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

Claudia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The story behind my mission is my journey as an artist. On that journey every change in my work has been a direct reflection of the influences around me.

My journey has been a long one, although it has only been within the last four years that I have been able to devote my life exclusively to art. For many years, I worked as a full time graphic designer, but always made time to paint. In 2004, my painting went into a completely new direction breaking away from representational landscapes to a more personal expression.

Nature has always been the source of my inspiration. Being in nature gives me a feeling of calmness and connection. Every day while walking my dogs I feel serene yet energized by the subtle changes in season and weather. Recently, I started collecting non-traditional tools for mark making, such as branches, pinecones, bark, etc. My recent work is done on large sheets of paper, 48 inches by 10 feet using found objects in nature as a vehicle for expression, instead of the brush.

I seek and strive for the spirit of nature’s complexity—its variety within the intricacies of detail, texture and its overlapping forms in layers. My work is process based and explores dualities within the natural world; the ethereal yet concrete, contrast of opposing forms, and control vs. spontaneity. Depth and a distinction between layers guide the viewer through the passageway into my work. I find this new series using natural objects for mark making enlivening. My philosophy for making art is to continue grow, evolve, and be open to new ideas and to be true to my vision.

Claudia, 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?

My mom would take me to visit the Art Institute in Chicago. My favorite painting was Georgia O’Keefe’s “Sky Above Clouds”. As a child I judged art by how realistic it looked. This painting is not representational and I didn’t understand abstract art, but on some level I knew that it signified something deeper than representation. It evoked memory, sensations, and feelings within me. For me, this painting was about memory—the memory of bitter cold winter days walking home from school when the sun was just beginning to lower in the sky and the air was so dry and crisp that when you walked on the snow it made a crunching sound. I think that is what great art does, it evokes memories and sensations. I aspire to awaken and sharpen the perception of nature in an abstract form that is evocative.

I am most proud of raising two amazing daughters on my own. It wasn’t always easy juggling responsibilities and finding time to make art. I look back on those years as being the most rewarding in my life.

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

Being an artist requires one to have resilience. You must be your own coach and critic. It’s all about doing the work, day after day, after day, and of course, there is no guarantee of success. It is difficult dealing with rejection, and as an artist there is a lot of rejection to face, but the rejection also helps with focus and finding your niche in art world. My philosophy is that you have to love what you are doing and have faith that your work.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I am forever seeking resources for the improvement of body, mind, and soul. The study of spiritually and neuroscience are very important to me. I have listened to all the lectures on YouTube by Neville Goddard and have read some of his books. He was an intelligent and enlightened soul, yet is not well-known. Neuroscience fascinates me. Over the past 20 years, there is so much new information on the science of the mind. If we don’t train our mind, our minds will train us. My belief is that success begins with the power of using your mind in a deliberate way that requires constant vigilance. This brings to mind Dr. Joe Dispense who healed himself using the power of his mind. I also have listened to his videos and have read his books.

Contact Info:

• Website: claudiacappelle.com
• Instagram: claudiacappelleart