Interview

Czelesea Neal

Memphis

A Memphis artist turning healing into color, one custom canvas at a time.

In their words

Creating art provides me with an emotional outlet and a safe space to express my feelings positively. It allows me to escape the daily routine and fully immerse myself in a flow state where only my ideas matter.

It has been the most fulfilling way for me to reconnect with myself and my inner child.

01 · On home

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Memphis, TN
02 · On creativity

What does “being creative” mean to you?

When I think of creativity, I think of freedom. To be creative is to express yourself unapologetically without the fear of judgment. I also believe creativity gives you the space to be authentic and let your ideas flow.
03 · On becoming

Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating was something you absolutely had to do?

I was in a very dark place in my life, and all I wanted to do was heal. I had my spiritual practices, but I still felt something was missing. That is when I decided to express everything I was feeling, one design at a time. I used the color schemes in my artwork as an emotional foundation for each piece, which restored my happiness and gave me drive. Every design I created healed something within me.
“ To be creative is to express yourself unapologetically without the fear of judgment. ”
04 · On favorites

What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever created?

My favorite art piece is my "I’m Still Going" canvas. Creating this piece felt like liberation. I have fought through several obstacles, and whenever the thought of giving up tried to consume me, I realized I had the power to fight back and conquer every challenge. Through this process, I evolved.
05 · On meaning

What are you trying to communicate with your art?

I would like my art to be viewed not only as beautiful, but also as an inspirational reminder to view life through a positive lens and be bold about who you are.
06 · On what's next

Which creative medium would you love to pursue but haven’t yet?

I would love to pursue woodwork in the future. I enjoy working with my hands just as much as I do creating digital art.
07 · On advice

What’s the best advice you ever had about how to be more creative?

The best advice I have received as an artist is to keep an open mind. I have a very unique style and was initially afraid that people might not gravitate toward it, but staying open-minded allows me to keep creating freely.