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

Chasely, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.

I am a huge risk taker. Someone who acts and asks questions later, especially as a creative. Coming from a religious background, going to college at a private college, and constantly being told no I can’t create art how I want to create art; I started deviating from the rules, creating what I wanted to create and making my own rules. Though nude art has been shown for thousands of years, in the present, it is frowned upon to show. Well what do I do? Create nude art. I make art that makes those who tell me no uncomfortable.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Chasely Kade Matmanivong. I am a recent graduate of West Texas A&M with my Masters in Fine Arts (2023). I am just starting out in the art industry though I have done quite a bit for the communities I have resided in. Though I like to call myself a “jack-of-all-trades”, I am disciplined in painting and photography. I have had the great pleasure in working with cyanotypes, which has become my specialty and what I am known for in the art community. I have also recently gotten into cyanotyping up-cycled clothing. I have also done private photoshoots for clients. I think what sets me apart from the rest is cyanotype. When you walk into a gallery, this type of photography is not seen. Though clique, I am most proud of how open minded I am, rebellious to the industry, and free-spirited. I want clients to know, that what you want is possible. There is close to nothing I cant do for clients, followers, fans, etc. I will say, I have my own style and I am proud that I do not deviate from my style of art. As of right now, I am hyper focused on working on cyanotyping and perfecting my craft, from there the sky is the limit.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Both universities I went to had a large religious presence that restricted what I was able to make art about as well as how the art looked. There could be little to no nudity, themes had to be reviewed, and even art pieces I did were declined or had to be reviewed by a committee. Because of that, I created controversial pieces of art that had nudity and themes that were hard for many to discuss.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think that society just needs to accept art as a whole. I feel that there is still alot of pushback on the artworld that I am apart of. I feel that I am apart of an underworld of artists that have yet to get their shot. I do not want to have to die in order to get my recognition. Though I have just started in this massive world, I want to be able to have some type of name for myself. And; I feel that social media helps alot with this situation. I am old fashioned and like to make connections in person, but I love that Instagram has helped me grow a base of supporters.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @arts.by.her
• Facebook: Chasely Matmanivong

Image Credits
All Images are from myself