Circle of Inspiration Spotlight: Tiélere Cheatem
Tiélere Cheatem | St. Louis MO
Visual + Performing Artist
Describe who you are and what you do:
I am very strong minded and passionate person who loves the arts in every way. I am someone who always stands firm in what I believe in. I am a visual and performing artist here St. Louis. I’ve been performing professionally in a number of musicals, plays, concerts, etc for years and now while also running my art business “The Rusty Artist”. My work has been seen in a number of stage performances, galleries, and homes as well.
What drew you to your particular creative outlet?
Honestly I was born in the arts. Both performance and visual. It was 4yrs a go when I finally got back into my art full time. I wanted to document what I was going through spiritually and emotionally., but not in a writing format. So I started painting again to help with that.
When did you decide to pursue your passion?
It was a big wake up call that everything that I was doing was going against my passions and what I was meant to do. It took a friend of mine to remind me why we are blessed with these gifts, and why we must continue to use them and share them with the world.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from life, spiritual experiences, and what I’m feeling. Music also has a HUGE impact on my life.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned on your creative journey?
To NEVER compromise your creativity. I came up with a phrase a couple years back when I was teaching art to children. “There are no boarders on your creative mind. Be free. If there are walls, take a hammer and knock them down.”
What are you currently working on?
Still continuing my series titled: “La Beauté de Homme” (The Beauty of Man). A series showcasing different expressions through the male form. Breaking the stigma that men aren’t emotional creatures and can’t express it through their physical forms.
Any words of advice for someone getting started in your field?
There’s always an ugly stage to this work. I like to call it the “Blocking and Blending” stage. It’s ugly and messy and there are many moments where you’ll feel like you’ve ruined everything. But that is not true. You must continue to get past the ugly stage, take a step back when needed, and keep working. You’ll see the beauty of why you started every time.
Tiélere Cheatem is a visual and performing artist in St. Louis, MO who is following his heart + pursuing his passion with confidence.
Follow Tiélere on Instagram to keep up with all he is creating as the Rusty Artist.
Keep your circle of inspiration tight and keep creating!
Additional pictures by The Rusty Artist and Chris Bauer @cbauerphoto