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

Alright, Celene thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I am an artist AND I’ve always had what would be considered a “regular job”. Like many creatives, I have several passions and skills. Each professional role I have had was, and is, always rooted in creativity.

I am the happiest when I am fulfilling my personal mission: connection. I think that most, if not all, challenges in this world stem from a lack of empathy and intimacy. When we inspire connection, we help contribute to a solution.

Being an artist at my core helps me accomplish this with people from all walks of life. From working corporate to being a visual artist, I have been able to use my creative muscles to both nurture the potential of people and the potential of paint on a canvas.

Celene, 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?

I’m a second-generation Mexican-American with roots firmly planted in the hot as hell and vibrant landscapes of Arizona. My values are community, courage and creativity. My family is my heart, and my drive comes from their love. I’m a multi-hyphenate individual and wear many hats with pride.

I am an artist who works commonly with traditional mediums like painting on a canvas or marker to paper. I sometimes like to dabble in digital and graphic art when I’m feeling particularly adventurous. My work has been described as something between “minimal surrealism” and “sarcastic & cartoony”. I like to explore themes of femininity, death, fear, and strength.

I also thrive in the realm of business and “people development” which complements my creative side. This fusion of creativity and business acumen gives me a knack for using my passion and drive to turn ideas into tangible, impactful ventures to help inspire others.

Art has always been second nature to me. I can’t really pinpoint a moment where I started creating, but I do remember when inspiration hit to really pursue my creativity during art class electives in middle and high school. I had some really great teachers who exposed us to creatives like Frida Kahlo and Francisco Goya. I was taught how these artists were able to embrace the dualities of their identity to leave indelible marks on the ever-evolving canvas of not just their own existence, but of humanity’s. I wanted to live a life where I did the same.

In my early twenties, I worked at a library where I assumed the role of being the go-to for all things art and creativity. I had the privilege of creating safe spaces for people of all ages in my community so they could explore their artistic abilities and use their expression to achieve emotional catharsis.

I later got my first position in the corporate world as a facilitator. I had many skilled mentors and countless hours of self-development and education that provided me with the tools I needed to help people succeed. After a few years I promoted into Leadership and Organizational Development, where I found that my abilities were useful in inspiring success and change on a larger scale. I am proud of the folks I had the privilege of mentoring in all aspects of my life.

I began to create my artistic work under the oeuvre “QuantumCasual” during the pandemic. I feel like a lot of us went through a spiritual reckoning during that period. I went through several personal challenges surrounding death and major life changes. During this time, I learned not to take things too personally, protect and nurture all things that were rooted in love, and make damn sure to embrace all things that made me feel fulfilled.

I want to encourage connection through my work. My art is sarcastic and humorous at face value, which I hope reminds people to have fun amidst the entropy and uncertainty of life. I also want to use what I have learned from my corporate experience to help other creatives maximize their potential.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

We should foster an inclusive environment that celebrates different perspectives. That means doing what we can to help provide resources and opportunities to creatives from all backgrounds. This can also look like supporting local artists and galleries for all your creative needs, embracing art that you like by facilitating meaningful dialogue with your friends and family, and letting artists know when their work has made an impact on you!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Here are a few resources I have sworn by to help me understand my authenticity and purpose as an artist as well as advice on marketing, technique and strategy:

The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander

The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga

The Daily Stoic Podcast by Ryan Holiday

Unlocking Us Podcast by Brene Brown

Happy D. Artist Youtube Vlogs

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

Contact Info:

• Website: www.quantumcasual.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quantumcasual/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quantumcasual/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celenearvizu

Image Credits
Lucas Walker (Skywalkerfoto) and Douglas Daily Dispatch