Meet Kalichi Lamar

We were lucky to catch up with Kalichi Lamar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kalichi, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose after having multiple experiences with grief and loss from a young age. My father was diagnosed and passed away from Pancreatic cancer when I was 15 years old. A few years after his passing, my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. My 20’s consisted of being a caregiver while I studied full-time in college. I was focused on graduating to help my family, but after working in administration for almost five years, I was feeling unfulfilled. I continued having a sense that I was meant to do something different and help others.

From a young age, I was creative and expressed myself for enjoyment, but when I experienced grief and loss, I used my artistic expression as a coping mechanism. I reflected on these memories when I was feeling unfulfilled and began to wonder, “What if I could help others who are experiencing illness, grief, or loss through creativity?” This reflection motivated me to take the leap and pursue graduate studies where I earned an M.S. and M.A. degree in Psychology and Arts in Medicine (also known as Arts for Health & Wellness).

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

From a young age, I have always been a creative soul with a connection to nature that is uniquely tied to my birth name – Kalichi, which is Indigenous for “fountain of the high mountain.” I was born in Borikén (Puerto Rico), where the beginnings of my childhood were surrounded by mountains and having a deep affinity for the ocean. These aspects, along with my Indigenous roots and experiencing illness in my family are reflected in my artwork and creative wellness practice.

As an artist, I run a small online shop where I create woodburnings and laser cut/engraved pieces for the home and sacred spaces. Each piece created is a representation of repurposing and alchemizing nature – a connection to Indigenous roots. I want viewers and collectors of my work to be inspired to examine their own relationship to earth and cultivate ways to connect with their own roots, nature and spirit.

As a healing arts practitioner, I provide creative wellness sessions for individuals facing grief, loss, or illness. I provide sessions that combine creativity and nature into a symbiotic relationship that promotes self-reflection, expression, mindfulness, and flow. Creative expression is engaged through the lens of Indigenous community healing and honoring the entire person – mind, body, spirit, and their connection to land and community.

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?

The three qualities that were most impactful for my journey were:

1. Time for self-care
2. Starting small
3. Creating with passion

As an artist and healing arts practitioner, I try to carve out time for self-care. This usually involves taking a walk in nature, visiting the beach or local farm. When I am unable to make time, I try to incorporate a mindfulness practice within the space I work in. This includes turning on instrumental music, tending my plants, lighting candles or incense, and letting natural light in. This creates a setting for inspiration, whether I am creating or providing a service for a client. For anyone starting their journey, try to make time for self-care or create a self-care routine as part of your work.

Before I honed in on my pyrography and creative wellness practice, I started small. I practiced different mediums with an economical kit, and dedicated time in healthcare facilities working with different populations. After a few years and during the height of the pandemic, I focused on my pyrography and participated with a cancer center that provided virtual, Arts for Health sessions. Once I had a focus of the type of art I wanted to create and the type of clients I wanted to work with, I was able to focus on building my online shop and creative wellness practice. My advice for those beginning a new venture is to start small and gain experience before narrowing your focus. However, if you are already passionate about a focus, my risk-taker spirit would say “Go for it!”

My last advice is to do what you do with passion. As an artist, when I stumbled upon pyrography I felt the internal spark. That spark triggered my inspiration and for the first time, I knew what it felt like to create from the soul. As a healing arts practitioner, I already knew I wanted to work with cancer patients and individuals facing grief or loss. As a result of my past experiences, I was able to pour my empathy and care into everyone I worked with. For anyone out there, do what you do with passion. If you cannot turn your passion into a career, volunteer your time. Some of the most profound moments in my career was through volunteer work. Make sure to feed your soul.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Rather than just one, I have a handful of books/quotes that have played a role in my personal and professional development. Each quote is a reminder of my purpose as an artist and healing arts practitioner. It is a reminder to not be afraid of the path taken; to stay grounded with earth and take care of myself so I can serve others. It is a reciprocal relationship between my work and nature. That reciprocity inspires what I create and allows me to honor my roots and pour into my community. I hope you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom below.

“At the deepest level, the creative process and the healing process arise from a single source. When you are an artist, you are a healer.” – Rachel Naomi Remen

“The river needs to take the risk of entering the ocean, because only then will fear disappear. Because that’s where the river will know it’s not about disappearing into the ocean, but of becoming the ocean.” – Collected Works of Kahlil Gibran

“We are all healers.” – Earth and Spirit: Medicinal Plants and Healing Lore from Puerto Rico

“Give thanks for what you have been given. Give a gift, in reciprocity for what you have taken. Sustain the ones who sustain you and the earth will last forever.”
-Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants

“Wellness is directly related to balance and harmony and the demonstration of care and compassion for one’s self and one’s community.” – Decolonizing Trauma Work: Indigenous Stories and Strategies

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kolibriembers.com | www.raizcreativewellness.com
• Instagram: @kolibriembers | @raizcreativewellness

Image Credits

Kalichi Lamar