Today we’d like to introduce you to VantaBlack, Chire Regans.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My family moved to South Florida from Saint Louis, Missouri when I was 9. I was introduced to Art soon after and my teacher at the time helped nurture my creative path. During my junior year of high school, I suffered the loss of a dear friend due to gun violence, James Reid III. His was the first funeral I’d ever attended, I was completely shaken. During college, my work became bolder and socially driven, After I became a parent, I developed a sense of urgency to address issues pertaining to my community. After I saw a live video posted by Santonio Carter, right after he’d lost his 6-year-old son King, I had a long cry, then picked up a piece of black paper. I decided to tell these stories of the lost, visually.
Please tell us about your art.
I primarily work with white pencil on black paper. I started working exclusively those materials about 15 years ago. My genre is primarily portraiture because everyone has a story to tell, and historically artists did just that. I choose to address social issues and raise awareness through my work because I have a moral responsibility to do so. The Memorial Portrait Project includes portraits of victims of gun violence and their stories. The goal is to raise awareness about this epidemic plaguing our communities.
The Invisible Black Woman series includes responses to the question “Tell me of a time when you were made to feel invisible?” My goal with this series is to address the commonality amongst women of color grom a variety of different socio-economic backgrounds, being made to feel invisible. I want to render their moments of invisibility, visible.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
One of my favorite things to do is just talk to other artists. I’m always down for a good chat. We need dialogue to fuel our creative process. Go to exhibitions, talks, etc. It’s also important to remember your “Why”. It keeps you grounded and focused. Never forget your why.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I currently have artist pages on Facebook, VantaBlack, and on Instagram VantaBlack305. People can support my work by reaching out to families who have lost loved ones and asking what they need to aid in their process of healing. You can also support my work by doing your own work. If you don’t know where to start, start in your home and spread out. Mentor youth, join community groups, choose how you want to become more active, focus on your strengths.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (786)599-5197
- Email: artbychire@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantablack305/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbychire/
- Twitter: @chireann
Image Credit:
Images by VantaBlack
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