We recently connected with Elana Casey and have shared our conversation below.
Elana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today 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.
Taking a risk. I was in middle school. My brothers had both gotten into catholic High School. And, it was my turn to continue the tradition. The all girls catholic high school. I didn’t consider where I might want to go to high school, I just knew that was where I was supposed to go. I remember going through the interview process and the principal telling me that there will be no Prince Charming to save you. I had to be dependent on my self and my merit. I ultimately applied, but didn’t get in.
This was unheard of it. How could I have missed the mark? I was option less and looking in the face of my neighborhood school. My mom’s friend had suggested I apply to Duke Ellington School of the Arts. They were doing auditions in the closer to the spring at that time. I walked up to the sign and read that it was a blue ribbon school. Immediately the doubt crept in. “I can’t get in here, this is a blue ribbon school!” I had no idea what that meant, other than it was award winning. But, I decided to continue walking.
Waiting for my turn to be interviewed and to draw my still life, I saw a girl with a plethora of canvases. I felt intimidated. “Oh, that’s what they want.” But, when I was asked to draw a still life, I immediately looked over and see other drawings. I realize mine has merit and that it’s good. I’m elated to see that other people can draw as well as I can. I entertained that for a moment, that maybe I would be accepted here. I even introduced myself to my neighbor excited that we both had this skillset.
That summer, I found out that I was accepted into the Visual Arts department. A risk turned reward, changed the trajectory of my life. It gave me the confidence and the skill to move throughout the professional art world today.
Elana, 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?
What type of products/services/creative works you provide.
I create mixed media artworks, primarily abstract and portraits on panel. However, I also create digital mixed media works and sculptures. I use imagery like rhinestones, plants, mosaic tiles, glitter, and other material objects to create abstract and figurative mixed media collages in the form of paintings, printmaking, digital prints, and sculptures.
What problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others.
My work answers the following questions, What happens when I find god in myself and love her fiercely? How can I find pride and power in my heritage? How do I love everything that I am? How can I inspire you to do the same?
what problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others.
What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.
I am most proud of my career. The places I have been, the things I have done and shown. I like that it is recorded and archived. I want potential clients to know that my work is not only an investment in me, but the people I depict. It is an investment in their cultural histories and power. The goal of my work is to become cultural artifacts that act as altars, artifacts, or places of remembrance for the people depicted.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I originally thought that I had to go and get all of my resources and connections. I would do cold calls, I would make introductions. I would be very headfirst, here’s my work come look at it. But, the art industry, each year I learn more and more is a in person industry. Cold calls work. Sure. But, people are more likely to want to work with you when they see your face. It is a huge referral industry. If they can remember that you are pleasant and personable they will invite you for more opportunities. In my experience, the best way to approach meeting someone or introductions is always, offering them lunch or coffee. It’s even better when someone makes an introduction for you.
This industry is centered on word of mouth and that type of support.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is reflecting my subjects back to them. I get to show them just how special they are to me. I think that is the most rewarding part.
Contact Info:
- Website: ashaelanacasey.com
- Instagram: ashaelanacasey
Image Credits
I have credit to post all of the artwork.