We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Colibri a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Colibri , appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
The first time I knew I was going to be an Artist professionally was in the winter of 2019.
I’d been an Artist since I was a baby, had trained in Art, and even had great success instructing Art. But I didn’t KNOW I what I was destined for until that moment.
I had recently separated from my husband and was settling into my new life. A friend of mine and fellow Artist managed to drag me out occasionally to showcase my Art. Up until then I didn’t consider myself a “Fine” Artist so I never took it seriously.
He’d heard about a weekly meeting where Artists could sell work. He knew about my financial hardships and encouraged me to come. “Your stuff is FIRE!” He exclaimed. “IT’LL SELL FASHO!”
So reluctantly I went.
We entered a Coney Island restaurant that was packed wall to wall with collectors, artists waiting to show work, and the founders upfront ready to “ring the bell” on you. “TWO PIECES, TWO MINUTES!” He shouted as each artist nervously displayed work in front of the audience.
The feeling was so exciting. I’d never seen anything like it.
I didn’t show anything that night but I left knowing I would be hosting this!
I attended regularly… showing my work, meeting artists, and arguing with collectors. It was so raw. Eventually one of the founders coined me and Art “Star”! I felt it was appropriate.
By the spring, we were shut down by the pandemic and as fate would have it, I got the call. “Colibri, can you host”. For the next 18 months I would host the weekly virtual meeting along with a fellow member.
During that time I introduced a format that gave artists and collectors a more intimate look at the process. It also gave me access to platforms I wouldn’t have thought to explore prior.
Since this venture I’ve participated in many art shows, I’ve organized creative events, I curate artwork for other businesses, and even co-host my own weekly show interviewing Artists from around the world. I’m even helping to plan an Art Festival for next year.
In 3 years I’ve gone from art being a hobby to it being a lucrative career. Im grateful for the opportunity to inspire others. I owe it all to God for lighting my path and connecting me to the right people.
Colibri , 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?
I create, sell, and distribute The Arts and Creative programming.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2019 Sinai Grace Hospital security beat me up, broke my hand, and attempted to cover it up by falsifying reports.
From July of 2019 to December of 2019, I spent that time recovering and fighting for my freedom during the trial.
God and Art is what kept me from breaking down.
Knowing the enemy was trying to keep me down only catapulted me into my career further.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to show the importance of The Arts in a society.
To do my part in using the healing properties that Art has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DanahanArts.com
- Instagram: Colibri_the_Artist
- Facebook: Get Down and Dirty Talking Art
- Youtube: Get Down and Dirty Talking Art
Image Credits
Jeff Canselosi Glenn Kujansuu