Meet Rochelle Brown | Visual Artist and Storyteller

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

Hi Rochelle, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic career because as a Jamaican woman from a small town in Port Antonio, Portland growing up I never saw anyone around in such a career. The people who surrounded me were doing work that was more out of necessity than it was about doing something you truly enjoyed and being able to make a living doing so.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I never set out to be a “black woman Steadicam operator.” I just want to be the best Steadicam operator that I can possibly be. It’s not lost on me what the image of a young Jamaican woman wearing a Steadicam means. Or for that matter, what the image of a young black woman operating a camera in the film and tv industry. Every set I’ve worked on as a camera operator, at least one person from the crew has told me how incredible it is to see me doing a job that has traditionally been a man’s job. However, not seeing myself represented in the job that I so desperately wanted to do never deterred me. I’ve wanted to be a Steadicam operator since the first time I saw one a film set in the middle of Paris. How I ended up on that set, I can only say it was destined. I strongly believe the challenges to get to this point has given me perspective and helped me to really take in the good times.

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?
This would be a chill adventure with the bestie. We would start the day with tea and pastries at Hilltop Cafe. Then we would head to the Self-Actualization Garden to silently meditate and a moment of calm in their beautiful meditation gardens. We would then head to Pasadena to one of my very favorite places in LA, Huntington Gardens where we would spend hours exploring the many gardens and finally sit down for tea and sandwiches in the tea room. We would end our day at Gracias Madre, one of my favorite vegan restaurants with delicious food and even better cocktails.

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?
It’s been a long journey and I am nowhere near the end. The thanks for my story goes to many people along the way but it has to start with my parents. They made the difficult decision to leave behind everything they knew and move to the U.S. in order to give me better opportunities. If it wasn’t for their support, even when they had no idea what it was I wanted to do, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I also have to thank myself. There were many many times and still are, when fear and doubt cripple me. The only way that I’ve remained steadfast on my journey is because I know that failure is not an option. If I fail, then all the hard work that so many people have put into me will have all been a waste of energy. Finally I would like to thank the many people who have come in and out of my life who’s life force has helped me get here. They know without their support I would’ve faltered a very long time ago.

Website: www.brwngirl.com

Instagram: @rochellebrwn

Image Credits
Scott Garfield Isabella Vosmikova Lewis Jacobs Rochelle Brown