Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cassandra sue Chavez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cassandra sue, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Crocheting, I have been doing since I was 10, but it was not until a few years ago that I began to share my craft. It all began when I had crochet myself a pair of sunflower earrings, and although I thought nothing of it, something happened. Folks out in public kept stopping me to ask about my teji-aretes, or crochet earrings, and to be honest, at the time, the mere thought of me sharing my artwork made me extremely nervous. But I kept thinking about it- this idea of sharing my craft. After some time, I gathered the courage to allow others to see my artwork, and I began to post my craft on social media. That has to be the biggest risk I have taken on this creative journey, allowing myself and my crochet the vulnerability to be seen.

Cassandra sue, 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?

I create crochet items, but I actually can’t follow or read crochet patterns. Due to, all crochet knowledge I carry has been passed to me in oral form from a family member. Crochet is an artform that runs through my family, as it does in many others, and often times, our traditions are not written down, they are taught through one-on-one sessions. So all stitches within my work were either taught to me or they are my own invented pattern. I love this about fiber art, it can be molded and shaped in so many different ways. One of my favorite things to do is “yarn bomb” items, it serves as an artistic challenge for me that I truly enjoy doing.

The thing I am most proud of is that I allowed myself the space to create. On this creative journey, it has brought me eye to eye with parts of myself I did not realize existed, and pushed me wayyy out of my comfort zone to do things I would have never dreamed I’d do. This did not happen overnight, and it did not happen solely based upon me. Those who surround me in this moment in time have played a huge part in my growth as an artist.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Something I had to unlearn is that there are “rules” in art, there isn’t. I began crocheting at 10 with a teeny tiny hook, but I noticed most crochet I saw weather it was online or in crochet magazines, it was a different size hook and there was a certain “look” to it. So I switched my thin hook to a thicker one, and even changed the color yarn I used. One day, I picked up my tiny hook again, and the string I had learned to crochet with in the brightest of colors, and began to create. It was then that I realized that my thinking there was “rules” to art that held me back.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of my creative journey is the connections and conversations along the way. I value the folks I’ve come in contact with, and look forward to being in spaces with other creatives. I really think that one of the reasons I continue to pop-up is because it’s inspiring to listen to other creatives stories, ideas, and future goals, and learn as to how I can support them as well.

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