Starting September 1, I stepped into what might be one of the most important periods of growth in my creative career.

I will be starting two opportunities this month — both of which encourage significant growth in how I create and share my work. One opportunity will be announced in a few days, so I’ll talk about that more in my blog and my next newsletter.

But in June of this year, I was selected for the C3 Lab Public Arts Fellowship—an 18-month collaborative fellowship with accomplished visual artist and friend, Monique Luck.

When speaking of public art, we’re not just talking about murals, but large-scale, dimensional artwork. Below are some examples of amazing public art in Charlotte and beyond:

During this fellowship, I will be trained in new skills, work with new materials, and pushing myself well outside my comfort zone. What really excites me is that I will be trained and given resources to create work that is bigger, more dimensional, more technically ambitious, and more impressive than what I’ve been equipped to make before. I’m excited to see where collaboration pushes my work, and what becomes possible for me, when I have the training, tools, resources, and experience to elevate my work.

The thing that feels most empowering is that this fellowship encourages and supports taking risks.

I’m excited to share the process with you: what I learn, what I make, experiments that work, experiments that don’t, new capabilities, new opportunities, and ultimately, the public work Monique and I create together.

These opportunities are amazing, but they require something significant from me: TIME.

While I will continue to build my business, I need to protect the time and mental energy necessary to fully take advantage of this opportunity I’ve earned.

This means I need support.

Public art can easily require tens of thousands of dollars and months or years to design, fabricate, and install. Patron support, sponsorship, and partnership have always been part of how artists create ambitious work that isn’t necessarily justified by a single purchase.

Over the coming months, Monique and I will be seeking out sponsors, collectors, partners, patrons, grant funding, and other forms of financial support—not only to protect our time, but eventually to fund the public work itself and find homes for the works we create.

To begin, I’m releasing LIFT, an art drop of 100 5”x7” original works of art.

LIFT is exactly what the name suggests: a way to help get this next chapter off the ground while receiving something I made in return.

If you’ve collected my work, followed what I’ve been building, opened an email, attended a show, or simply thought, “CHD:WCK! makes cool $#@!” I’m inviting you to be part of the beginning of this chapter.

VIEW THE WORK:
[GALLERY LINK]

LIFT:
https://chdwck.bigcartel.com/product/lift

Purchasing work might not be how you’d like to participate, but if you’re interested in supporting in another way, please reach out. You may want to be a patron , provide access to materials or resources, make an introduction to your network, or partner to be a place where public art can live. It’s all welcome!

I don’t know everything these 18 months will produce—the possibilities are exciting! But I do know that during the next 18 months, I will:

Learn. Make. Collaborate. Experiment. Document. Build.

And I will come out on the other side capable of doing things I can only dream of today.

To follow along on this journey, you can find us here: https://www.chdwck.com/c3-lab-paf

Overall, July was a really positive month. Not because everything worked out, but because almost everything taught me something. The challenges were the challenges that come with striving to do something new or better. Whether it was the garden, or opening my new studio, July reminded me that growth is usually less about getting immediate results and more about becoming the person who keeps showing up.

I think I'm past the honeymoon phase of gardening. I’m still enjoying it, but now I'm meeting the reality of pests, disease, and inconsistent harvests. It hasn’t made me less excited about my garden. I’m still experiencing the joy of caring for something daily, learning something new, harvesting fruits, and sharing what I reap. But I find myself falling more in love with the work - not just the dream. I’m getting my fall garden ready as we speak.

Proof of Work was successful — just not in the ways I expected. As I prepared for the studio opening, I realized my reality didn’t support what I had initially imagined. At first, that was a little disappointing. But eventually I realized it was giving me something better: the opportunity to be present with what I’ve accomplished over more than 15 years of creating and sharing art.

What mattered as much as the event itself was everything it required me to do in preparation. I organized old artwork, built new display and storage solutions, and tackled projects I’d been putting off for months.

Conversations with those who attended gave me clarity I couldn’t have found working alone in my studio. Watching people engage with each other, spend time with my work, and purchase pieces was deeply rewarding. It showed me what resonated and gave me a much clearer sense of how to refine future studio activations.

I’m not going to make this a long post (of course I will), but I wanted to share a few of the realizations or much needed reminders that hit heavy in July, and I hope they’ll help you and I navigate August with joy, clarity, and a bit of ease.

Realization #1: Do what you can with what you have. Action will reveal the next step. This month reminded me that clarity rarely comes before action—it usually comes because of it. Taking action puts me in position to see what doesn’t work and adjust. In gardening I have to adjust to pests, drought, unsuccessful fruit. The lessons and the work deepen my connection to my garden. The same with opening my studio. The event didn't unfold exactly as I imagined, but preparing for it forced me to do things I was putting off, and gave me unexpected realizations. Neither experience gave me all the answers, but both revealed the next step. That's starting to feel like enough.

