Today we’d like to introduce you to Eva F.
Hi eva, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
While I loved creating art as a child and teenager growing up in Oklahoma, I truly began my art journey in 2020 as the pandemic hit New York City and the storefronts were boarded up and I spontaneously started creating cheerful drawings on them in chalk, hoping to bring myself and others a bit of joy in the challenging times. Inadvertently I became part of the artist community in the city and reignited my desire not just to see others art but to create my own and express myself.
From the streets I started creating studio work as well, all motivated by color, movement, and seeking to transform my emotions into images both cheerful and thought-provoking. I chose to explore a variety of mediums and techniques, creating a large body of self-taught work that continues to evolve as I explore and grow as a human myself.
I am fond of including flowers in my work as I love the simplicity of their beauty. My initial street art often included flowers as tall as I am! Additionally, the idea of hope anchors all of my work. I truly believe that we can change the world as long as we have that. The first piece of art I showed in a gallery was a board from the streets with HOPE drawn in chalk
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe in two sayings: “If it’s not fun, why do it?” and “If it’s too easy, it’s not fun.” Being an artist is inherently a challenging vocation because you seek to express something and also find a way to have it both understood and seen by others. For me, the creation part is something that I have pushed myself to continue to evolve, yet at the same time people loved my large-scale chalk drawings on the street and sometimes are puzzled that I want to create anything different.
Once I started creating studio work, I had to find ways to display it, both self-producing shows as well as working with like-minded galleries that were willing to take a risk and show my work even though I wasn’t formally trained as an artist. Fortunately for me, I thrive on challenge, and I know that my work speaks to people. This drives me to continue to find ways to share it with more audiences. I have been fortunate to show not only in New York City, but also internationally.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I approach my art in a multi-disciplinary way, from chalk on boarded up store fronts to large-scale abstract acrylic paintings to colorful series of works with a theme, like my “Dealer’s Choice” series. I always aim to create something that will make you smile, that feels playful, and also makes you think, perhaps drawing your attention with a clever title that beckons you to think about the work beyond your first impression. A good example of that is a large-scale watercolor on paper piece I created called “The Heist of the Jewel of Sisyphus.”
What distinguishes me from many is that I don’t limit myself to traditional categories of types of artists. I admire the work of those who are street artists, graffiti artists, fine artists and more and work to incorporate what I learn from others into my own form of expression. I also feel very strongly that my art should be “imperfect” because that means I am focusing on the expression of feelings and our own humanity.
I have created some wearable art items, hats, totes, hand-painted bags, t-shirts and more that I call my Flex Flower Fashion collection. I hope that this also gives people the opportunity to bring some joy with them on a daily basis!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always open to ideas for projects with other artists, organizations, or businesses. I can be reached via my website thechalkjungle.com or my instagram @thechalkjungle. As for support, all kinds are welcome! I especially appreciate it when people come see my work in person or come to a studio visit. Art is best in person and it also gives you an opportunity to connect and learn from others!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thechalkjungle.com
- Instagram: @thechalkjungle
