We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nashelle “Nash” Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nashelle “Nash”, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I have been blessed with two parents who encourage my artistic endeavors. I was that kid who would drag the entire family into the garage and hand out playbills for a play I had made up that day. Each time, my parents gladly entered into my creative world.

Not only did my parents entertain my creativity, but they knew when not to push me too hard. For example, when I started learning piano, at some point I lost interest. My parents, with no question allowed me to end my lessons. Although today, I kind of wished they had pushed me to continue piano. However, I’m also thankful I’m not a professional pianist who holds resentment against my parents for pushing me too hard.

Having parents that allowed me to pursue a degree in an art field is a privilege I never knew existed. I didn’t have to become a doctor (I would like to note that I love doctors and thank you for your service, it just ain’t for me). I could pursue my love for cinema. And to this day they constantly share their support and belief in me in every art form I pursue. My parents are my safe space for my art. I know they’ll be proud of anything I do, because it’s something that brings me joy. They are my biggest cheerleaders, and for that I am thankful everyday to have parents like them.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a local Vista artist who cannot stick to one art form. And I find that I am better off that way. I find joy in photography, videography, singing, songwriting, drawing, writing and more.

My profession is Videography/Cinematography and Photography. However, I have a passion for a variety of art forms, including singing/songwriting, drawing, writing and more.

Photography always came naturally to me. I first started taking photos on a gophone in high school. While in high school, I took a photography class. There, I had access to a DSLR camera which only made me more passionate about photography. I went on to use a Canon 80D up until 2024 where I was finally able to update my camera to a Sony A7iv. I am thankful to have a variety of clients, my favorite being the more artsy projects.

Videography/Cinematography was less of a passion at first, and more of a “fake it ’til you make it” skill I acquired when first starting a job at a marketing company. As time went on, I started to appreciate the skill and beauty of videography. Now, it is one of the art forms I crave. I’m thankful for a profession that most times does not feel like a job.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I want to share impactful, resonating, and beautiful art. The art I create is first and foremost for myself, then for my community. Some may find that selfish, but I find it necessary. To me, for art there must be a balance of giving to oneself and giving to others. You can argue that everything we do and say is a service to ourselves. But I digress.

Art has always been a free resource for self expression. I want to heal myself and others with my art. I want to make people laugh, cry, reminisce, dance, sing, etc.

I want to grow within my art and provide a safe space for those who are venturing out in the art world. I want my art to prove that art is accessible to all.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When in college, a mentor once said “You make this place work for you.” And from there, I discovered the beauty of making not just school, but life work for me. I realized that an abundance of resources are available for me if I simply ask, and seek them out.

A lot of artists don’t realize there are communities out there who are rooting for you. There are venues who want to showcase local artists. There are locals who are readily available and eager to teach you their craft. There are grants that are looking for the perfect candidate. One of your friends desperately wants to work with you, but is also too anxious to ask. Opportunities are closer in reach than they may seem. Sometimes you just need the courage to step up and request it. Manifesting and prayer can only do so much if you’re not also providing the work.

With all these resources at hand, it is important to also respect where those resources are sourced. We must treat our communities with respect. A functional community thrives on recycling acts of love. That is why I aim to try to give back with my art in any kind of way I can.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nashellebrown/ https://www.instagram.com/visualsbynash/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbynash
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nashelle-brown-59a647123/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/nashvillin?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVE7s0gwOWZpf22DBa1WmPg
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6R5Z726FyiHjzCa4tcONhY?si=DSg6tQpVSrK7xLjpec8kzA
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nashelle/1715877460

Image Credits
All “@s” are Instagram handles 1. Ed Alvarez (@samanthasucksrocks) 2. Photo by me. Pictured: Tori (@r4tl4dy) 3. Photo by Atlas ( withloveatlas) 4. Photo by Keshaun (thebandwinnabego) 5. N/A pitctured: Dyson Desoto (@dysondesoto) 6. Photo by Alora (@whoisalora) picutred: Patton Road (@pattonroad.music) 7. N/A 8. Photo by me. Pictured: Mina Fox (@minnanohime)