Realization #2: Most of what I need will come from what I have already done. Not what I need to do.
Lately I've been thinking about gratitude less as appreciation and more as stewardship. I often assume success is about doing more. Sometimes it's about finally making better use of what I already have.

Realization #3: It’s the small things.
It’s ridiculous how much small things can improve your life - a bookshelf, free set casters, a word at the right time.

Realization #4: Ask for what you need. Everything you desire, someone is throwing away.
This month I was reminded how reluctant many of us are to ask for help or resources.
However, some of the things that have made the biggest difference in my life—a garden space, casters for my bookshelves, even certain opportunities—came simply because I asked. Often, what we need exists in someone’s surplus — maybe even their waste. The hard part isn't finding it. The hard part is asking.

Realization #5: Every great thing I desire is on the other side of a decision.
Not a choice. Not choosing between available options. But deciding — cutting off options and committing myself to a course of action.

Realization #6: I believe nothing is harder than doing something consistently. So once I’ve made a decision, the work is to make it easy to be consistent.
Goals don’t need to be overwhelming. Consistency compounds into impressiveness. Willpower and discipline are valuable. And I’m learning it’s better to make decisions that will limit my need for them. Remove friction. Leave things set up. Lower the barrier to getting started. And whenever possible, find the enjoyable approach to the task. I'm way more likely to show up when I enjoy the process than when I'm trying to force myself through it.

Sidenote: One decision I made in July was that my studio shouldn’t only be where I make work—it should also be where people gather to make things, think together, and reconnect with their creativity.

Because of that, I’ll be opening the studio more often for activations and creative events. If you’d like to know when the next one is happening, follow my Eventbrite page. There, you will be notified about upcoming workshops, studio gatherings, and other experiments.

Realization #7: Surrender. It isn’t giving up. It's locking in on what you can control.
Over the last few months, I’ve realized that many of the things I’ve been battling have very little to do with me. I can’t control pests in the garden, if or when someone buys a piece of art, or whether an opportunity arrives when I think it should. I can’t force timing, and I can’t manufacture outcomes.

The things that seem to work in my life are the things I can do consistently and with relative ease. The rewards almost never arrive on my schedule. More often, they show up as surprises—opportunities that grow out of work I’ve already done, relationships I’ve already built, or seeds I planted and nourished.

Whenever I try to force an outcome, I usually end up disappointed. But when I surrender the outcome and commit to the process, I find myself paying attention to the only part that was ever mine to begin with.

That’s how I want to move through August.

Container Farming Has Hijacked My Life

In May of this year, I decided to try container farming. I started with two buckets, intending to reach 8 by the end of the season. But growing things had something else is mind. Planting, nourishing, and watching things grow gives me intense pleasure. And it provides so many lessons that are aligned with my life and creative work. My garden teaches me about the value of consistency. Plants are very responsive to care, and my garden proves that even if the harvest is weeks or months away, consistent care is appreciated. I’m reminded that consistently is more important than difficulty.

It gives me reminders about leveraging instant and delayed gratification. In the beginning, tomatoes sprout and grow a lot slower than cucumbers. While I waited for tomatoes to break ground, cucumbers gave me small wins that would bring me back daily. And I’d water everything.

Don’t be precious. Plant a lot of seeds. See what happens. Not everything germinates. But you can start a lot, and edit as you see what’s thriving.

What started as 2 buckets became 18 in two weeks. By the end of this week, I'll be at 25 with cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, black beans, okra — and a few days ago, I planted watermelon.

My garden feels like maturity. As it grows, I can see other things in my life growing at the same time.

Proof Of Work: A Studio Invite

I've wanted a studio large enough to host events for years. In March of this year, I moved into a 400 sq. ft. space at Morningstar Storage with beautiful natural light and enough open room to host a small event. On July 19th, from 12-8pm, I invite you to my new studio as I share access to my inspiration, my process, and some work that hasn’t been seen before.

The invite is free to attend, but I ask that you register if you are going to come.

I am also offering a Collector’s Pass ticket that includes limited edition merchandise, and a free art piece.

There is also a Patron Pass for those wanting to support an artist’s ability to take risks, follow their inspiration, and provide opportunities to do work that engages the community.

One Email Has Changed The Next Two years

“Congratulations! You have been chosen by the selection committee to be part of the 2026-2028 C3Lab Public Arts Fellowship!”

Growth sometimes looks like opportunities that arrive in unexpected ways. In the middle of April, Monique Luck reached out and asked if I’d be interested in applying with her for a collaborative opportunity. I had to jump on this! A month later, via email, we received the above response that will change the trajectory of our work for the next 18 months—and beyond!

