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

Alright, Chris thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

It was back in 2016 when I decided to finally take the leap of faith. At almost every job I’ve ever had, there would always be that one coworker who would ask what I was doing there. They would say things like, “You could be working for Disney!” I have heard that one so many times. I guess I never had the courage or belief in myself to take that chance. At my last full-time job, I think I was just really miserable. It just felt like something was missing. I’m really big on trying, because you never know until you try. I took a chance in myself and it ended up paying off.

Chris, 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?

So, I have been creating art for all of my life. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always known that I wanted to have a career in the arts. I didn’t know what it would look like, but I knew who I was and who I wanted to be already at a young age. Being from Tallahassee, FL, we didn’t really have a big arts scene/community. I didn’t have much exposure to the visual arts other than in books. I didn’t go to an art museum or gallery for the first time until I was an adult. After moving to Jacksonville, FL and seeing artists who looked like me doing what I dreamed of doing, I knew it was possible for me. My work mostly consists of portraiture. I have always loved creating images of people in my work, especially people who look like me. I’m really big on representation in art and want to do my part to change what we see when we walk into higher institutions of art. I remember going to museums and galleries and not seeing any art that looked like me or that told my story. It’s what fueled the art that I create today.

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

I would have to say, being an example for future generations. One of my favorite things to do, is to speak to young people in schools around the country. I feel it’s important for them to see me and my work. Growing up, I couldn’t name one Black artist. I think about how knowing about Black artist at a young age may have impacted my career. When you see someone who looks like you, from the same place as you, and comes from a similar background, it makes that dream all the more possible for you.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Simply, I was just myself. I never wanted to have one of those pages where all you see is art and have to soft through hundreds of pictures before yiu even see who the artist is. I wanted my followers to know that I am a real person and not just some art making machine. I share pictures of myself, my family, books I’m reading, and my art outings. I think by giving the viewers a piece of me, it makes me more real and relatable. I’ve been on social media for a long time, since the beginning of many platforms. Being true to who I am, my authentic self, has always worked for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @cooli_ras_art
• Facebook: @cooli_ras_art
• Twitter: @cooli_ras_art

Image Credits
Taken by me.