Art has the power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, offering glimpses into the depths of the human experience. It speaks to our shared emotions and personal histories, transcending boundaries and connecting us in profound ways. Chloe, an artist who seamlessly blends her past traumas with vibrant, evocative creations, exemplifies this transformative power. Her journey, marked by personal struggles and a passionate community, has seen her evolve from a casual creator to a recognized artist in the digital space.
In this exclusive interview, Chloe shares the pivotal moments that ignited her artistic passion, the deeply personal muses that inspire her work, and the challenges that have shaped her creative path. She opens up about her evolving style, the therapeutic nature of her art, and her vision for the future, including her aspirations within the modeling industry and the world of NFTs. Chloe's reflections reveal a resilient spirit and a profound connection to her past, offering a raw and authentic glimpse into her artistic soul.
Join us as we delve into the world of Chloe, exploring the intricate layers of her art and the heartfelt stories behind each piece. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a fellow creator, this interview promises to inspire and resonate on a deeply personal level.
Mismir ( Eduard – E ): Many artists have a distinct moment when a simple interest blossoms into a genuine passion. Can you name that transformative moment for you, when you decided to wholeheartedly pursue “art creation” as your chosen thing to do?
Chloe ( C ): I genuinely have the Lens community to thank for that. I’ve always LOVED creating things on all spectrums but in the last year, I started posting my art to Orb and Twitter for free. I then began to get messages asking how they could mint my pieces. It made me realize that what I create to get my feelings out or make me feel better, may also have the same effect on others so I figured why wouldn’t I mint out my pieces and show the world!? I didn’t even start calling my creations “art” until the Lens community did.
E: Every artist is inspired by a muse, be it thoughts, experiences, places, people, or even their own self. In your artistic journey, who or what stands out as the most influential muse, and why?
C: I’d definitely say my muse is my past self and trauma. I’m not sure if this is a Pisces thing but although I’m only 27, I feel as though I’ve lived 10000 different lives. Especially with my 2D art, the POV is usually me, present day, seeing a birds-eye-view of my 12-year-old self. She had a lot to say and didn’t have many healthy coping mechanisms so this is kinda my version of letting her shine.
E: Life presents us with a myriad of challenges, and often, overcoming these hardships can reshape our perspective and approach to our craft. Is there a specific challenge you've faced that profoundly influenced your artistic journey?
C: Ouuuuuf, yes. I went through an incredibly traumatic experience last year which actually propelled me to start creating art. Growing up, there was a lot my parents hid from my sister and me, and rightfully so but this experience I had last year really kind of opened my eyes to the last 27 years of my life. It’s hard to put into words, it almost felt like a new part of my brain was activated. A lot of my trauma was unanswered/blocked out so I had been on auto-pilot ever since I could remember, this experience allowed me to truly see things and myself for what they were, regardless of whether or not I liked it. It almost feels like I have a piece of myself back.
E: With each artist I have the privilege to chat with, I love to invite them to embark on a journey of self-reflection. If you were to journey back to the very first day you started creating and reflect on your evolution from that day to now, how would you describe the transformation in your style or approach?
C: 100% no difference in my style, if anything, I’m producing more 3D work but still definitely learning! When it comes to my approach, that’s definitely shifted in the last few months. When I started, I literally was only looking for a way to let out my emotions without having to write (my hands were maaad tired ) so I was a little scatter-brained and they were solely based on my current emotions. Now, I definitely have a more light-hearted approach, not everything I make NEEDS to have a dark meaning, hiding behind the pink facade. I can literally make things just because I think it looks cool!
E: To me, when we create, it's an act of self-expression. We infuse every creation with a fragment of our essence. In light of this, how would you say 'Chloe' is reflected in your creations?
C: It’s so hard for me to say because I only see my art as me, if that makes any sense. Like every aspect of it IS me. Whether it’s a photo of me as the center of the piece, or just small nik-nacks laying around that I simply resonate with/own/used to own. I like to think of my art as pieces that can say the things that I can’t say or have repressed.
E: Besides the art you create, which has captivated me from day one, I know you have a passion for modeling, another beautiful form of art. How did you fall in love with modeling, and how do you see your relationship with it evolving in the future?
C: I’m gonna be soooo candid with you regarding this but I’ve been vain since a very young age. As dumb as this sounds, I had seen a photo of a 90s supermodel and thought “Oh! I can do that because I have high cheekbones too!” Like not kidding, I was thinking this while others were thinking “Firefighter, Doctor, etc etc” I kinda just ran with it from there. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate the work and craft that the designers put into garments. I love being able to be a part of bringing their creative vision to life, it’s so beautiful.