This 18-month, studio-based program is designed for artists ready to expand into large-scale, 3-D public artwork. This fellowship is structured to encourage collaboration and real-world project experience from concept through installation.

Monique and I will share a studio space at LoSo Studios, and receive hands-on training in digital modeling and construction drawings, materials and structural literacy, community engagement and placemaking strategy, art business & professional practice, and much more. The program culminates in the design, fabrication, and installation of a permanent, public artwork.

I’m incredibly grateful that Monique reached out to collaborate with me. Even more, I’m grateful that we got selected for this career shifting opportunity. This education and experience will open up so many new possibilities for my work, and I’m excited to see what our combined skills and imaginations create over the next year and a half.

Working With “The Young Youth”

Before I leave, I want to share one more way growth shows in different forms.

For the past three weeks, I had the opportunity to facilitate a Mixed Media class for 75 middle school students through the ST-ARTS program hosted by Winthrop University. The program provides an elevated creative experience for students interested in Visual Arts, Dance, Theatre, and Music.

One of the reasons I enjoy working with young people is that they’re so uninhibited in their sense of wonder and imagination. Watching them experiment, take creative risks, and surprise themselves always reminds me that keeping a sense of wonder, curiosity, and even whimsy is not childish, but even more important as adults.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. And I look forward to sharing what I got from in the coming weeks on my blog.

Something I’m excited about:

Last Sunday, while talking with my brother about gratitude, I said: “There’s a version of the life I want that I can have today.” My dream is to have several acres of land, a small farm, a huge studio, and a tiny home. But today, I don’t even have a backyard. For years,I’ve watched videos about growing plants in buckets, but last week I thought, surely someone would let me… (more)

Another Thing I’m Excited About:

I was honored when my dear friend, Michael Maxwell asked me to help him organize an exhibition of his images from his recent trip to Cuba. With so many amazing images, he could easily put together several shows, but with this opportunity to show at Myers Park United Methodist Church, he wanted to title the show, Seen With Care: Photographs of Life, Resilience, and Presence In Cuba. We selected images that really give a feel for the richness of culture and people in this place. Michael has an uncanny ability to see the light in people, and use his camera to connect with strangers, even if they don’t speak the same language.
Come out Wednesday, May 20th, and you will absolutely love seeing how he experienced this beautiful and complex country.

Myers Park United Methodist Church
Hope Gallery, May 20th, 6pm-8pm
1501 Queens Rd.
Charlotte, NC

Thought I’m Pondering:

We’re often encouraged to list things we’re grateful for. But as I consider some ways in which my life is lacking, I’m reminded that gratitude isn’t just an acknowledging of what I have, or the ways I’m fortunate. It’s really about living a life that demonstrates that I value what I have, or the ways I’m fortunate.
If my actions don’t reflect care, good stewardship, and treating what I have like it matters, then my feeling of gratitude might be incomplete. And I’ll finding myself wondering why… (more).

Something that Challenged Me:

It’s interesting to think how technology changes us, and shapes us in ways we’re not even aware of — especially if the technology existed before we were born. A friend shared this, and the simple, profound implications of it blew my mind.

A Prompt For You:

What’s a version of the life you aspire to, that you can live today?

Subscribe now

Something I’ve been thinking about:
If you’re like me, you’re probably guilty of incorrectly imagining that you don’t have a story that people need to hear. Yes, you show up to life everyday. But your day to day is mundane, and no one needs to hear your story. Your opinion on this matter is factually incorrect. Here’s why.

What I’ve been up to:
I was in NYC this week, and had a great time. I have a lot to process, and some I’ve already started sharing. I’ll be posting more throughout the week.
If you want to see what some of what I was up to, check out Proof of Life.

Let’s connect:
Charlotte Shout, the “city’s annual celebration of Charlotte’s art, culture, and community” has begun, and on April 18, I’ll be in First Ward park, doing artsy shit with my artsy friends. Painting a 4’ x 8’ mural as part of Edge Fest. I’m excited about my design, and I’ll also have prints available if you come through.

A Question for you:
If the only person who cared what you were doing was you, what would you be doing?

Tomorrow I will have completed my 46th trip around the sun.

If you forgot to get me something, a birthday gift of $2 will make my day great!
Venmo: @chdwckart
Ca$hApp: $chdwckart
Zelle: info@chdwck.com

And maybe you don’t celebrate birthdays. I understand. Thanks for being here. I still want to share some things I’m learning, doing, and excited about!

Some Things I’m Learning:

• Great things come from small seeds - If you’ve been here for a while, you’ve heard my mantra, “Do One Small Thing Consistently, Watch Something Big Happen”. In the last few years I’ve seen it to be true in so many ways in my life. It’s aligned with ideas like The Compound Effect — but living it is the hard part.

