Meet Cha Cha | Artist / Creator

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

Hi Cha, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I think I was born an artist. From kindergarten on, I was always the class artist, interested in going into my imaginary world of drawing and painting.It was a lot more fun there than in the real world. I was shocked to find out that not everybody has a creative fulfilling world they can go access. Time was (is) suspended.! What I like best about making art is the reinvention. Every time we create, we reinvent ourselves. (It’s much more interesting than doing the same thing over and over.) That is why I have worked in so many different art mediums over the years. There are many more art mediums I would love to explore. The great thing about being an artist your whole life is that you find the time to explore and make it happen. And what a lot of people call mistakes, are really just an opportunity for growth. You just have to look at things differently,) and reinvent again! When I was younger and wondering what I was gonna do with my life, I noticed all of the “successful people“ (as in they worked all the time) made a lot of money, and often didn’t know what to do with themselves when they were retired. It was like they lost their identity! And. All of the older artists I knew didn’t really seem to age much because they had a lifetime of creating that kept that sparkle in their eyes. I decided then it was better to follow my heart and do what gave me joy. I plan on keeping my creative sparkle going through out my lifetime.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The thing about making art is you just have to show up. It’s like anything else. Obviously you have to start with some talent but muscle memory is a large part of it. Through repetitive gestures, movements, colors we teach our bodies how to respond in a creative way. When you challenge yourself and you go into that challenge with no preconceived outcome. It’s very liberating. I refer to it sometimes as letting your inner four year old out. You’re just excited to be here. I got my start as a graphic artist where I play with my imagination within a construct of ideas to visually conform images to a perceived outcome. I like the challenge of trying to figure things out and that is why I’ve been a freelance artist all my life. You have to constantly be making things happen when you’re a freelancer by wearing many hats. If you keep your creative curiosity alive it spills over into many parts of your lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: take them into Boulder and have breakfast at Lucille‘s Cajun restaurant then go over to the oxygen place and get them some flavored oxygen, afterwords, go and get a latte at Trident bookstore. Walk the Pearl St mall corridor, then walk west down Pearl St. to Settlers Park and go for a hike up into the foothills which will allow you to overlook the Boulder area. After the hike, walk to the Dushambe Tea House and have an early dinner. The first day at high altitude it’s good to take it easy.

Day 2: breakfast at Tangerine in Longmont, then drive to Rocky Mountain, National Park and take in the sights..Stop and do a small waterfall hike. After hike, headed to Estes Park wander around and find someplace to drink some margaritas and eat some Mexican food.

Day 3: If your friends are athletic, and the weather is good, take them Paddleboarding to the Boulder Reservoir, but first go to Hazels liquor to get some local beers , then over to Moe’s Bagels and get some take away sandwiches. For dinner go to Chez Thuy for a Vietnamese dinner.

Day 4: Road trip- head west on 1-70 to Glenwood springs. Stop and visit Ironwood Hot Springs (which is right on the river ) Go to Carbondale and eat lunch at the Village Smithy restaurant and wander around town and check out the local public art. Then drive to Aspen, walk about town. There are way too many places to choose from…..

Day 5: Have breakfast in Aspen, get in the car and go over the pass into Crested Butte, driving on a dirt road through forests of aspen trees. Stretch your legs and Crested Butte and wander the town. Then go for a hike, come back and have a beer and some dinner.. and maybe some local music?

DAY 6: Drive to Salina, and have lunch, then onto the Colorado Springs area and see the Garden of the Gods park then go to Manitou Springs and spend the night at an Airbnb. Many good local eats.

Day 7: Denver day. Go to see Meow Wolf, (which will take a fair amount of the day up) then drive out to Aurora, Colorado, where there is a resurgence of lots of international restaurants to choose from. Then back to my place and they’re off in the morning…….

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shout out to Open Studios Boulder, who for 25 plus years has kept the arts community growing and thriving in Boulder. And to all of the peoples of Boulder that have contributed.

Instagram: Chachamakesart

Linkedin: ChaCha

Facebook: ChaCha

Other: StudioDoorz.com

Image Credits
Sculpture and photo and digitally manipulated photography by Cha Cha