Bono's words, "A feeling is so much more stronger/Than a thought" are the song to Chantey Dayal's artistry.
Chantey Dayal, from Duncan, British Columbia
Her paintings convey those feelings that my body holds holy, those experiences that only the senses, not the mind, can capture: my bare feet touching lush, warm, green grass after a long winter; a charmed evening spent in six yards of regal, contrast-colored silk; my newborn's tiny ankles and feet gently fidgeting on my body as I feed him.
I appreciate Chantey's ability to evoke such feelings because I often struggle with it in my own work. My creative process, probably like many others', begins with a mind spark - a wondering about life, a new idea, a concept I want to illuminate. The thought is raw, cerebral, and my process continues to be a very mental one as I chew, mull, ruminate. I sometimes make the mistake of staying here too long, and not pivoting into a different place, the place that has no answers, the place which can only be felt. I've never discussed this with anyone, but it must be a common struggle. Why else would Bono explicitly write those lyrics?
I asked Chantey 5 questions about life, art, and upbringing. Her paintings told me she was a woman who had journeyed and would have something meaningful to share.
PunamArts: "Painter of nature and folly" are how you describe your work. Did you ever imagine that your unbridled love of life could lead you to being a painter and getting paid to follow your passion?
CHANTEY: I've always felt deeply that love of life would lead me exactly where I needed to be, mistakes and all. As an impressionable eight year old on a visit to India, a family member read my fingerprint and told me in no uncertain terms that I was destined to be an artist. It felt as though I was being told something which I already knew, so I never doubted that I would someday be paid to follow my passion. There was simply no choice in the matter and that is still true today.
PunamArts: What's it like being a working artist amongst your family and friends? What's the one thing people underestimate about being an artist?
CHANTEY: All of my soul friends are artists and in my family being an artist was a good thing. My mother's side is a line of culinary masters, knitters and singers, and despite the conservative background of my father's side, each person is still passionate about music, or drawing, cooking or poetry. I can honestly say, that I have always felt supported, encouraged and even pushed to pursue my dreams. The one thing that is underestimated is how painful it can be to put yourself out there as an artist and to continue the "inner digging" that is required to keep coming back to what calls you.
PunamArts: I am interested in the influences (media, parental, teacher) on young people when they begin exploring their future. Why do you think the words "I want to be an artist" often gets such negative reactions? What did you hear when you told people what you wanted to be?
CHANTEY: I think that almost all negative reactions come from one place, and that is fear. People are afraid to stand at the cliff or in front of the mirror or naked for all to see. I suppose they also fear those who are willing to do so. I've had many reactions, from rolling eyes to half hearted "good lucks", from pats on the back to incredibly supportive actions. All of them were necessary in helping me find my own truth of the matter. What other's think is pretty much irrelevant, it is the inner conversation which propels us or stops us dead in our tracks!
PunamArts: I've made a documentary which further explores these themes that we are discussing like passion, influences, and mastery of a craft. I'm curious what resonates with you when you watch the trailer?
CHANTEY: Finally! A story that inspires us to be ourselves, but also to be our very best selves. I have always been drawn to, and admired the story of the blue collar worker. I have worked for unions and hung out with highly skilled humans that quietly and relentlessly perfect their craft. I really look forward to seeing the full length version.
PunamArts: I sometimes encourage people to think of their future in terms of a LIFE VERB (create, build, love, fight) instead of a label like accountant, filmmaker, photographer. What would be your life verb?
CHANTEY: RADIATE
Chantey's art ranges in price from $125 for prints to $1500 for a large original. She also welcomes commission. Please visit www.chanteydayal.com for more information.
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