We were lucky to catch up with Charley Robinson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Charley, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
Art block for me, to this day, is pretty challenging to surpass, but I have accumulated a few methods over time that more often than not ease the intensity of it. One method I’ve grown to like involves reminiscing on past works I’ve created and reflecting on the thought processes I had while in the process of those works. This contemplation helped me emulate that creative headspace I was in and then inspires me to create something new. Another method I found that works for me is simply riding it out. As a creative, it is common for the occasional burnout of ideas or the physical incentive to create art, and it is really important to accept that natural burden by realizing that every creative goes through this. After this break, I feel more recharged and less pressured to create than I did previously.
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 far as my origin story goes, the two primary ways I found my calling to be an artist were through the solidarity of being an only child and familial nurture (considering the maternal side of my family is artistic). As far as my artistic career, I look forward to being a full-time artist after receiving my bachelor’s degree at Rhodes College and getting my master’s in studio art. In the meantime, I am in the process of launching my own website to sell prints of my work and to slowly take on more commissions than I have previously while also balancing schoolwork and extracurriculars. What I love the most about being an artist is the feeling of being in control of what I can create and even having the opportunity to sometimes allow my subconscious to decide the trajectory of my art pieces. One last thing I love about being an artist is that it is not a static profession. I can be a full-time artist by selling my own art/brand while also tattooing on the side for example.
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?
I would say the three qualities that led me to success were: consistency, patience, and acceptance. The quality that is still the most impactful I would say is consistency. Without this skill, I wouldn’t even have had the desire to reach continuity in my journey and reach the stage I have today. Consistency is also a skill I will continue to sharpen so I can become even more successful than I am now. For individuals who are beginning to indulge in the arts, I would say patience, in the beginning, is vital because there will be many pieces that do not meet up to your expectations. After you build that patience to allow yourself to keep trying, you will progress into the skill of consistency which not only aids in building your physical skill but your conceptual voice as well. Lastly, after building the patience to practice and making that practice habitually consistent, you will learn to accept it and build confidence. Even more so, you will accept that you are a work in progress, and no matter how skillful or successful you become, there is always room for improvement.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing I would say my parents have done for me in this journey is simply allowing me to find myself without forcing passions or professions onto me. Not only have they given me the freedom to carve myself as an artist, which has been pivotal to my own growth, but their presence and support have been very important as well. Attending my art shows, vendor events, etc. has given me the nourishment that I need to go on, and that just surpasses their support for me in my artistic journey, but my journey as a human being in this world. They have always been there since day one, and I will eternally be grateful for that and continue to make them proud.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chacassoo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082840055259
- Other: tiktok.com/@chacassooo
