We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chanda Hopkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Chanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I accidentally fell into the arts business. I was living in Staten Island and was completely broke and needed money. My roommate said “Why don’t you sell those things you make.” I was shocked at the suggestion and asked if she thought anyone would buy them. She said yes, and there just so happened to be a fair going on that day on the boardwalk near our place, so I decided to try. I took a little wooden folding TV tray table and went out to try and sell the thing I had made. I was so scared, so I set up my little table on the edge of the fair. I wasn’t sure if I was allowed to be there, but I needed the money, so I stayed and I am so glad I did. All day long people kept coming up and were so excited to see my stuff. They kept calling me an artist and saying how much they liked my work. Someone that day told me that I had “real art” and should go to the city to sell it, so the next day I went to Times Square. I sold four “:things that I had made” and while there someone told me, no, this is “cool art” you need to be where the students are, so the next day I went to Astor Place and after being well received and selling more of my miniature collages, someone there, said “No, you are in the wrong place. This is “Real Art” you need to go to Soho. I had heard of SoHo, but didn’t know anything about it. The next day I went. Back then, hundreds of artists would line the streets of SoHo and sell their art. I was shocked when I got over there and saw all these people and beautiful artwork. There were artists everywhere! I had been a little scared to go out amongst the “real artists” of SoHo, so I didn’t get there until 1pm. All the spots were taken except one. I began to set up and before I could even get fully set up, this man came running at me from across the street. He was running full speed and yelling at the top of his lungs. It took me a second to realize that I was the intended target for his wrath. He said that was his spot and that I had to move and he was trying to physically intimidate me and scare me off. I didn’t know the rules of the art game or selling art on the street in SoHo, but I knew enough to know that no one can save a spot until 1pm on a sidewalk. So I stood my ground and said sorry, not moving. It’s 1 o’clock and you can’t expect a spot on the street to stay open for you. You don’t own the sidewalk. So he continued to yell and said he was going to get the police and because of his yelling one was already coming up right behind him. The spectacle of it all made some other artists come from across the street. They told the guy that he was wrong and then offered to make room for me on their side of the street. I, having been scared to even go out there in the first place was a bit in shock, so I took them up on their offer, just to get away from the crazy guy. Looking back I can only thank him. I ended up selling next to those guys for a couple of years. It was in that spot I spent the weekends showing and selling my art, laughing with fellow artists and having some of the best experiences of my life. I met so many people. People from around the world would come there to buy art and in between prospects I would talk with my fellow artists about everything under the sun, life, love, politics, the economy, the city pretty much everything. I had celebrities come up and talk about my art. I had people critique my work in front of me as if I wasn’t there. I had people gush over my work and promise to always cherish the piece that they bought. I got to see children come up and look so intensely at the pieces that drew them in, and I got offered my first gallery show while standing out there. It was a crash course in life and humanity. How did I come up with idea was the original question. My answer is I came up with ideas based on the experiences I was having. When I was making those things at home, I was going through a breakup, so some of my work was on themes of love. The conversations and debates I had out there on West Broadway in SoHo, would give me things to think about and ponder and those thoughts would inevitably come out in what I created. When 9/11 happened, many of the things I made around that time had to do with the tragedy. So to answer your question completely I didn’t fully come up with an idea of “I am going to be an artist”, I just already was and didn’t know it. I fell into the business of it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I pour my heart into not just painting, but also crafting one-of-a-kind clothing pieces that are true works of art. From designing and creating textiles to sewing and photographing them, each garment is a blend of creativity and craftsmanship.
My art is about more than what meets the eye—it’s about connection and expression. Whether it’s a bold painting that sparks conversation or a wearable piece of art that makes you feel truly unique, I aim to create something that resonates with your spirit.
If you’re searching for pieces that speak to your soul and bring joy to your everyday, I invite you to explore my latest collection.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being an artist, is the connections I have made through my art. It’s put me into all kinds of rooms that I never would have been in otherwise. It’s let me see more of humanity. I thought I had already seen a lot of humanity, being a military brat; but being an artist has exposed me to lives and worlds that I could not have imagined. I have met people from all walks of life. I have seen people cry over my art. People have told me the stories of their lives, their secrets, their fears and dreams all while looking at my art. My art has opened doors for me. When I show it, it gives people permission to come and have a conversation with me. I cherish the connections and friendships that have been started because of my art.

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?

People who aren’t in creative fields often wonder why I do it. They question if it’s worth the struggle, and why I don’t opt for a regular job. My answer is simple: I’ve tried that route. I spent so much time applying for ‘regular jobs,’ especially when times were tough, but I never got hired. Instead, opportunities in the creative realm would unexpectedly open up — like a makeup artist gig, a commissioned family portrait, or selling a painting. The creative world kept making space for me, even when I resisted it. It’s daunting to put yourself out there and dive into the unknown. Initially, I craved the security of a 9-5 job, but that world didn’t embrace me. Now, I see it as a blessing, realizing how ill-suited I am for that environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chandahopkinsartistry.com
• Instagram: @chandahopkinsphotography , @chandahopkinsartist
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNrArmZSIY2wFAtgNZU5Iqg
• Other: https://about.me/chandahopkins