  Because most of the time, it feels like you’re doing work and seeing no results. I’ll call it “watering the dirt”.

  When you plant a seed, it takes weeks for anything to break the surface of the soil, but everyday, we have to show up and nourish that seed, trusting that a lot of real work is happening in the dark. The seed is opening. Roots are forming. A foundation is being built. We’re building a habit. We’re getting more skilled. We’re creating momentum.

  The hardest thing is staying encouraged, knowing (not believing) that the work we're doing is already having significant results that we can’t see.

• Not everything that is gold glitters - I still underestimate how much I have to offer that doesn’t have to be tied to money. Lately, I’ve realized that I often easily offer perspective or inspiration that others need.
  Ladara McKinnon, recently hired me to be one of the artists facilitating a series of workshops under the theme of “Unleash Your Creativity”. The workshops are short - about an hour and fifteen minutes — but people have found the workshops engaging, and been surprised by how quickly simple exercises help them get unstuck.
  I’m enjoying this, and it’s something I want to expand—offering more of these experiences once this series wraps up.

Some New Things I’m Excited About

• Upgraded studio - My previous studio space was very large, but broken into smaller rooms - which limited what I was able to do in the space. Now I have an open 400 sq. ft. space, filled by natural light, and plenty of room to both create and host people. I’m excited to start hosting creative activations there—and to invite you into the space. I’ll share photos once it’s set up the way I envision it.
  If you’d like to visit, send me a message.

• Recruiting Reubens - For centuries, art and science have been supported by governments and patrons. Not because everything produces immediate returns, but because not everything valuable can be measured by a bottom line.

  Art is absolutely subjective —but that doesn’t make it less valuable.
  

  In my career as an artist, many have supported in that same spirit. It has helped me realize that some of the most valuable parts of my work aren’t the finished pieces. A lot of the value lives in the lessons, the risks, and the inspiration along the way. Those things aren’t easily sold—but they can be supported.

  Some of you already supporting my work in this way—like those subscribed to the paid version of this newsletter. It means a lot to know that you believe in what I’m building enough to support it as it’s happening.
  

  I’m working on meaningful ways to honor that support—and to show how it extends beyond me, and into the community.

  If you’ve ever wanted to how to support what I’m building—not just the outcomes, but the process, you can learn more here:

  https://www.chdwck.com/patron

Birthday Goals

Stepping into this new year, I am understanding that I really have everything I need to get what I want.

• I will find more ways to do small things consistently.

• I will nourish small beginnings - let seeds germinate, and roots anchor.

• I will close unfinished chapters - stop allowing discouragement or distractions from achieving my potential.

• I will continue to be do more of what works, and be less distracted by what doesn’t.

I am seeing more clearly that worthwhile things usually fall into one of two categories:
- Simple, but hard to do consistently.
- Complex, but easy once understood

• I will stop making life harder and more complicated than necessary.

Accountability

There is something I’ve been wanting to write about, so I’ll make this my public commitment. In next newsletter, I’ll share it.

Topic: I promise your story is more important than you think! What is your story? And why does it matter?

Tell Me something

• What’s been making you feel stuck lately?

• Is there a pattern or trap you keep falling into?

Don’t let setbacks discourage you. Give yourself permission to thrive.
Nourish the good things in your life. I promise, something is taking root.

Where I’m Showing Work

Lately I’ve been trying to get away from what feels like a lot of distraction and noise. Last month, I deleted my Instagram for a bit — not as a statement, but because I wanted something slower and more real. It helped me realize I need to be more intentional about how I share my work with the people who appreciate it. For that reason, I’m opening a few slots for guests to visit my studio. If you’re interested in seeing see what I’m working on, what’s inspiring me, and how things come together, I’d love to have you. You can sign up here.

Something I’m Building

I want my website, chdwck.com, to be the center of my creative world — a place to talk about what shapes my work, share process and lessons, and make the work available to those who want to live with it. I’m excited to keep building it and see what it becomes.

A Thought I’ve Been Sitting With

One of the main ways I’ve gotten in my own way is because I believe good things can’t be that easy. And I dismissed my hard work because I mistook enjoyment for a lack of effort. Showing up consistently is the hardest thing you’ll ever do, and if you’re willing to show up consistently, you deserve the reward.

A Question for You

What’s one way you could let success be easier?

I really appreciate this space. It feels intentional. If you’re reading this, it means you subscribed to my newsletter and clicked on this, so you actually care what I have to say. Attention is valuable currency, and it means a lot that people care enough to stay connected to what I’m doing. That’s not something I want to waste.

