Winter Studio Update
New Works
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Documentary Film
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Corporate Collaborations
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Studio Highlights
Hi my friend,
I have so much to share with you so let's dive in…
Over these winter months I have had time to reflect on our meaningful connection between growth and vulnerability. It's like a delicate dance we perform, where each step forward is guided by our willingness to embrace the unknown and confront our fears.
Growth moves us to step outside our comfort zones, daring us to push forward and explore what's uncomfortable. Yet, it is through vulnerability that we find the courage to take those initial steps, to face our doubts with an open (though sometimes terrified!) heart and mind. In those vulnerable moments, we see what we're capable of as we dream, stumble, and ultimately find our footing.
I've been reminded time and again that growth and vulnerability are inseparable, like two sides of a coin. It is something I am personally experiencing and it's a concept I'll be exploring more deeply in my upcoming collection of artworks.
Each piece will serve as a reflection of the human experience – a testament to the beauty that emerges when we embrace our vulnerabilities and nurture our growth. They'll capture the overlapping, transformative nature of these elements, illustrating how they both hinder and propel us forward.
As I share these pieces with you, I hope they resonate with your own journey. Perhaps you've faced moments of vulnerability while starting a new relationship, ending an old one, or navigating the complexities of parenthood. Maybe you've pursued a big idea, embarked on a journey of self-improvement, or grappled with the realities of aging, loss, or illness.
Whatever challenges you've encountered, I invite you to share them with me. Message me with your own thoughts on how vulnerability became a necessary catalyst for your growth. I'd love to hear about it as I continue drawing real life inspiration for this new body of works. Even if you don't feel proud of how you handled this “dance” I'd love to hear about it anyways. There's beauty in our perceived failures, too.
We will continue this conversation about embracing the beauty of vulnerability and the possibilities of growth that come from it, as these works continue to unfold. It's going to be a good one…
Documentary Film
In January, my studio played host to a remarkable team from the film department of Savanah College of Art and Design (SCAD). This collaboration is part of an upcoming thesis documentary produced by Ashton Whitman, entitled "Nature Made". The film explores artist like myself who utilize nature in connection with their creative process and works.
Ashton and I spent weeks corresponding back and forth, meticulously planning for the three days they would spend in my studio. What struck me was Ashton's genuine curiosity – she wasn't just interested in capturing my creative process; she wanted to delve into the very essence of my inspiration, to understand the origins of my artistic journey--the WHY behind what I do.
Their passion for the project was contagious, and I'm so happy I was asked to be a part of it. I am eagerly awaiting the release of the final short film and will share it with you when it is released to the public. I have no doubt that Ashton and her team will go far in the film industry, and I wish them all the best on their journey.
You can learn more about Ashton and view her film, photography, and production portfolio by visiting her website: WWW.ASHTONWHITEMAN.COM
Corporate Collaborations
February has brought another highlight to the studio. The Nestle Corporation approached me to create artworks for their headquarters and their affiliate offices at Nespresso and Starbucks. Coinciding with Black History Month, this initiative celebrates the contributions of Black artists in the community and included an interview with their VP of Sustainability, Chastity McLeod.
This special project sought to spotlight artists who embrace sustainable practices in innovative ways. My task involved incorporating Nespresso/Starbucks coffee capsules into my artwork, transforming a typically discarded item into a medium of artistic expression. I also created natural stains using brewed coffee liquid and coffee grounds. The process of blending my earth-toned and organic style with these colorful man-made materials presented an interesting contrast in texture, color, and composition for each piece.
During our interview, I delved into how my identity as a minority female artist influences my recurring theme of recognizing beauty in the often overlooked or ignored aspects of our world (i.e. a simple rock as potential art) and shared how that theme extends beyond the parameters of art in our society.
This project for Nestle brought an opportunity to explore a more collage-style approach in my artwork, challenging me to work with new materials and art mediums.
Studio Highlights
I'm excited to share a new addition to our studio crew: Max, an adorable 10-week-old apricot toy poodle puppy. He's stolen our hearts already and has been a sweet reminder to stop and enjoy little moments of play in the midst of all the studio chaos. If you are following me on social media expect to have him pop into stories from time to time, his sweetness is contagious and something I just have to share.
The winter months have been a whirlwind of activity as I complete commissions and lay the groundwork for the upcoming release of my new collection. Alongside these tasks, I've also been exploring the challenge of painting larger works, making adjustments to my website, and contemplating the next steps in growth for my studio. Each of these endeavors presents an opportunity for me to test how embracing vulnerability can lead to personal and artistic growth.
Hope you enjoyed this seasonal update! The Studio is always abuzz with activity, and I love having the opportunity to bring you along on the journey. Until next time.
Xo,
Chanell
