Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsey Bolden.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chelsey. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My interests have never ventured out of the stem of creativity. I went to school for many things. Cosmetology, massage therapy but none of them were art (my grades were never good enough to get in or proceed in Art Institute or fashion at HCC or even HSPVA), but I did sell my first huge piece to one of my teachers in high school. Despite not making it in fashion school, I had the opportunity to make my own designs with my friend of 7+ years for his company INCONTROL CLOTHING.
Years later, I found myself in the Houston art scene, I did my first art show with RAW and had great success there selling prints and the largest scale painting originally meant for an exhibit but was denied because I wasn’t well known enough. I’m selective and rare with what events I vend at, but it’s always a hit vending at pop-up events around town. My next goal is to vend my art and clothing at THORN & MOON MAGICKAL NIGHT MARKET.
Today, I’ve taken a break from massage therapy and did something I want to from the beginning. I’ve picked up a tattoo apprenticeship from a very respectable and artistically intelligent mentor and created an online store for my prints and clothing influenced by Asian culture, cyberpunk, occult/metaphysics, and gothique fashion.
It’s funny, as a kid I spent hours playing video games making skins and mods for games (designing video games was the first thing I wanted to persue.) now I’m designing clothes and going to put art on skin!!
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s never easy finding yourself. It shouldn’t be. It’s all trial and error but you come to your senses and say “f*** it!” Eventually and start doing what you want no matter what people, societal constructs, or family say you should do. No one knows you better than you. Even If you can’t make it in something, you will always prevail if you never stop doing what you love.
I spent a lot of time chasing heartbreak and 9-5s and sometimes alcohol when I should have been chasing my dreams. You don’t know what happens after life or when the dream ends so it best to use your time on earth wisely.
As a female artist, I want to see how far I can get. I don’t wanna beg. I don’t wanna borrow. I don’t wanna sell nudes or lick the boot of the system. It’s not going to be easy, but I want to see how far I can get as a respectable female artist doing the only thing I know how.
Not by the recognition of people that may kiss a** for what I may look like or reasons other. But by genuine admiration.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a conceptual model, a painter, a clothing designer, crafter, and tattoo apprentice.
A visual alchemist with occult/metaphysic/Asian/cyberp
I’d say I’m known for being incredibly dark but incredibly bright at the same time. That’s the only way I can say it. The themes of my art can be pretty spooky, but contrast high with bold color.
My hand and interests in metaphysics and occult themes have been prevalent from day one of my first detailed painting. Kabbalah, daoism, paganism, and Buddhism are what hold the most interest for me. I have no religion but art and knowledge.
As far as paintings I love to make works that are textured and sometimes change under black light.
However, I still love to return to rusty earth tones.
As far as clothing goes, I’m making alternative clothing that promotes activity instead of sedentary. I think it’s important to stay active and in good health in some way in this day and age whether it’s dancing, hiking, or swimming or whatever. Right now my store caters to both art and clothing that’s more than simple graphic yet still limited as it is still fresh.
As far as my apprenticeship goes, I will not be touching machines for about a year. This is something I’ve wanted to do since about maybe 5/6 years ago. Im not upset that it took that long to start, i’m glad it happened the way it did so that even though I’ve been doing the massage therapy or esthetician thing I’ve taken just as long to hone my skills as an artist before I set myself on to the permanence of flesh. Waiting to cross paths with a respectable, professional and artistically intelligent artist to apprentice under is a great reason too. Thank you, Haap Peacock.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Your problems are more of a blessing than your solutions are if you think about it. The only thing holding you back are your own perceptions of reality.
This is the greatest time in history to be a creative woman. I’m proud of all my art/music/tech/etc. sisters doing their thing on my feed or at shows.
You have access to limitless information and resources to better your craft and get yourself out there doing whatever you want.
It’s up to you to seize the day though.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hellseahiganbana.bigcartel.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/hellsea.higanbana
- Facebook: @hellseahiganbana
- Twitter: @hellsea_h
Image Credit:
JAMES KINSEY & LAW STEWART
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
