We’re looking forward to introducing you to Cassandra Hess. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Cassandra , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is a combination of creating and planning. Creating for me can range largely, from painting canvas to painting my face, to creating resin art or masks for future looks. Planning is the necessary beast, not my favorite part of my day, but it can also lead to inspiration.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Cassandra Hess, I am an artist. What kind of artist you may ask? Well, I try not to use labels in that regard, but for the sake of trying to understand me better, my primary focus is painting. I paint on canvas, I paint myself, I paint masks and boxes and honestly, whatever I can get my hands on. I love painting, but more importantly, I love creating. Using my hands to make art is so comforting to me and brings me so much fulfillment. Having a vision in your head and then executing it to a degree can be extremely satisfying. Right now, my focus is body/face painting that can be translated into performance art. I feel like creating an image that is wearable, gives such a free feeling, for myself and for those who look at it. My goal and purpose at this point is to inspire people to allow themselves to play and be that person that maybe they are too afraid to be as it may be considered odd or unconventional.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I used to work as a cosmetologist and worked on many, MANY, beautiful women all wanting the same thing, to become something that they thought they should be. This affected me profoundly as I too wanted to fit in and be something worth mentioning or beautiful to look at. As toxic as that sounds it actually served its purpose for the time. What I mean by that, I was able to commiserate with the mentality of wanting to fit in that box. I was able to give compliments that I truly meant, because I thought that’s what mattered. Beauty is something that is so subjective and I think we forget that. Just like art, there are many different forms of beautiful or interesting. I have had to let go of the expectation of fitting in or keeping up. It may have served me then as that was my industry, but now I have to let that go. Trying to be like other artists because I think that’s what the world wants to see is a disservice to me and my journey. I will never become the artist that I am meant to be if Im always trying to be like someone else.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
If there is no darkness, you would not know light. If there was no pain, you would not know pleasure. If you did not struggle, you would not know the easier times. I grew up knowing and seeing struggle and determination to get through. My mother was an extremely hard worker and my father was an addict. I saw what I wanted for myself and what I didn’t want for myself. I didn’t want to have to struggle so hard like my mother had to. I know that struggle in life is inevitable, but that’s what gives the appreciation for getting through to the other side and seeing your achievements realized. I think success is amazing and most people want to be successful in what they do, but success doesn’t teach you gratitude, only suffering and the struggle can show you what you are truly thankful for.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think there are two huge lies that are constantly being projected onto artists. One thing I hear a lot is, how people think creating art is so relaxing and meditative. I think that can be true and surely art can be used in that way, but when it comes down to it and you are working on a project that needs to be executed in a certain way, it is absolutely stressful and filled with the pressure to execute. The second misconception is how free spirited people think we all are. Granted, you have to let yourself go on some level, not to overthink a project and also let your mind wander to find inspiration. Some of my favorite artworks are the ones where I let the artwork be in control. But I find that most artists are very regimented and have a very specific way as to how they like to work and it cannot be interrupted.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I have a very strong understanding of impermanence. I feel like most people forget that most things that stress us out don’t matter. However, just because I have a very strong understanding of it, doesn’t mean that it’s not a daily struggle for me to remind myself that this too shall pass. I am very active on social media and I think a lot of people are surprised at my expression and the vulnerability that I project with it. I know that it’s out there forever for whoever wants to see it and that’s my business. I think we all need to be a little more fearless with our expression and a little less judgmental of others. However, keeping human kindness in mind is key. I have told my son often, always try to leave a place better than how you found it and this means your own mind too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cassandrapainting.com
- Instagram: @cassandrapainting
- Facebook: Cassandra Hess
- Youtube: Cassandrapainting
- Other: TikTok – @Cassandrapainting
Image Credits
I took all my own pics
