After chatting with the incredibly talented Gold Coast artist, Chanelle Rose, let’s just say I will never look at a ballpoint pen the same way again. Who would have thought a good old ink pen was capable of producing eye-catching and now, internationally renowned artworks, when guided by a hand as creative as Chanelle’s.
‘I love creating with ballpoint ink as it can be incredibly challenging trying to create large-scale, different effects. It also allows me to be really precise with it which, as a perfectionist, I really love.
‘It does get a little scary sometimes however, as there is no going back once ink has hit the paper,’ she said.
Inspired by her grandmother and mother, whom were both artists, as well as our social environment and where we come from, Chanelle brings these themes to life through her artwork, and in doing so, has managed to capture the attention of a range of high profile, international clients.
One client who Chanelle has been working closely with over four years is Busta Rhymes, an American rapper, singer, record producer, actor and record executive. If you haven’t heard of him, well, best you get back to doodling stick figures with your ballpoint pen.
Together, Chanelle and Busta have collaborated and discussed various concepts regarding world issues and how their creative works set out to strengthen people’s lives. Introduced four years ago through Swizz Beatz, another rapper and producer, Chanelle’s artwork resonated both visually and emotionally with Busta, and the rest, you could say, is history.
‘Busta initially saw my artwork titled ‘The Observer’ and spoke to me about using the artwork as his album cover. Over the years, Busta added selected artworks to his collection and eventually acquired ten, which have all been used throughout the promotion of his album ‘ELE2 Extinction Level Event 2 – The Wrath of God’.
‘Working with Busta has been such a refreshing experience and I feel truly blessed being able to build such a wonderful connection with him,’ Chanelle said.
Despite Chanelle’s artwork already being featured in Times Square New York, on buses in London, the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, on worldwide billboards around the world, and online through Busta’s virtual ‘Bunker’ museum, there is still no stopping this Gold Coast powerhouse.
‘I’ve been learning a new medium over the past year, which I’ll be introducing in 2021 and I’ve also been working on a unique, interactive artwork project that everyone can contribute to, so stay tuned.’