Today we’d like to introduce you to Eepi Chaad.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Hi! My name is Eepi Chaad. I’m a multidisciplinary artist, an arts advocate, and an environmentalist. I am Gulf Coast native with roots in the Far East. I’m also very proud to say I am one of the first Resident Artists for the City of Houston.
I’ve been making some sense of another for as far back as I can remember. My mother painted in oils when I was young & my father was a highly skilled architectural doodler. For that matter, my family history is peppered with artists, architects, and scientist. I studied Architecture at the University of Houston but decided even before graduating that I wasn’t going to practice. It was at this point that I also realized that sustainable living was important to my worldview.
Now I was armed with a design and construction background, a love for conservation, and a need to make. I began to experiment with different mediums. I also began to slowly shift my professional lens to outreach. A few years ago I picked up embroidery, more as a mobile craft for our road trips to the mountains than anything.
One thing led to another and my creative life became consumed by fiber. I have been stitching what would be called modern embroidery pieces ever since! Many of my pieces document flora and fauna as my interest in conservation seems to grow and find it’s way into all parts of my life.
Around the same time, I also began to experiment with the idea of adornment. It started with simple ideas of construction. Then I received a series of scholarships that allowed me to study at Arrowmont in the Smokies. Studying enameling in the mountains just completely solidified my jewelry making practice.
Last year was a year of giant changes for me. I left my job to go work on art residencies and teach kayaking for an Eco-art non-profit in Galveston that focused on protecting coastal margins through art & science integration. This was a version of my dream job!
At the same time, I started the first Houston Artist INC professional development project, which is an amazing experience for any artist looking to grow. Then I received a scholarship to Arrowmont to continue my enamel studies.
I was in the mountains playing with fire when I found out that I had been selected by the City of Houston to be one of the first Resident Artists through the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs Resident Artist Program (#RAPhouston). I left my gig with the eco-art non-profit to take a sabbatical and focus on the once in a lifetime residency.
For my RAP residency, I worked with immigrant & refugee populations through Baker Ripley in the Gulfton area. I wanted to have open conversations and art is always a way to get people talking. I held regular sessions where I would meet with small groups in the community and we would talk while the participants made art on fabric pieces that I then turned into leaves. I then took the leaves and created a large installation of vines that encompasses the past, present, and future of Gulfton. It is art made by the people and for the people. I was so thrilled to be able to facilitate this communal art making.
I am currently embarking on more community-based projects. I continue to create fine art embroidery pieces as well as one of a kind jewelry as well. I have also recently accepted a new position with Art League Houston that allows me to further develop my ideas about arts access and community engagement. So, onward and forward!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think if you ask any artist what obstacles and challenges they face, the most common answers will always be time & money. I’d like to grow money trees and brew time in a french press.
That being said, I consider myself very lucky to live in a city that supports the arts. I have been able to align with professional life with my studio practice. I have a wonderful network of artists that I consider a support system. I want to build a bigger support system for artists. It is easier to get it done when you don’t have to do it alone!
e squared pi design – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
e squared pi design – an artist-run design studio in the East End of Houston
Modern Embroidery – All e squared pi design fiber pieces are one of a kind and hand created by Eepi Chaad. The fiber pieces often investigate themes of ecology or play with ideas of the impermanence of the man-made. Custom work is available on request.
Modern Adornments – All e squared pi design jewelry is one of a kind. No piece will ever be created exactly the same way again. Bestsellers include – Secret msg Intl Morse code necklaces & Soft Wrap rings. e squared pi design jewelry is created with raw metals, woods, and stones with the idea that the owner will put their patina on the piece through love and wear.
Find e squared pi designs in galleries, art markets, and always on the web!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I believe that success, much like happiness, has a communal aspect as well as an internal one. For an artist to be successful they need a strong community and a support system.
This comes in the form of artist peers, clients. and a variety of opportunities within their world. Success is more than monetary. Success comes from acknowledgment and an environment that nurtures growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.esquaredpidesign.com
- Phone: 713.824.8418
- Email: esquaredpi.design@gmail.com
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.
