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

Hi Chiffon, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have been practicing art my whole life.

As an artist and illustrator, my journey has been shaped by the scars and strengths gained from a challenging childhood. Growing up in dysfunctional family dynamics, I found solace and healing in the embrace of the natural world. It’s within the forests, rivers, and skies that I experienced a profundity I struggled to articulate.

In many ways, children’s book illustrations in the 90’s -2000’s were the only art exposure I had. Much of my early inspiration derives from children’s literature and illustrations, especially the work of author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter (1866-1942). Her ability to convey the complex interactions of wildlife in their natural habitat to a human audience while keeping the essence of the species intact with both narrative and depiction was something that spoke to my heart.

After years spent navigating the rigid confines of a corporate legal career, I felt my sense of self-value slipping away. The battles with sobriety and self-esteem shaped my early adult life, but amid these struggles, my art emerged as a powerful force of transformation. Through my art, I strive to capture those feelings and share the beauty and serenity of nature, hoping it resonates with others facing their own challenges. With every opportunity that arose through my artistic exposure, I gathered the courage to leap into a career that fulfilled my soul.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I learned much of my fine art skillset through traditional oil portrait art with an emphasis on realism. In my adolescence and early adult life, I always quantified quality of art through how ‘realistic’ it appeared. I discovered the contemporary medium of Alcohol Ink through abstract art. It wasn’t until 2016-17 I discovered the trending ‘pour art’ technique, where creatives were pigmenting epoxy resin with these highly concentrated pigments. I was unmotivated to subscribe to the plastic materials used in resin art (due to my environmentalism) so I started using solely the alcohol inks as my medium.

It was a learning curve since the mediums required a non-porous substrate and ethanol based solutions to create value, but after five years of working with this medium I have developed a self taught technique that involves my breath and watercolor brushes to reflect the wildlife in my artwork.

My work is archival, fine art quality. I worked with Fine Art Galleries here in California and New Mexico to learn the framing process and finishing process to preserve my illustrations. I source 90% of my materials as biodegradable and I feel that speaks volumes to the environmental impact made by Artists today (especially with the rise of AI Generative Art).

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.
This is a great question. Living in San Diego I would say that my favorite daytime space is Balboa Park. The museums and preserved natural wildlife habitats are absolutely breathtaking. Visiting the Spanish Art Village there is a MUST. All the incredible artisanal artwork and studios is just amazing.

For an afternoon or early evening experience, I also adore Old Town San Diego. The dining is incredible and shopping for unique and traditional items is good (if you know where to go).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In telling my story, I must credit my Great-Grandparents and Grandparents whose lives were marked by the trials of displacement as Native people. Their strength and resilience instilled in me the foundational principles that define my identity today. Through my art, I carry their wisdom, ensuring that the essence of our culture is shared widely, both within my community and beyond, illuminating the journey of our heritage.

As I continue to create and share my work, I wholeheartedly attribute so much of my growth and inspiration to the remarkable leaders of our Native community. Many of these humble wisdom keepers hail from my own tribe and other sovereign nations. They may not seek the spotlight like others, but their dedication and love profoundly influence my journey and the stories I tell through my art.

I’ve been blessed with opportunities that extend beyond the Native Community. My very first children’s book illustration came from an author of Norwegian and Irish descent, allowing me to fulfill a cherished childhood dream. I am grateful for the diverse relationships I’ve built with many beloved collectors who are both Native and non-Native, and I view these connections as sacred partnerships in my creative narrative.

Website: https://www.chiffonlark.com

Instagram: @chiffonlark

Facebook: @chiffonlarkofficial

Yelp: Chiffon Lark

Youtube: @chiffonlark

Image Credits
Derrick Cabico (Photographer)

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