Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Charde’ Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Charde’, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
There was a time in my life when everything seemed to crumble around me. I experienced a mental breakdown, a culmination of accumulated trauma from generational issues, troubled relationships, and the deep-seated feelings of abandonment and being misunderstood. I often felt that the love I gave to others was not reciprocated, and I struggled with mental health issues that I was unaware of at the time. In the midst of this turmoil, I found myself searching for a way to calm my mind. One day, almost by chance, I picked up a paintbrush.
Painting became my sanctuary, a place where I could pour out my emotions and find solace, especially during moments when I felt unheard. Through this unexpected journey, I discovered my purpose in God, who blessed me with the gift of painting. This newfound purpose brought me a profound sense of peace and fulfillment that I had never known before.
My art tells the story of my spiritual journey and my battles with emotional and mental health. By sharing my experiences and the transformative power of this Gift and my faith in God, I hope to connect with others who may be on a similar path. Through my paintings, I aim to inspire and uplift, offering a glimpse of the peace and hope that faith has brought into my life.
My advice to others who are struggling to find their purpose and peace is to remember that it’s a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself and explore creative activities like painting or writing to connect with your inner self. Seek support from trusted friends, family, or a community for encouragement. Spend time in reflection through meditation, journaling, or simply being mindful to understand your thoughts and feelings. Embrace your personal journey and let your inner strength guide you, providing direction and resilience. Stay open to new experiences that may lead you to your true calling. Remember, you’re not alone; many people face similar struggles, and it’s okay to seek help.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a visual artist, I draw inspiration from a myriad of sources, whether it be my emotional and mental experiences, my spiritual journey, or the captivating beauty of women. The most thrilling part of my work is resonating with others and witnessing the profound impact it has on them. I revel in the freedom to express myself boldly and without fear of judgment. My series, “Mirrors of Melanin,” is a vibrant reflection of my journey as a Black woman, capturing both the highs and lows. I firmly believe that every experience serves a purpose, aligning with God’s divine plan for my life and others.
Recently, I took on an exciting new project with Brown-Forman Corporation to celebrate Jack Daniels Honey. This involved creating art on a barrel that represented a neighborhood or city in Washington state. I chose to dedicate my work to incredible murals in Tacoma WA created by some of Tacoma’s best. Additionally, I have many new events and exhibits lined up with the Cultivate Art Collective, founded by Franchesca Vargas. One of our upcoming events, “Opulent Desires,” is happening on October 12th and will feature erotic art, live poetry, body painting, a paint-and-sip with live models, and more. We also have an upcoming exhibit, “Radiant Reflections,” on January 18th, celebrating Black art.
I can’t wait to share my new creations and connect with more people through my art!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, self-taught skills, and self-expression. Allowing myself to feel and sit with the pain of my experiences was crucial. It helped me see the blessings in the suffering and grow from them. Being self-taught allowed me to explore and develop my artistic abilities at my own pace, fostering a deep sense of independence and creativity. Lastly, learning self-expression through art enabled me to communicate my emotions and experiences in a way that resonates with others.
My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace resilience. Allow yourself to feel and process your emotions, even the painful ones, as they can lead to profound growth. Take the initiative to learn and develop skills on your own; being self-taught can be incredibly empowering. Finally, find a medium of self-expression that feels authentic to you. Whether it’s art, writing, or another form, expressing yourself can be a powerful tool for connection and healing.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The Bible, the word of God, has played a pivotal role in my development, offering profound wisdom and guidance throughout my journey. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from the Bible is the importance of forgiveness, both of oneself and others. This act of forgiveness has been transformative, allowing me to release past hurts and move forward with a lighter heart. Additionally, the Bible has taught me to find purpose in suffering. By embracing the challenges and pain I’ve faced, I’ve been able to see the blessings and growth that come from these experiences. These teachings have deeply influenced my perspective on life and have been instrumental in shaping who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mirrorsofmelaningalleries.com
- Instagram: mirrors.of.melanin
- Facebook: mirrors of melanin
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