Meet Canessa Thomas | Artist & Business Owner

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

Hi Canessa, what matters most to you?
Accountability is a core value that’s extremely important to me. It fosters trust and responsibility. Two things that are absolutely needed in both professional and personal relationships. When we are accountable, we exhibit a readiness to adapt and expand. We can’t change or improve in business or our personal lives what we deny exists, especially when it exists because of our own actions.

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 specialize in abstract mixed media, digital, and collage artwork. I have shared before that although I specialize in abstract art, I explore and create other styles of art as well, and I’m most proud of not pinning myself to any particular style. As an intuitive artist, I create what I feel in the way that I am led. Collectors and viewers of my work have shared that it inspires self reflection and connection. This blesses me and is confirmation of my purpose to heal, inspire, and connect.

Turning my art therapy and love for art into a business hasn’t been easy. But, it’s been worth it. The challenges have brought lessons that I’ve benefited from in both business and personal areas of my life. I’ve learned that practice makes better. Perfect is an illusion. And If you live and create in your truth, those you are meant to reach will come, and doors of opportunity will open. Focus on what you have, not what you feel you lack. Oftentimes, that lack is an illusion, much like perfection.

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.
If it’s the second Friday of the month, we definitely have to attend Fernbank After Dark. We’ll also visit the High Museum of Art. Bon Ton for food and cocktails is a must, as well as Stuffy Dawg for a seriously righteous and carefree grub. Ponce City Market and Skate the Sky will also be on the itinerary.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My sons Nicholas, Casaebian, and Noah and my sister, Erica Cody, are my biggest supporters. I’m grateful for their belief in me and my vision. I’m also extremely grateful for my kindred on Instagram that faithfully show up for me. And when crediting books, The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho has been a light in my life that continues to shine.

Website: https://phloart.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/phlo.bella