Social media exhausts me. I find it addictive. I internalize things that have nothing to do with me. I’m bombarded with opinions—from friends, strangers, and bots—that I didn’t need to know. Somewhere in all that noise, I lose my signal. I have to fight the algorithm gods just to be seen by people who already follow me. And what they show me is mostly from people I don’t follow. Go figure!

Mid-January, I decided to delete my personal page. Not just take a break. Not just log off. I chose to truly be unavailable in that space. And just the thought of deleting it was terrifying.

I could lose everything—6,500 followers, many of whom could easily forget me. I mean, social media is media. 3 billion people are actively in that space. Do I need it to communicate? If I’m not on social media, will people care enough to follow me where I go? How will I communicate what I’m doing, if not there? How will I keep up with what others are doing?

These last three weeks have felt both lightening and enlightening. I don’t think I’m quite ready to lose the page completely (I believe I have until February 11 to log back in before it’s permanently deleted). I originally planned to return on February 1, but honestly, I’m enjoying the bandwidth that comes from not being in that space. It’s also making me realize I have a lot of work to do if I want to stay connected to people in genuine, satisfying ways. I do intend to come back, but if I continue using that platform, I want to do so with clarity and intention. While I’m away, I’m documenting my thoughts, feelings, and lessons—and I’ll share more in the next newsletter.

I just wanted to check in and let you know that I’m still here. I may seem invisible, but I’m not gone. I really appreciate this space. Thank you for caring, for reading, and for being here with me.

Do One Small Thing Consistently, Watch Something Big Happen

I believe starting (see: the law of inertia) and consistency, are the hardest parts of just about anything we take on. So a little over a year ago, I decided to see what would happen if I showed up and repeated a simple process consistently for 100 days. This experiment become a defining point of inspiration — for me and for others. Sharing the practice eventually led to my first solo art show. Do One Small Thing Consistently, Watch Something Big Happen, is no longer an idea. It is a way of life!

Be Bored More

I believe we are overstimulated. I know I am. In 2025, the algorithm gods made their presence felt. So much of what I engage is designed to hold my attention, and promote someone else’s agenda. But why does it deserve my focus? I’m actually most effective and creative when I’m not overstimulated — when my brain is relaxed, and I have space to sit with my thoughts, feelings, ideas, and things that actually relate to my life.

Do Less. Do More of it. Do It Better.

I often find myself feeling overwhelmed—by what I want to do, by what others want me to do, and by an endless supply of ideas and side quests. Most of these have little to do with the outcomes I actually want. Most of these things are distractions, or obligations that serve others but don’t serve me. This year, I’m choosing to do less, by being more selective about what matters. I will do more of that. And I will do it better.

Allow Life To Be Easy (it doesn’t need you to make it hard)

Imagine how much better life could be if my choices—how I behave, where I spend my time, and who I spend it with—supported clarity, alignment, ease, and energy.

Lead with Excitement

I find that when I’m excited about something, that excitement tends to be contagious. And it usually leads to my biggest opportunities. But because I hate feeling disappointed, I often shut down my excitement before it gets a chance to do its work. This year, I want to pay closer attention to what lights me up, spend more time doing those things, and make sure I share those things with you!

What are you looking to do in 2026? I look forward to hearing from you!

Humans don’t like change. Understandably. A common theme in my own life, and in conversations with others, is frustration with how things are changing. We see political landscapes shift, technologies advance, neighborhoods transform, friends move, kids grow older. It’s unsettling, and we cling to the familiar. But the familiar has limits. When a plant outgrows its container, its root system becomes a dense, tangled mass, limiting its ability to take in water and nutrients — preventing further growth. In a similar way, clinging to the familiar tangles our roots, limiting the very growth we want to protect.

The plant image made me wonder about my own life. If everything around me is always shifting and evolving, why am I so slow to make big changes? They would definitely push me into the unfamiliar, but making significant changes — learning new skills, finding excitement in exploring things that intimidate me, taking bold risks — would absolutely push me into a fuller version of myself!

It reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend in my early twenties. We were talking about his decision to do something I considered particularly bold. He pointed out the many shifts that were happening around him, and said “I just figured, change while everything else is changing.” That take always stuck with me.

Now, coming off some amazing experiences — my first solo show, two successful artist talks, and a circle friends who are stretching themselves and accomplishing incredible things, I feel it’s time to disrupt some things. It’s time to bet on myself, and seek out a bigger pot.

Something I’m Excited About:

I figured doing one small thing consistently would lead to something big. I didn’t imagine that thing would be my first solo show! The progress I documented from my 100 Day Project last year, led Cabarrus Arts Council to reach out and invite me to share my work. Join me on August 23rd, as I share the work from that series, and how “Doing One Small Thing Consistently…” has been helping me, and inspiring others.
Details for the show are here. I hope you’ll be able to attend!

