is. I haven’t fully finished exploring what is out there. I want to sometimes make sense of it all. How we articulate every precise moment. The way of the world, the way it all transpires, the life we permeate and the people we love along the way. All while remaining focus on what really matters. Our mind at peace and at peace with ourselves.