Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aelisha Cade. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Aelisha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I’ve been drawing and doodling since I was a child. It was always something I enjoyed but rarely something I saw anyone around me using for profit. Whenever I saw professional artwork, it was in a textbook or a museum or on television. However, anytime I saw artwork in the hands of anyone I knew, it was in a sketchbook or a folder that a select few were allowed to see. The role of a working professional artist seemed esoteric and unattainable. It wasn’t until recent years that I’ve seen an evolution in the way we view and access art. There are new platforms arising and growing and there seems to be a higher demand for art than ever before. In this new art renaissance, I now see a place for what God has given me. I’ve been perfecting my craft behind the scenes and it’s time to share it.
Aelisha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Sure, I’ll share a bit about what I’d call my “art philosophy.” I see art as a wonderful vehicle for expression. There is something so surreal about creating artwork with your own hands and seeing it form before you. I especially feel this way about portraits. When I draw a human face and choose the colors for their eyes and their skin and hair, it always reminds of the biblical creation story in Genesis. I think of God doing the same with His own unique materials and I feel a connection. When people see portraits, they look for themselves and it’s been a joy to me to watch someone see themselves in something I’ve made and connect with it to the point of purchasing it. One unique thing about my work is the media I use. In addition to beads, glitter, sequins, and even organic material like moss or feathers, I render most of my subjects with Crayola crayons. I’ve seen a few jaws drop when I tell potential buyers and art collectors. I love to transform and elevate the use of seemingly common things. Most people have the idea that crayons are for kids and coloring books, but I’ve found they can do so much more and I love to use them. As you can imagine, I have become a crayon connoisseur and I’m always on the hunt for new packs. I desire in the near future to collaborate with Crayola to design a crayon line just for artists.
I’ve recently launched my website and I’m currently in preparation for commission work. I’m excited about creating personal portraits for clients using my unique style and I’m grateful to God that the demand is growing.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One thing I’m currently unlearning is the idea that I need to do things the way I see others do them in order to succeed. In recent years, I’d become very analytical and I’d pick things apart, study trends, pour over YouTube videos and whatever else I could looking for patterns for success. This process was mentally exhausting. There were often contradictions with one creative saying “do it this way” and another saying the complete opposite. I’ve since forsaken this path instead relying on what comes organically and what is in line with authenticity. If a move doesn’t resonate with my spirit and it feels untrue or extraneous, I abandon it. I’m not saying that there aren’t tried and true ways that have been tested and that work. I’m just saying that there are so many new trends and ideas popping up in this Information Age that may have nothing to do with my path. I believe there’s a specific path for me and a trajectory for my art and I want to remain as true to that as possible.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
One thing I find interesting is that there are people who consider themselves “non-creative” in the first place. Everyone has the capacity to create. However, some have nurtured this ability more than others. We live in a world that places value on skills like math or reading and as a result, if someone struggles in these areas there are tutors and teachers and make up classes to correct this. However, if an adult says, “Girl, I don’t have a creative bone in my body. I can’t even draw a stick person.” we laugh it off because it is acceptable in society. You could learn to draw and be exceptional at any age. It was in my final year in college after 3 drawing classes that I began drawing at the level I do now, but it did take discipline and patience and we tend to only give that much effort to things we deem necessary. I am not complaining about this at all though because it keeps artists in demand. I will happily draw your stick figure for you and you will happily pay me to do it. Thank you so much!
Contact Info:
- Website: artbyarcade.com
- Instagram: aelisha_cade
- Other: My company name is Art by A.R.CADE.
Image Credits
AelishaCreates Elizabeth Cade Tiffany Cade