Podcast I re-listened to:

This podcast interview from 2015 was my introduction to Derek Sivers, and his unconventional way of looking at things has changed my worldview. I decided to re-listen this week, and made a point to share it with friends, who also reported that they really enjoyed it. It’s a longform interview, but full of actionable takeaways — I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

My First “Date”:

Looking to woo my creativity, I’m taking the advice of Julia Cameron in her book, The Artist’s Way, and taking myself on weekly Artist Dates. Here I share my first one.

Most Recent Mural:

Crescent Communities brought me back out to Colorado to do a second mural at Novel Uptown — luxury lifestyle apartments in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood. Here are a few pics from that project!

So Many Feelings

A lot of great things have been happening lately, and a lot of transition. Even though I would say most things are going well, my life is evolving, and I’m having to learn to recalibrate as I step out of my comfort zone, and into a lot of newness! I really haven’t found the words to express all that I’ve been feelings lately. I’m thankful for the support I receive as I work to become a better version of myself. Thank you for supporting my creativity!

“You wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down.”
—Toni Morrison, Song of Solomon

When I consume the news, I realize that—for better or worse—I am listening to the narratives others are creating for my life. People are making policies, I’m being told how these policies will affect my life, even how I’m supposed to feel about those policies.

That’s why I think it’s so easy to become overwhelmed, disheartened, even depressed when taking in the news. We’re being reminded that others are trying to create our reality—and in many ways, we let them. We find ourselves increasingly dependent on systems, institutions, and tools that weren’t designed to serve us, or are being arranged to harm us.

I think we also too often ignore the ways in which they are not creating our reality—the choices we can and do make that allow us to be less dependent on those systems and give us the power to create a reality more aligned with our values.

I recently read a book called The Man Who Quit Money (I hope to make time to do a proper book report). A great read! It was interesting—not because I want to "quit money" or live without it—but because it reminded me of something important:
Not living by the framework others create for us requires us to choose the framework by which we thrive. We have to determine the principles, convictions, and rules that will shape our lives and guide our decisions.

At the same time I was reading this book, I found out a good friend—who I knew was selling her home to explore living abroad—had actually given away or sold most of her belongings. When we met up shortly before the closing on the house, she said, “Everything I own is packed in the SUV.”

What freedom! I honestly can’t think of anything someone I know has done that feels more exciting! And terrifying!
Because living life on your terms requires us to make unconventional decisions. And making unconventional decisions creates unconventional challenges! Unknown challenges that will have to be solved as they are discovered.

I don’t think forging your own path is easy. I don’t think it’s easier than living with the options others create for us. But I do think it’s the better way.

That made me think of another quote I recently heard that resonated deeply:

“Creativity isn't just about art.
It's about seeing solutions where others see problems.”

It prompted a question:
What happens if I fully embrace my creativity?
What would my life look like if creativity were the foundation—not just of my art, but of my entire life? What if I choose the rules and principles by which I will thrive and suffer in this life? What if my creativity determined how I handle challenges and move through the world?

This is a huge question—and a huge challenge. I think it’s broader than I can even grasp in this moment. For the next 3 months, I’m going to explore this question more intentionally. I want to live creatively—on purpose—and see what I learn.

I’ll be sharing this journey via my newsletter, and probably some other spaces. I hope you’ll follow along.

I feel like I’ve been missing in this space. I know I have been, but I’m not sure if you noticed.

These last few weeks, I’ve been learning, exploring, and trying new things, but also feeling a bit overwhelmed by the work I need to do. I’m working on organizing my thoughts, and simplifying the ways I share what I’m working on.

Social media is fine, but it isn’t really built for me to be able to share myself and my work in a way that has substance. I can’t share everything I want. I can’t format work certain ways. Everything has to be designed to please the algorithm gods. Thank you for just opening this message because it’s in your inbox.

I am using Instagram to “do one small thing consistently”, and that is helping me develop my “consistency” habit. And I am appreciative of that.

This newsletter will be short, but I just want to share some things I’m excited about:

I have work in two amazing shows.
Dark & Divine at the McColl Center, which opened last week, but will be up through may! If you’re in Charlotte, NC, please check it out, as I have a lot of work in there that I haven’t displayed in the past.

I also have work in a show in Greensboro, NC. Analogue Dreams features several artists sharing work in a format that celebrates work created by hand in a world that is very digital. Check it out at Irving Park Art and Frame.

Next time you see me, I’ll have completed a trip around the sun! Hopefully, I’ll be in a clearer headspace, but I wanted to make sure I reached out, and shared some updates. I really hate feeling disconnected from people who love me and my work.

I’m excited about the future, but the present has a lot to process. Please stay tuned.

