We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Glanz and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chelsea, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is a natural part of life. I believe that more often than not, we create illusions of safety for ourselves, especially when it comes to our careers. That’s not to say that a ‘stable job’ isn’t admirable, useful, or right for some, But, as we’ve seen during the last two years especially, uncertainty is a part of life just as change is constant. I believe living with joy, ease, and fulfillment often requires becoming comfortable with a certain level of risk. In my life, this has meant becoming comfortable with the risk of self-employment. I’ve chosen to trade the stability of a constant employment position for the freedom and fulfillment I find in pouring my passion and career energy into work that lights me up. Creating beautiful things and sharing them with those around me–be it a delectable meal of farm fresh vegetables or a dazzling painting–has always been essential to my purpose in this life. I’ve always known and felt I’m meant to create and share beauty; to make art. So, when presented with the option of having my art be just a side hobby, or something I cultivate with 110% of my energy, it’s always felt vital to me to pursue art as my career, and take the risk that comes with that: The risk of giving up so-called security; and the risk of being seen for who I am and letting my creations be seen, regardless of what others might think. The more energy and focus I devote to creating my dream career and sharing art with the world, the more security I ultimately feel in creating my own path; in the freedom and joy it brings, and in the abundance that I get to receive through it.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe color is healing, and art has the power to transform our lives. I create stunning paintings not just to make a wall ‘look’ pretty, but to help turn homes into living spaces that light us up, reflect and resonate with what we want to become in our lives; and to help turn businesses into working spaces that cultivate connection and inspiration. The workshops I facilitate guide others towards liberating their own creative expression. We all have an artist inside us, and when we free our own expression, be it through a free flow painting workshop or surrounding our space with art, we are ultimately freeing our life so we can be the most alive version of ourselves. What sets me apart is my emphasis on making art an approachable, fun, healing experience for everyone.
In the spirit of expression and freedom, I’ve been exploring a new style of painting this past spring that I’m especially excited about. It’s resulted in an array of colorful, galactic, cosmic-themed paintings, which you can view on my website. I’m also in the process of designing hats, bags, and a few merchandise items with these new pieces so that you can wear your art!
The journey to where my art career is today, and how it continues to evolve, is really the byproduct of continued exploration. I’ve loved to paint and draw since I could hold a pencil. Since then my focus has always been visual art; I simply can’t not paint! I’ve oscillated between different “jobs,” as a young adult in agriculture, landscaping, copywriting, and even the insurance industry, but I’ve always returned to my art career as my primary focus.
One of the biggest challenges has been clarifying a focus within my art career since I enjoy creating so many types of art, including murals, curating events and classes, and even cooking as an art. As I grow, I’m learning to balance my need for diversity with the focus that builds a sustainable business.
As entrepreneurs, it is easy to focus on tangible challenges and logical solutions, but I’ve found the most important aspect thus far, of success, to be belief; belief in myself. Whether you’re an entrepreneur wondering “what it will take” to make your dream a reality, or someone who is simply wanting the courage to fully express yourself and your creativity, the most important, vital ingredient is the belief that it’s possible. It sounds trite to say but takes courage and honesty to embody: YOU are a powerful creator. What do you want to create?
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado is filled with incredible places to explore. First, we’d likely explore Old Town, and indulge in a fine dining experience at Jay’s Bistro or Restaurant Nautile on a Friday or Saturday. My idea of a perfect Sunday would be a coffee and pastry at Me Oh My Pie in LaPorte, followed by a hike up the Poudre or a stroll down Hewlett Gulch. An overnight camping trip to Valley View Hot springs would definitely be a must; I’ve always found the Sangre De Cristo Mountains and surrounding valley worthy of a certain reverence. The hot springs, which overlook the striking valley’s expanse, quietly welcome one into solitude, reflection, and rejuvenation–away from devices, buzz, or city noise. I would love to take my friend to the downtown Saturday Farmer’s market after breakfast at Snooze. Perhaps we’d grab a tote of veggies to grill or cook for dinner in the backyard, and afterward take our hammocks, books, and frisbees to City Park. The Fort Collins Museum of Modern Art and the Loveland Arts Museum always have fascinating displays and exhibits, which would provide a fun weekday activity. Finally, if they visited during the summer, we’d be sure to catch a free Thursday night concert downtown and stroll down Jazz Alley to marvel at the mural of local musicians including singer-songwriter, Liz Barnez.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My gratitude truly goes to my entire community. I’ve received so much support through the years from family and friends. My mom and dad always encouraged me to “do art,” because I loved it, even though it wasn’t a popular career choice. My art teachers in elementary school, and my high school art teacher at Poudre, Julie Lynam, were integral. Mrs. Lynam would allow me to stay in the studio after hours to paint. I also want to thank my college professors, Don Seastrum, Al Caniff, and Lud Stromayer at Western State University for giving me the tools and guidance to take my art to the next level. A big shout out goes to the Fort Collins Community; the City of Fort Collins Art in Public places projects I’ve been a part of, to art advocates and patrons in Northern Colorado like Karen Mary Castranova (art advocate), Andy Grant (a big supporter of the arts), and Darren Mahuron (photographer). Darren owned the Gallery Underground in 2010, which allowed me to have an affordable studio space when I was just starting out. I also would like to thank all my clients for the incredible opportunities I’ve had to co-create and bring beautiful visions to life; including murals, children’s books (thank you Crystal Publishing!), product labels, book covers, paintings, and more. I am so grateful, to my coach and mentor, Alana Fournet, for guiding me firmly, gently, and honestly, down the path of finding my own personal power and letting it blossom. Last, but never least, a shout out from the bottom of my heart goes to my beloved wife and soul mate Cara Faith. Cara, thank you for believing in me when I’ve needed to be reminded to believe in myself, and for standing by me on this journey, through all the risk, joy, challenge, and celebration!
Website: www.risenshinearts.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risenshinearts/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-glanz-09986845
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risenshineartsllc/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvCC3DOoB1OnMHUjF-ix4jw
Image Credits
Cara Faith