We recently had the chance to connect with Charissa Owens and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Charissa, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Being a FULL TIME PROFESSIONAL ARTIST! I have wanted to pursue art as a full time career for such a long time, but was worried that it could not sustain me and my family. Just recently I retired from my full time career as an art teacher and decided to pursue my passion of being a full time professional artist and I am so glad I made that decision. I was afraid, but being 9 months into that decision and I have never looked back.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an abstract expressionist artist deeply inspired by interior design, fashion, graphic design, and the rich colors and textures of the world around me. Art has fascinated me for as long as I can remember and creating has always been second nature.
My artistic journey formally began in high school and continued through college, where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. After five years as a graphic designer, I followed another passion: education. I spent 21 years as an educator where I combined my love for art and education as a Talented Visual Arts educator in Rapides Parish. Now retired, I am fully immersed in my creative practice and I paint in my studio daily.
I embrace spontaneity and intuition in my work. My artistic process is vibrant and immersive…you’ll often find me in the studio with French jazz playing, brush in hand, dancing while I paint.
My work is often described as having a sophisticated elegance, serene simplicity, and a calming presence. I take great joy in knowing my art brings tranquility to others…something the world could always use more of.
My distinct use of color sets my work apart; I blend a wide range of hues while maintaining a soft, neutral, and harmonious palette. Earthy tones, muted blues, greens, grays, and blush pinks are my signature. Through delicate layering and a variety of unexpected tools, I create luxurious textures and patterns drawn from keen observation of everyday beauty.
As an artist, I have learned that creativity is not just about producing, it’s about collecting moments of pure bliss in life that fuels inspiration. L’amour de la Vie—a French expression meaning “The Love of Living” inspires my work.
Each piece is infused with the simple yet profound joys of life. My art is not only a reflection of my practice in the studio but a celebration of life itself.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was ALWAYS a creative soul. Even at a young age, I would create things with found objects around the house and the yard. I was constantly painting my bedroom walls and loved interior design.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be a hard worker, believe in yourself, reach for your dreams and don’t give up. I always feel like people give up too fast and too easy. It can be hard to press on, even when you are unsure. I firmly believe in creating the life that you want to live and plan your days purposefully to create that life. Anything you want to pursue in life takes determination, ambition, hard work, and patience. Be a dreamer and dream BIG… just GO FOR IT! Don’t wait until it is perfect. Perfection is the death of progress and boggs you down. Put it out in the world and grow with it over time. Believe in yourself and allow yourself to pivot. Be authentic and consistent in what you offer and people will love you for it.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
If I have learned one thing about life from being an artist, it is that you must collect moments of pure bliss along the way to fill your cup of inspiration. You cannot be so busy and focused on the output of creating that you don’t enjoy the journey and the whole process. Each of my pieces is thoughtfully created using the elements of art and principles of design, but they also carry notes of simple, yet profound joys of life…watching a cotton candy sunset while you cook a lovely meal, admiring the shadow of a plant dancing on my patio wall from the warm summer sun, feeling the late evening breeze on a walk, sitting in the rose garden enjoying heartfelt conversation with your friends, watching the fireflies dance in the night. These are all things that fuel my art and inspire pieces I create. My art is not only a reflection of my practice in the studio but a celebration of life itself.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I am absolutely thrilled to go to my studio and create EVERY SINGLE DAY! It is such a joy to be in my own creative space. I get invigorated when I have finished a piece and love it enough to keep it, but then it sells and finds a new home. It brings me so much happiness and joy to create pieces of art that become someone else’s daily story as they bring the art into their home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.charissaowensart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charissaowensart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharissaOwensArt
Image Credits
Chris Fung
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