Meet Cicely Carr | Artist, Author, and Educator

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

Hi Cicely, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Art and creativity are such a freedom, to create things that bring you joy is a blessing. I spent a lot of time working for others, and they would give me creative “freedom” with rules, guidelines, stipulations, and so much more that it caused a lot of stress. Even when asked for commissions, I would stress out because deep down, I knew they had guidelines that hindered my creativity. So I decided that I would create what I loved and if others loved it too then that is awesome! I wanted to make sure that stayed true to myself and not try to create what others were creating. Being an illustrator allows me to be able to create many things offering a variety of beautiful products.

Also having a career in art and creativity takes you on a beautiful journey filled with learning and growth! I love being able to teach creative workshops to people focusing on the process and journey rather than the finished project! Creativity is a lifestyle!

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 started a creative arts ministry called The Creative Wellness Project because creating and teaching along with my faith was my passion. I wanted to share it with the world. Creating has been healing for me and facilitating workshops was a goal of mine. When I prayed God led me to start this ministry. We do virtual and in-person workshops, outreach, and more! One of the cool things about this ministry is that creativity is a universal language connecting people from all cultures and walks of life.

I am really excited to connect with people and build relationships through art. A long time ago I was introduced to art to beautify communities that were impoverished. I was involved for two years in serving these communities bringing literacy and creativity. We painted murals, face-painted, created afterschool programs, built benches and bookshelves, did read aloud, and built community that way. It was life-changing not just for them but for me. This began my love for service and ministry. I took what I learned and implemented it in other spaces.

There was a time when I struggled with depression and anxiety and one of the tools I used was art. I painted, I created, and I wrote. Then I took a course called Facilitating Therapeutic Art and then I started implementing therapeutic art workshops. A few years later, I rededicated my life to God. I also found myself confused about what to do with my life because I had recently closed my store. So I just created and studied the Bible. I was reminded of my therapeutic art workshops and was like can I add my faith to it, and it was confirmed.

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?
Some of my favorite places are Bishop Arts District, Shops at Legacy, and Grandscape. They are filled with boutiques, food, fun, and creative activities!

Start with Bishop Arts District, which has a hipster boho vibe where homes have been converted to boutiques and restaurants. Wild Detectives is an awesome bookstore that is also a bar!

Then spend time at the Shops and Grandscape, these places are more upscale and modernized but still pack a good time!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family is who I am dedicating my shoutout to! Our family is filled with creatives from music, and dance, to visual art, to interior design and more, which encouraged me to go and create. One thing that I have been doing for about 6 years was creating with my little cousin who just turned 7. Whenever we got together which was maybe once or twice a year because we live in different states, this young girl has become such an amazing creative artist, it is one of her passions! I am grateful that my family has cultivated an environment for creativity and has been the biggest supporter for me and everyone else.

Website: www.creativewellnessproject.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/creativewellnessproject

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BougieBlackBlogger

Other: https://cicelyrenee.substack.com/