Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantrice Rachelle.
Hi Chantrice Rachelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Chantrice Rachelle, a visual artist born and raised in Southwest Atlanta. Art is my first love. I’ve been an artist my entire life, but throughout life, I really only drew and painted for leisure. I didn’t pursue art as formal education, so I guess you can say I’m “self-taught” (more-so God gifted), and of course, still learning. I, instead, went the route of business and information technology for education and career (which I am currently still in for my 9-5). People, outside of close friends and family, always only knew me to be in technology and also a [former] podcaster, but they didn’t really know I was a visual artist. In 2020, I decided to change that and share my gift with the world and here we are today with me continuing to build my “Chantrice Rachelle Art” brand and business.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I wish it were easy, but then again, I feel that the most growth comes from the struggles along the way. The first struggle was that push to actually put my art out. Starting off, there’s an internal battle- like I know I create great art but then again, would everyone else see it the way I see it because, you know, everyone is a critic (especially of things they don’t understand).
After getting over that struggle, just the process of patience in learning (because I am impatient), being a one-woman show, balancing my full-time job with building this art empire, and the imposter syndrome that creeps in… those are all struggles that I constantly deal with. I love this journey and have seen amazing growth, but those struggles will probably always be there from time to time, no matter how deep I’ve gotten in this art world.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I predominantly create abstract art; however, I also draw from time to time. I don’t have a set style as they say artists should because I’m not a “stay in one box” kindda girl. I like to learn and explore different techniques and tools that expand my skillset. I guess that is something that sets me apart. Also, the fact that I’m not just an artist- I’m also very business and technology savvy and working on building and re-launching my organization, Project SWATS, which focuses on bridging the gap of life skills that were (and still are) neglected in the traditional school curriculums. I’m proud of not only how far I have come as an artist in such a short amount of time, but also the fact that I am well-rounded in balancing being an artist with all of those other facets.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
KEEP GOING! Every day will not be filled with sunshine and ease- there will most definitely be days of doubt and internal struggles… but always remember the bigger picture. Always go back to that vision. Never allow the small opinions of others to deter you. Ask questions of those who are where you want to be. Research and be a sponge to knowledge. This is not just applicable to other artists starting out, but to anyone in any area of life, even if you have mastered one thing but starting something new. And of course, for those of spiritual beliefs- pray and lean not on your own understanding!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@chantricerachelleart.com
- Website: www.chantricerachelleart.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/chantricerachelleart
