Meet Celeste Chen | Artist, Lover, & Scientist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Celeste Chen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Celeste, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My business, Sacred Starlight, is centered around enriching community and spreading light through art. With all of the terrible things happening around the world, I hope to offer others at least a moment of ease and joy. Through Sacred Starlight, I intend to add to people’s cup by spreading love and kindness where I can. Each piece is created with mindfulness and the cultivation of loving energy with the intention that it will reach those around me. As an Asian American, queer individual, I intend to uplift marginalized communities and create safe spaces for all.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I work in the field of conservation where I am continuously pushed and challenged to do better, for the earth and the organisms on it. It is always an effort of mine to be more conscious and mindful in this society, whether it be lessening waste or communicating lovingly (etc). Who’s going to change the system, if not us? I got my degree in Agricultural Sciences where I focused on ecology and regenerative agriculture while living in a river town. This education and my connection to the land pushed me towards my purpose in spreading love and cultivating community which is a foundational step to healing this earth. How will we come together for the sake of this earth and humanity when we don’t have a strong sense of belonging ourselves? It all starts within ourselves and our communities and I have welcomed my purpose to contributing to the change. The other purpose of mine is to create, curiously. I am consistently growing and changing while harnessing art as my outlet. Some things are better done then said. For me, sometimes embodying a feeling is more impactful than defining them. This embodiment shows up in my art and my movement. With each step, I am reconnecting back to self and spirit. It is self-shattering to do this work, there are so many unknowns and barriers but it is all a part of the journey to elevating myself and helping everything around me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I absolutely love Cheesman and City Park in Denver. I love to spread out in the grass with some snacks at these parks. I love to walk around the streets of Pearl, Broadway and Santa Fe. Of course, the Pearl Street and City Park Farmers Markets are a must when in season. I’d also go climbing, either at the many gyms or out in the mountains for some fresh air. Hanging out at an art event (especially at Denver Art Society) or at a brewery for board games is a must as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to all of my lovely friends that offer their continuous support. Without community & family, I would not be here today. Shoutout to the book Healing Grounds by Liz Carlisle for encouraging the reconnection to land, climate justice, and regenerative food systems: the many things that drive me today.

Website: www.sacredstarlight.art

Instagram: @sacredstarlight

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-chen-525a82204?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app