We recently connected with Charde’ Brown and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Charde’, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I am extremely happy and grateful to have artistic ability and have the opportunity share my creations with others. I actually lost my job of four years at the end of the year right before Christmas. I am a single mother and have a 6-year-old daughter who I provide for. All I had to depend on was my art.

The 1st of the new year started off with both my daughter and I committing our lives to Christ and getting baptized. But shortly after, I no longer had a car to drive. Typically, I am one to stress, especially being a single mother of my six-year-old daughter and having bills to pay. However, my faith in Christ and knowing all things work out in his will is, brings me comfort and allows me to be patient. And I took advantage of the time I had to be more intentional with my art.

I had the opportunity of showcasing some of my new work at the Bainbridge Island Art Museum for a “Black and Bougie” art exhibit in January of this year. I created this huge piece on a 36×48 canvas specifically for this exhibit and this also so happened to be my first piece created for the year of 2024. And on opening night, my piece was sold!

Since then, I don’t think I have ever wondered about working a regular job like I did before. The corporate word was toxic and unenjoyable. I fully believe every experience, whether good or bad, is a blessing in disguise and always works in your favor.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Charde’ Brown and I am based out of Auburn Washington. I am an emerging self-taught artist who works primarily with acrylic paint, mixed media, and soft/oil pastels. I consider my art to fit in the genre of conceptual art while adding my own personal flare of visual expression. My work serves as a medium of self- expression, and an outlet to explore inhibitions and the depths of emotions, ideations, and past experiences that my audience is able to relate to.

Art has always been present in my life since I was young, but I really got into art to help cope the extreme highs and lows of manic-depressive disorder as well as suicidal ideations that I have battled with as a young adult. Art became a safe haven for me to express what I wasn’t able to verbally say out loud, whether it be how I was feeling or speak up about needing help. A way to let go of the buildup of trauma and put on canvas. It made me feel I had purpose, and essentially saved my life. I strive to creatively bring to life my internal struggles with mental health and trauma in a tangible way. My work serves as both a medium of expression and a form of therapy.

I have evolved as an artist taken many interests into different forms of visual art, figurative, neo expressionism and such as through nudity. I have always had a love for dance and have had the pleasure of partaking in Jr. high and Highschool. I fell in love with the emotions provoked through movement of one’s body. This has been my inspiration behind my nude art. I also strive to depict empowerment and body positivity within my art, showing many forms of a womans natural body features.

My work serves as a medium of self- expression, and an outlet to explore inhibitions and the depths of emotions and ideation. My art serves as an escape from societal stigma and resonate with my audience through my own past experiences.

I feel what sets me apart from others is that my art is raw and unadulterated. I create what I want on hard topics, such as struggles with mental health and past trauma. I am proud that my style and how it has evolved over time and that I have had the opportunity to showcase my artwork in both museums and art galleries. I am mostly proud at how my art positively impacts others and that they can relate it to their own experiences.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Before starting my art journey, I struggled with a lot of mental health challenges after having my child and resulted in having a mental breakdown. I turned to art as a form of therapy and to visually express emotions I was unable to voice to people. In 2009, due to domestic violence I experienced in a past relationship, I attempted to commit suicide by overdose and was almost successful. Choosing art was my way of choosing to continue life and not give up on myself. Five years later, I am proud to say that I have taken steps to manage my mental health and start my healing journey.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I would like to eventually own my own art gallery and showcase my personal work. As well as provide a space for emerging and experienced artists to showcase their artwork.

Contact Info:

• Website: mirrorsofmelaningalleries.com
• Instagram: mirrors.of.melanin
• Facebook: Char De’_Da Artist