Check out Cholly Cunningham’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cholly Cunningham.

Cholly, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Ever since I could remember, I was drawing or tinkering with a camera. I would draw my favorite cartoon characters and doodle on anything I could get my hands on. I was extremely fascinated with cameras and how they worked.

Being able to capture a moment was fun, but when I realized film gave you the ability to capture time, manipulate and tell whatever story you saw fit, it lit something inside of me. I knew as a kid that this was more than just a hobby this was something that was a part of me, something that I needed to put my whole heart in, all or nothing.

My mother’s a former art student herself and current day teacher, she was always creating, she would make custom artwork for her classroom. Seeing that and hearing her stories made me realize that being an artist was a real thing that I could pursue. In school, I was very attentive in art class, once I found out that I could test into an art program for high school that’s all I thought about. I did all I could to get into that program and I learned a lot in my four years majoring in Advertising Arts & Photography. From there, I decided to keep it going by applying to the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI. There I majored in Animation later changing to a Video/Live Action major and Photography minor. CCS gave me the opportunity to develop and sharpen my skills, for that, I’m forever grateful.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
In 2013, I established my visual art freelance company “Unicorn Borne Productions” specializing in Video Production, Illustration, Painting and Photography. Recently, I’ve been drawing and painting a lot, really feeling my way through my pieces. I’ll soon be refocusing on a documentary series I’m producing titled “Melanin Magic” which is about displaying the successes of people of color, with a focus of empowering the oppressed to embrace their inner awesome and activate their melanin magic.

My art derives from my walk of life and how I interpret the world. Shown across various mediums my personality always shines through. Every piece of work means something to me from style, message, color or medium choice, my art has a part of me in it. With the use of real life experiences and embracing imperfection, I try to form a connection with a wide range of viewers. I want people to be able to take something away from my art even if it isn’t the message I intended, as long as I make some impression or evoked any type of feeling from them, I feel like I’ve done my job.

What do you know now that you wished you had learned earlier?
Staying true to yourself and your style is important, there are so many great artists in the world but there is not one person that is just like you, owning that is key. Knowing that you’re only competing with yourself is a good motivator and helps with personal growth. It helps keep you on track if you have an issue with comparing yourself to others, the whole grass is greener mentality doesn’t really help. Just do you and be great at it!

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I’m everywhere, online you can check out my website and on Instagram. I even have a website for my documentary series: www.melaninmagic.me. Also, I try to do at least one art show a year so you can keep up with me and my updates on Instagram where I post frequently.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.unicornborne.com
• Email: unicornborne@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unicorn_borne/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unicornborne/
• Other: www.melaninmagic.me

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