Meet Chevonne Ariss: Stained Glass Artist & Teacher

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

Hi Chevonne, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When I think about the word risk, the first thing that comes to my mind is the word intuition. My intuition has guided me through hard times, protected me, and helped me navigate even the riskiest situation, in both my personal life and my career. The times I’ve gone with my intuition have also brought me to some of the greatest experiences of my life. A woman’s intuition is truly magic if it’s trusted and listened to!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was a hairdresser and makeup artist in LA for around 15 years before I started dedicating my energy to stained glass. I went on maternity leave for my daughter in 2015, and without having the daily creative outlet of hair and makeup, I found a new medium in glass that I was really excited about. Using my understanding of color theory and design used in the salon and on set greatly influenced the textures, balance, patterns and colors in my glass work. I consider my moons fine art and not crafts. And with that I’m trying to elevate the unspoken conversation I may be having with anyone coming across my work. My moons are organic, with unexpected natural materials and shapes symbiotically working together with classic stained glass techniques and materials. Each one of a kind, never two alike. Honestly there seems to be almost a renaissance of stained glass work with incredibly talented artists popping up today that’s not your granny’s sailboat sun-catcher kind of stuff. I’m really proud to say I’m a part of it.

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.
Due to Covid-19 and the current restrictions in place the visit would probably look a little different than usual. The food and drinks would be up to us to make, and I think I would try to show them something that’s really special about Southern California – the proximity of such different terrains and climates. Up to them where we go first, but we could hit all three or do just two: First up, Joshua Tree or Palm Springs for a few days for shopping and swimming. Then we could head up to the mountains and rent a place in either Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear to enjoy the snow for a few days. Finally, end up in the Malibu – Point Dume area to do the beach thing for a bit before I drove them to Burbank to fly back home. Friends don’t let friends LAX.
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?
Yes! 100% shout it out to my mother-in-law, Claudia. If it weren’t for her I wouldn’t be here talking to you. She’s an established stained glass artist and introduced me to the craft. Outside of that, she’s also just a really warm and loving woman who exudes endless positivity and I just admire her so much. Glass work was a really precious way for us to spend time getting to know each other and bond in the earliest years of my relationship with my husband. It’s our special thing that’s ours only. If I ever have need advice on how to tackle a new project she’s my go-to glass guru and it’s also a really great excuse just to call and talk to her.

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