Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Lazard.
Chelsea, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been a creative person. I remember drawing and making all kinds of arts and crafts as a kid. As I grew older, I kind of veered from art a bit and started to focus more on poetry and creative writing. I guess it was just a way for me to escape my reality at times. Life hasn’t exactly been friendly to me as a youth. Don’t get me wrong, it could have been way worst.
But I ultimately suffered a lot with depression and suicidal thoughts. I’ve kind of had a series of unfortunate events as the years passed, things that made me question my life and if I was really doing the things I was supposed to be doing. I just wanted to be on the right path. I had a failed suicide attempt back in 2013 and honestly, I couldn’t be more grateful. After another few years had passed, I was still suffering with my depression but I needed to release it in a positive way; I started to draw again and it felt good!! Fast forward to now and I’ve been painting ever since. I’ve attended a few art shows all within my first year of painting and I’ve been on a roll since then. This is probably the only thing in my life that I’ve been consistent with, so I think that means something.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth roads don’t exist in my world. If that were the case we would never evolve as humans. It takes the pain of our past for us to be grateful about our present. Everyday life is hard, everyday I fight my demons. And honestly, it’s a never-ending war especially when your mental health tries to fight against you. I just keep painting… I don’t think I can win or lose; just fight to gain the upper hand in this battle.
Buku Inks – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Buku Inks is a brand I created for the purpose of doing one thing; Do everything and Anything! At the moment, I am and am known as a Visual Artist. Tomorrow I can be a Poet, maybe even a fashion designer. All things that I have made plans for. I am proud of the steps that I continue to make to develop my skills and knowledge in all of the things the world told me I couldn’t do.
Because of this, I’ve always felt different. It’s never really about the money with me. Although it is a necessity, I just want to be the voice for those who are having trouble finding theirs. Which is also why I have started a Free Art Movement called the “Can I Kick It Project”. This project also focuses on the upcycling of anything that can be turned into an art piece. Like spray cans, wood, bottles, etc. I plan on changing lives with this passion I have.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Seeing the smiles on my customer’s faces. Knowing that I was able to bring joy to another person’s life through art is one of the reasons I haven’t stopped.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rawartists.org/bukuinks
- Email: bukuinks@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bukuinks
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bukuinksCL
- Other: www.instagram.com/canikickitproject
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