Meet Charlisa Montrope

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Charlisa Montrope. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Charlisa below.

Hi Charlisa, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I attribute my strong work ethic to a combination of factors. On the surface, my upbringing played a significant role. Growing up, I observed my mom’s dedication to her work and learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, and commitment. She instilled in me the value of giving my best effort in everything I do. My work ethic is also deeply rooted in a combination of passion, discipline, and a commitment to growth. As an artist, I find inspiration in the world around me, in the stories untold, and in the emotions waiting to be expressed. This passion serves as a driving force, propelling me to dedicate time and energy to my craft.

Discipline plays a crucial role in my work ethic. I’ve learned that consistency is key to artistic development. Setting aside dedicated time for my art, adhering to a schedule, and pushing through challenges have become habits that contribute to the quality and evolution of my work.

Moreover, my work ethic is shaped by a continuous commitment to personal and artistic growth. I am constantly seeking new techniques, experimenting with different mediums, and challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone. This drive to evolve as an artist motivates me to put in the effort required for meaningful and impactful creations. I also draw inspiration from the great artists who came before me and those working alongside me today. Observing their dedication and the legacy they’ve created inspires me to contribute my unique voice to the artistic narrative.

Ultimately, my work ethic reflects my genuine love for the creative process. Whether it’s the quiet moments of inspiration or the challenging phases of artistic exploration, I embrace it all with enthusiasm. It’s this intrinsic motivation that fuels my work ethic and keeps me committed to the journey of self-expression through art

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?
I was born in Castries, St. Lucia and I live and work in Miami, Florida. I received my Master of Fine Arts in printmaking from The University of Miami, 2022. My work employs various printmaking techniques to build culturally specific imagery through map-making that reference my family’s immigration from St. Lucia to Miami, Florida. I seek to create a hybrid visual language combining traditional and digital methodologies in contemporary printmaking, heavily layering color, and form through collage techniques. Selected Solo exhibitions include Manmay Lakay: MFA Exhibition, University of Miami Gallery, Miami, Florida (2022) and Charlisa Montrope: An exhibition of paintings and print, The Copper Door B&B, Miami, Florida (2019), selected group exhibitions include Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, An Elegy to Rosewood (2023), Lowe Art Museum, Banned: An Interactive Lucy St. Project (2023), MIFA Gallery, Revolt of Guts (2023). Montrope received a Residency at MIFA Gallery (2023), Keyholder Residency at IS Projects, Miami, Florida (2022) and Residency at Remarque Print Workshop, Albuquerque, New Mexico (2022) and work is in various private collections throughout Florida, Maryland, and New Jersey. In addition to my professional art career I am also a high school art teacher.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my artistic journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful: perseverance, adaptability, and a continuous pursuit of learning.

Perseverance has been a cornerstone of my journey. The art world is filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. What kept me going was the ability to persevere through difficult times. My advice to those early in their journey is to develop resilience. Understand that challenges are a natural part of any creative pursuit. Embrace setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Keep pushing forward and remember that every obstacle is a steppingstone toward improvement.

The art landscape is dynamic, and trends evolve. Being adaptable has allowed me to navigate changes, experiment with new styles, and stay relevant. For those starting their journey, my advice is to remain open-minded and flexible. Don’t be afraid to explore different mediums, techniques, or themes. Adaptability fosters artistic growth and helps you discover your unique voice. Embrace change as an ally in your creative evolution.

The pursuit of knowledge has been a constant in my artistic journey. Whether it’s learning new artistic techniques, understanding art history, or staying updated on contemporary trends, a commitment to continuous learning has enriched my work. To those at the beginning of their journey, I recommend being voracious learners. Attend workshops, explore online resources, and engage with the work of other artists. The more you learn, the more diverse your toolkit becomes, allowing you to express yourself in increasingly nuanced ways.

In summary, my journey has been shaped by perseverance in the face of challenges, adaptability to embrace change, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. For emerging artists, my advice is to cultivate resilience, stay adaptable to evolving trends, and never cease learning. Embrace the journey with curiosity and tenacity and remember that each step forward is a step toward artistic mastery.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
One of the most significant contributions my parents made to my development is their unwavering support for my pursuits. Early in my college journey, faced with uncertainty about my major, my mother played a pivotal role by suggesting art as my chosen path. This decision has profoundly shaped my trajectory, and I am grateful for her insight.

Beyond that initial choice, my parents have consistently championed every creative endeavor and professional pathway I’ve explored, including my passions for art, cosmetology, and tattooing. Their commitment extends beyond moral support; they invest in each new skill I cultivate and in any newfound interest I decide to pursue. Their steadfast encouragement and financial backing have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, enabling me to explore a diverse range of creative outlets.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of

Productivity
Beating Burnout

Often the key to having massive impact is the ability to keep going when others

Leadership Development
Finding Your Why

Not knowing why you are going wherever it is that you are going sounds silly,