I am Chelsea. I am a daughter, a mother, a wife and a friend. Jesus Christ influences my heart and my life. I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. I like to quote eighties movies and commercials in my daily life, I sing loudly to songs on the radio and when the weather is warm, I like to initiate random water gun fights with my family and friends. I strive to be the best I can be, but… I spill sugar on the counter every morning while trying to “doctor” my coffee, I cry at Hallmark commercials…every time and I get frustrated when I cannot get around a slow driver who decides being in the fast lane is the a good idea.
What does this have to do with art? Everything. Everything I am, all that I feel, think and believe finds itself in my art. To understand my work is to understand me and all I am is human. I have no “Wonder Woman” super hero powers or “Bill Gates” fame and success. I am Chelsea Carver. I am human. I am an artist. Artistry is very rewarding, but it is also tough. I struggle just like everyone else. I am only beginning this artistic journey.
Really, I think this journey was being planned all of my life. I always loved creating art. I WAS marginally good at drawing “flip books” in the margins of the books I was SUPPOSED to be reading in school, but I would definitely not label myself a child prodigy. I was more of what one might call an avid “doodler”. I might even go as far as calling myself a “hobby artist” at best, but boy did I have a passion.
It wasn’t until my twenties, after I had been to college and started a family, that I started feeling a tugging on my heart to pursue a degree in art. At that time in life, I met an amazing sculptress, Tracy Sugg, who encouraged me to pursue art when I majorly lacked confidence in my abilities. After much prayer and support from my parents and friends, I mustered up the courage to march right into my first interview for art school WITHOUT a portfolio. Portfolio? I did not even know what a portfolio was (FYI: it’s a collection of art one displays to interested viewers…you’re SUPPOSED to have one upon entering art school). And, so, there I was, a twenty-something-year old woman interviewing for placement in art school without a portfolio….but I had my 5th grade sketchbook…the one with the doodles. It was literally the only thing I had to show the school. I do not know if it was my passion or my willingness to learn, but somehow I was accepted to art school AND with a scholarship!
Has it been easy since then? Of course not, silly rabbit (that’s from the Trix commercials). If everything in life came easily, we would never appreciate the easy blissful moments in life. I’ve had to do much praying along the way. It’s how I am able to be where I am today…starting this artistic journey. If you would like to come with me, you are welcome. Stay tuned to this scooby channel to take part in the adventure!