In the future, I’d LOVE to eventually take on my own project with other models on the blockchain and do a fun collab! I’d love to see more Models go independent, the agencies take way too big of a cut and are way too critical. I’ve met so many beautiful models that get dropped because they gained some weight and I’m just so bored and tired of that whole discourse in the industry. Like, the modeling industry is such a broken record, I wanna see different things.
E: A while ago, I wrote an article entitled 'The Art of Purchase,' explaining how collecting art is more than just a transaction. To give more context, here are a few of my words: “This act of collecting goes beyond the realms of investment and ownership. It is a journey of connection. We're not just supporting artists and creators; we're also contributing to a community that's pushing the boundaries of art. We are also engaged in a process of self-discovery and support. In this sense, art serves as a link between expression and experience. We navigate emotional landscapes and communicative depths as we collect, finding more than just art in these transactions—we find reflections of our own journeys.” What does collecting or having a piece collected mean to you, and how do you think we can make more people or artists aware of the beauty and power of collecting NFTs?
C: For me, it’s more about the community and less about the art. What’s amazing about NFTs is that they’re so versatile. Let’s say you’re a physical artist who has trouble getting into galleries/networking. NFTs can literally bridge that gap for you as you don’t need to just sell your art. You’re able to build a very solid, supportive community through things like airdrops, newsletters, access to events, etc. It’s truly so much more than just collecting a piece from a random artist. NFTs give creatives the power to foster a community that can and will contribute to the longevity of your career in my opinion.
E: I know that each of your pieces is inspired by something unique. Reflecting on your craft, what messages or emotions do you aim to convey through your art? Are there specific themes you focus on, or is there a general message you wish to communicate?
C: I wouldn’t necessarily say I have a theme/message to communicate. I make my art based on what little 12-year-old Chloe loves. Although I make art for a specific reason, I really hope that for others, it brings a nostalgic, cozy feeling back to them as we all grew up with these things in our lives in one way or another.
E: As I've mentioned before, I see art as a reflection of our soul. In my opinion, every artist infuses their creations with parts of themselves. Yet, there are instances where artists might create primarily for popularity, potentially losing the essence of who they truly are and the genuine intent behind their creations. How do you approach your artistry to maintain its authenticity? Among all the art you've produced so far, which piece do you feel encapsulates your essence the most?
C: Personally, I’ve never been one to chase trends. It makes me feel weird and not like, in my own body. It feels like I’m playing dress-up, which I hate. It’s also so boring having your work just start to blend in with what’s “popular”. Trends are always fun to try! But if you want longevity in the space, you can’t switch your aesthetics every 4 months depending on what’s trending. I think my ‘click 2 cry’ work encapsulates my essence the most. It’s bitchy, early 2000s, and pink.
E: If you're creating a 1/1 piece for the Mystic's Garden Genesis Drop, could you offer us a glimpse into the narrative or concept behind this exclusive work?
C: Of course! I’m actually beginning to completely fall in love with that piece. It has kind of a ‘life goes on’ theme to it as a skeleton lays in a field by a pond, where she used to play on the swings. She’s now dead but the flowers, grass, and plants are still growing, the butterflies are still flying around her, it’s beautiful.
E: If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be, and why?
C: AHHHHH!!!! So if you remember the movie ‘The Never Ending Story’, you’ll remember the good luck Dragon named ‘Falkor’. I’ve always wanted to go for a ride on the back of him, so dinner would be amazing.
As we conclude this in-depth exploration of Chloe’s artistic journey, it’s clear that her work is a poignant blend of personal history, emotional expression, and vivid creativity. Her reflections offer a glimpse into the mind of an artist who transforms trauma and introspection into captivating art that resonates deeply with her audience.
To stay connected with Chloe and witness the evolution of her art firsthand, be sure to follow her on her social media platforms ( Twitter, Lens, and Instagram ) and her Mystic Garden Sanctuary. Immerse yourself in her world, where each piece is a heartfelt expression, and every creation invites you to explore the intimate landscapes of emotion and memory.
The artistic journey doesn’t end here.
Season 2 of Storied Strokes, a collaboration between Mismir and Mystic Garden continues, bringing you closer to the most intriguing and inspiring artists from around the world. Stay up to date with our upcoming features, discover the next artist in the spotlight, and never miss a release by following us on social media ( Twitter - Lens - Instagram - Farcaster).
Thank you!