With this newsletter release, I’m celebrating something big - consistently posting in my newsletter for one year! I have posted twice a month, pretty consistently the entire year. I wasn’t perfect, but I executed enough to feel good about this accomplishment! Thank you all for your support and for continuing to follow along in this space. You keep me going, and are supporting some pretty cool projects I have coming up.
I will be celebrating doing one small thing consistently with an Art and Merch drop this Friday! Stay tuned!

Places to see my work:

RED [2.14.25] - An Art Series by loren ipsum - curated by “Best Creative” Dasia Hood

Next Workshop: Artist Studio Series - Collage and Mixed Media w/ CHD:WCK! - Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to expand your practice, this 6-week series offers a supportive space to explore your creativity. Through the use of collage and mixed media, you'll discover how ordinary materials and moments can be transformed into extraordinary art.

Use Me Up (is that the name of it?): Hang out in my studio. Meet some of my friends. Use my art supplies. I have space to host a few people in my studio. This is not a guided activity, but a good way to get out of the house, do creative things, and be inspired by others. More details next newsletter.

Reflections on a Dry January: read here.

I feel like there’s something else I wanted to share here… but it’s not coming to me. Thanks for celebrating with me! I’ll see you in two weeks.

Greetings! By the time you read this, it will be 2025. So, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I have so much to share, but I'm even less equipped than usual to be concise.

Here's what I want to say today.

For many years, I've been looking for something(s). Looking for answers. Looking to understand how I can be the things I aspire to be. To actually have in me the things people say they see.

I had a lot of breakthroughs this year. And this last couple of weeks, I have finally wrapped my head around the fact that, I've been right here. The whole effing time!

Me! And the brilliance I desire. And the ability to do the things I want. The ability to have what I want. And the ability to experience things I’ve only dreamed about. The resources to be generous and enrich the lives of others. I already have it all!

I don't have to find anything. I have to unlock the door. I have to let it come out! I have to let ALL OF IT come out!!!! I have to come out and meet myself!

That's what 2025 will be about for me. That's my promise to myself.

I usually don't do "New year, New me" bullsh…,
but in 2025 I'd like to invite you to meet the Old and Improved CHD:WCK!

I really look forward to you and I having amazing year together! I believe this world we live in will offer us no shortage of challenges and setbacks this year. But we're bigger than those things. We each have the capacity to build a world of our own. A real space we can share with and pour into those we love. If you can read this, then you are able to say what my good friend, Audrey B said, ‘I have gotten through every hard day’. We are built to weather storms. You and I will support each other. We will share our joys and successes!

That's the life I want. It's the life I will unlock, and I look forward to sharing it with you. Thank you for still being here!

Thankful for a season of transition. A lot of things I desire are still a ways off. But I recognize that I much of what I need I already have. I’m learning to more accurately assess the my place in the world. I believe I have the power to live in a world I create, not just a world I’m given.

This year, I’ve learned that it’s important for me to document my accomplishments. A lot of the things that are important for me to do, don’t have an immediate outcome. So, over time, it’s easy to forget the work I’ve done. Writing a To Do list is invaluable, but a Done list is even more important. Major growth isn’t always clearly seen day by day, so it’s easy to dismiss that you’re life is changing. But big changes reveal themselves after a lot of consistent effort. I’ve read from several sources, that it’s important to celebrate the small wins. Making experiences to document small wins is a great way to remind myself that I’m doing the work, and that there’s something to anticipate in the future.

What I’m Excited About:

• Helping people find their creativity: The third session of McColl Center’s Artist Studio Series begins next month. Designed for those who ‘think they don’t have a creative bone in their body’, I’ve enjoyed sharing my process with people, giving them a jumpstart for their ideas, and seeing where their creativity leads them! I want to show you how fun and easy unleashing your inner artist can be!

• Consistent income: I took a job as a rideshare driver (Lyft) two weeks ago. These last four years, Art money has been sufficient that I haven’t had to be “steadily employed” by someone, but until I learn to maximize the potential income my creativity can provide, a consistent source of income — on my own schedule and without the mental exhaustion — will relieve stress and be amazing for my art!

• Setting up my LLC: I’m learning to properly structure my business. It serves as a reminder that it’s more than just a hobby, and it helps me access resources that my business needs to thrive!

Where I’ll Be Sharing Work:

• McColl Center’s Winter Art Market - Come shop for gifts — for others, or yourself!

• Hunnid Dollar Art Fair - A great way to start collecting, or finding art gifts for the holidays. 90+ of Charlotte’s best artists showcasing amazing art! (See below for the origin story)

Thank you again for being here!

Let me know how you celebrate wins!
Share a small win you’ve had recently, or within the last year.

See you in two weeks!

As we move into the last two months of the year and early sunsets, I wanted to reach out and share up quick update.

