Art & Life with Chelsie HagenSwiecicki

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsie HagenSwiecicki.

Chelsie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My mother is an artist and my father an artisan thus I was blessed with a creative upbringing. I held a brush before I held a spoon. Although I started with painting, my access to several different forms of art have allowed me to explore photography, videography, sculpture, fabrics, glass blowing, and graphic design. My favorite form of art still remains-oil painting. Through high school and college, I never shared my art with any of my friends. I was surrounded by a myriad of talented family and my mother’s college art students. I would participate in her classes and have my work critiqued on occasion but mostly I kept to myself. It wasn’t until a few years ago I actually showed my work on social media and was approached by someone raising money for Water for People-an international non-profit who’s cause involves working across 9 countries to bring safe water and sanitation to 4 million people. A couple of my pieces were used to raise money and awareness for their cause. Since that time, I have attached a cause to each of my pieces. I dealt with many difficult circumstances and those themes show up in my work. For me it is not enough to just put it on paper. I want to give back and help solve problems like addiction, depression, suicide, homelessness, and unsafe water.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My aim is not only to illustrate the beauty that can be found in darkness, but to give back to those who find themselves in dark places.

My work explores the relationship between auditory and optical worlds songs have the power to bring someone to tears, help them remember a lost time or just process the world around them. Ever since I was little I would memorize lyrics word for word after only hearing a song 2-3 times. Songs that inspire me bring to mind a visual representation, just like there are people who can see colors when they listen to music and who can distinguish shapes from a tone or note. I am inspired by music, poetry, and storytelling. I started painting to get songs out of my head that would get stuck there for days. The visuals I use tell a story much like a song or poem would. The music I have been influenced by is as diverse as it gets from Elvis to Chainsmokers.

I also donate a portion (and sometimes all) of my profits to various charities. I believe that art should be used to help guide social change.

I haven’t decided what I want people to take away from my art other than a sense of slight discomfort- for it is in discomfort that often is the catalyst for change.

Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I believe the is a misconception that starts very young that creativity is something one is born with- that it is a thing you either have or you don’t and that it is finite. Artists are either lost in the formal processes that are hard to be a part of, too broke to buy their own supplies or devalued and expected to pump out art at the prices cheaper than the supplies and time it took to produce it. I have taught people how to paint a simple painting who have never held a brush the hardest thing we getting them to realize that they can do it, they can practice and get better, and their talent is valuable. The best thing cities can do is make art inclusive. Help young people realize that are is for everyone and anyone who wants to take classes can become better.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
The best way to see my work is on my websites
Support:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/WindWalkerPaintings

Follow:
Paintings: http://www.windwalkerpaintings.com/
Photos: http://www.chelsiespics.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windwalkerpaintings/

Contact Info:

• Website: www.windwalkerpaintings.com
• Phone: 480-788-8075
• Email: chelsie@ambientmarketinggroup.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windwalkerpaintings/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WindWalkerPaintings

Image Credit:
Chelsie HagenSwiecicki

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