We were lucky to catch up with Cholly Cunningham recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Cholly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
As a creative and visual artist, I’ve always been passionate about creating art. When I became interested in botany, I realized this was another avenue where I could create.
Over the past year and a half I’ve been volunteering at my community garden. It has been an enlightening and heartwarming experience to say the least. Over time I have gained immense knowledge and have made amazing connections, which I’m truly grateful for.
As a volunteer, I was made aware of the possibility of acquiring my own gardening plot. This definitely was exciting news. For months I read numerous books, and watched hours of informational and tutorial gardening videos. I did as much as I could to prepare for when my opportunity arrived.
In March 2023 my time came, I was awarded second pick of all the available plots due to my consistent volunteering efforts, I was elated. For the past 6 months, I’ve dedicated myself to a meaningful project: crafting representation as a Black Queer Non-binary Gardener. This journey has revolved around designing and building my very own edible garden, named “Ba Sing Gay Gardenz.”
Inside my garden I’ve been working on growing over 10 different crops ranging from tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, okra, zucchini, potatoes, squash, beans, carrots, and broccoli to name a few. I already see how my experience with gardening has spilled over into other areas of my life. As I tackle obstacles while gardening, it has helped to sharpen my strategic and creative thinking. Hearing the sounds of nature, feeling the earth in my hands and watching how my plants respond to me is a visceral experience. I am extremely grounded and centered when moving about my garden I do my best to integrate this in my day to day life.
My mission in creating Ba Sing Gay Gardenz is to cultivate connection, crops and mindfulness. I believe being connected to the land and learning what it can do for yourself and the community is invaluable. This project has meant a lot to me. I’m thankful to be in a position within my community where I can learn and grow creatively and personally.
Cholly, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Cholly Cunningham is a Buffalo, New York native and alumni of College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI, where they focused on Video Production and Photography.
In 2012 Cholly established their visual art freelance company “Unicorn Borne Productions” specializing in Video Production, Photography, Illustration and Design.
Cholly creates personal multimedia visual art as an expression of their perspective on life. Their artwork is vibrant, honest, explorative, and direct. Presenting joy, truth, and provoking thought is what Unicorn Borne is all about.
Cunningham’s ability to be creatively flexible, has given them comprehensive experience in multimedia production and has afforded Cholly, the opportunity to consistently provide creative input.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I can confidently state that my creative journey is primarily fueled by my thirst for knowledge. My life’s purpose and my artistic craft revolve around absorbing as much information as possible, implementing, and evolving. It’s when I follow this path that I truly feel rewarded.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Personally, the most fulfilling part of being an artist lies in presenting my creative works to the world and witnessing how they resonate with the audience, regardless of the emotions or thoughts they evoke. If I can provoke contemplation, it brings me satisfaction.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.unicornborne.com
- Instagram: @ba.sing.gaygardenz
- Youtube: @unicorn_borne
- Other: Instagram: @unicorn_borne