What I’m Excited About:

• The second Great Art Studio Purge is underway. Earlier in the summer (I think) I was working to clear a lot of things out of my studio. I got some new bookshelves that made it a lot easier for me to organize my art supplies and hoardings. It was helpful. But I’ve recently realized my studio is still overstimulating - I’m surrounded by old work, and incomplete ideas. I putting less of my work on certain walls, and more inspiration. I’m getting rid of a lot work, creating new storage solutions, and leaving more walls blank. Give new ideas a place to rest.

• Come visit my studio 6-9pm at the VAPA Center on Nov. 9th. I can’t tell you exactly what I’ll be doing there that evening, but I can tell you I’m excited getting my studio prepared for you to see it! I’ll have snacks and beverages.

• I just completed teaching my first 6 week Collage and Mixed Media Workshop as part of McColl Center’s Artist Studio Series, and the next 6 week session begins on Tuesday, Nov 5. With this class, my goal is to engage you in creative play, and empower you to enjoy finding your own creativity. Those of you who have upgraded to a paid subscription will get a piece of the workshop via some of the prompts I share in class, as well as little gems that are shared in each workshop session.

• I’m also excited about nostalgia! When was the last time you bought these?

Where I’ll be sharing work:

• Let The Good Times Roll skate deck show is still up at Crown Station.

  

• Open studios - Nov 2 at The VAPA Center

• CHD:LANTA Open Studio - Nov. 9th at The Vapa Center

Something that changed the way I see things:

• Some years ago, I was introduced to Derek Sivers on the Tim Ferris podcast — linked here. I love his surprising ways of approaching things, and his unique perspectives on success and life. In a world that pushes us to torture ourselves and exploit others to achieve success, Derek’s viewpoints are a refreshing look at how to practically pursue what we want, while being kind to ourselves and others. It’s long-form content (a two hour interview) so I hope you’ll make time to listen.

That’s all I have for today! Thank you again for being here! I’m really enjoying this as a space to let you know what’s new, and not having to figure out how to “go viral” to be heard, or flood your timeline just to feed an algorithm.

When we think about the life we aspire to, it’s so easy to get overwhelmed by what we perceive as limitations and become paralyzed by what we lack. It’s easy to be so focused on what’s missing that we never even begin. So where do we start?

We often think we need something we don’t have to get to where we are going, I’m learning that’s not necessarily true. Acquiring resources is definitely important, but being resourceful is even more important! Taking an appreciative inventory of where we are will reveal that we have a lot more than we considered. What might you be overlooking?

Sometimes, all we need to start is a question. It always amazes me how much can be unlocked by one appropriate question. Ask yourself questions like, Who has done what I’m trying to do? What skills do I have that I tend to overlook? Do I own anything that can make my job easier? Who has access to a tool that I need? A simple moment of curiosity can be one of the biggest steps in moving forward. 

As our curiosity makes us more resourceful, we start to realize that much of what we see as limitations are really just parameters. They don’t stop us from making progress; they just guide us to move in a specific way. Parameters give clarity on where to start, and what not to pursue. Parameters often lead us to operate in ways that are more effective and catch peoples’ attention in a good way.

You’re absolutely going to encounter challenges and find that you need additional resources and tools. But you already have enough to begin. Trust that taking action is what will reveal what you really need, and for resourceful people, those things will be provided in the process.

“A good life is not a life without problems. A good life is a life with good problems." - Mark Manson, The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck

What I’m Working On:

My experience in Denver taught me I NEED TO BE CREATING A LOT MORE LARGE SCALE ART! As I expand my focus to larger-scale works, I’m excited to offer these pre-designed murals at a special, discounted rate. I am happy to travel and I’m particularly interested in indoor murals for homes or businesses that appreciate vibrant, creative art. For more info, click here.

Where I’m Showing Work:

Dark & Divine: Wordsmith, Model, and Event Organizer, Dasia Hood has created a series of events under the title Dark & Divine, which started this summer and extends into 2025. This 3rd event, a 21+ pop up exhibit continues the exploration of Black bodies, figurative art, and collaboration.

Let The Good Times Roll: Prolific Mixed Media Artist, Phoebe has curated this show featuring skate deck art from over 50 artists representing a wide range of styles and backgrounds (skate, tattoo, graffiti, fine art, etc.). A portion of proceeds from the show will benefit Charlotte Skate Foundation and Kilborne DIY Skate Park.

Something You’ll Love If You Love Hip Hop: Click here to see where I got to stay this weekend — it was a simple, amazing pleasure!

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Thanks for taking a moment to keep up with what I have going on! I’m playing with new ways of narrowing my focus, while creating a more engaging experience for those who enjoy what I do! I hope you’ll continue to check in.