Meet Chetta D: Creative Genius | Spoken word & Visual artist

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

Hi Chetta, what do you attribute your success to?
I’d have to say my faith is my secret sauce, the success behind my brand. My faith allows me to be open and honest with myself which shows in my relationships with others and throughout my artwork. Being authentic, relatable and open allows for others to feel free also. With me sharing my faith with others it inspires others. Inspiration is the gift that keeps giving, so that keeps me grounded and honest when creating and sharing my story.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Getting my master’s degree was such a proud moment for me. It was not easy , but walking across that stage with my white cane was so liberating ! I applied to Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta out of faith, it was my spirit that told me to do so. It took me five years to complete grad school and in those years, I laughed, I cried I mourned and was artistically resurrected. I am a fine artist that has low vision. #BeautyUnveiling, my body of work is an intimate and personal piece that illustrates my fears of losing my eyesight, my vulnerability and my strength to overcome. Creating this work through spoken word, photography and video has helped me to find my voice, my confidence and to tap into my creative visions. I’ve learned that all things are possible with faith and determination. My mission is to creatively capture the beauty in sight loss. It was in going to support group for vision loss that I realized the importance of sharing my story. I hope that others will be inspired and learn to embrace their differences too. We all have something unique that separates us from others – the sooner we are aware the sooner we can embrace it and have peace with it. My white cane, my 3rd eye helps me navigate my surroundings. I allowed my awkwardness with the cane to challenge me artistically. Thinking of creative ways to use it, I started painting with my white cane. In group I learned that my low vision doesn’t define me, I didn’t have to give up on my dreams – I got my hope back ! The symbolism of Butterflies within my work, show my rebirth, my new beginning in my spiritual walk and life after sight loss.

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.
Atlanta has so much history & beautiful scenery. You would have to check out the art galleries, the Atlanta Beltline and book a tour through Black Girl Magic Tours to really get a true up close experience. You’ll really be able to explore and learn the stories behind the beauty and makeup of Black History here in Atlanta. 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?
My faith and relationship in Christ has changed my life for the best ! All praises unto Him for the gift of creativity ! My family ( #ThomasGenes ), my mother Charlotte Davis, my late great aunt Myrtle Deas & my Aunt Johnnie Deas for raising me to be the creative, beautiful, strong woman I am today. To all the other visionaries who believes in me. Ms. Sherry for giving me the opportunity to share my spoken word in children Chapel and to inspire them and share the gospel and goodness of Jesus.

Website: www.ChettaD.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chetta.creativegenius/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZKuH3eo5AFXTeNjkxDLezw/featured

Other: Online store > bit.ly/CDArtStore Instagram > https://www.instagram.com/beautyunveiling/

Image Credits
Chetta D & Christy Lynch Designs