Detroit Native, artist, educator and socio-technical activist, Dr. Chanel Beebe explores the themes that inspire her creativity in this short, but powerful look book.
Using writing, painting, digital artwork and the assistance of AI, Dr. Beebe addresses the following themes:
Journey Of Self
Cultural Heritage Representation
Choosing Joy Intentionally
Complex Social Issues
Interconnected Identities
Reflecting On Impact
Embracing Diverse Perspectives
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Through the lens of an artist, engineer, educator, and researcher, Chanel Beebe embraces the journey of self-discovery and human connection. A Native Detroiter, Chanel’s creative odyssey spans across the realms of abstract multimedia art, where acrylic and oil paints fuse with digital elements to forge a unique tapestry of expression.
At the core of her artistic vision lies a relentless pursuit of capturing unspoken nuances, illuminating the intricacies of human experience through the prism of symbols and vibrant colors. As she ventures into the vast expanse of imagery, her intention is to imbue each stroke with action, meaning, and the essence of our collective existence.
Chanel's work becomes an act of storytelling, weaving together the threads of local communities and global systems, seeking to name and address the profound experiences that shape our lives. To do so authentically, she anchors herself in the intimacy of her reality, embracing the fluidity of emotions and situations that flow through her.
Expression and documentation become the key to this flow, allowing emotions and experiences to transcend the confines of the self. In this transcendent dance, physical activity and stillness merge with words and colors, giving rise to Abstract Alchemy. This exhibition serves as a visual and emotional pilgrimage, where colors and words converge to manifest the essence of her inner world.
In Abstract Alchemy, emotions and real-world phenomena intertwine, birthing a creative symphony that invites viewers to embark on their own transformative journey. Through this vivid display of emotions, Chanel seeks to refine her artistic practice continually, forever honing her craft as an explorer of the human spirit.
Moreover, she aspires to inspire others to embrace their own creative path, inviting them to traverse the realm of self-expression more effortlessly. In doing so, she hopes to spark conversations, initiating dialogues that illuminate innovative ideas and solutions capable of elevating our collective existence.
In the end, Abstract Alchemy is more than an art exhibition; it is a testament to the power of creativity as a conduit for understanding and growth. Chanel's life's work finds its purpose in this shared experience as she strives to leave an indelible mark on the canvas of human consciousness.
Install
Opening Reception
Artist Talk
Closing Reception
Sold Pieces
Collect a Piece from Abstract Alchemy
30" x 40"
Acrylic On Canvas
2023
Growing up in the 90’s, I loved the textures and colors of the fashion – especially Coogi sweaters.
To me, Coogi Sweaters were the tapestry of wealth. The look and the feel of the sweaters felt like storytelling in fabric.
The repeating patterns of Coogi Carnival represent the cycles of life. There are bright times and dark times, but they all make up the story of our lives.
30" x 30"
Acrylic On Canvas
2023
Departing from my typical color pallet, The Elements is an abstract representation of the four elements (center top to left: air, earth, fire, and water.)
In an attempt to get back to the origins of creation, this piece demonstrates both the form and function of these elements.
Their placement indicates that the four of them come together to offer us endless possibilities of existence.
20" x 20"
Digital Art on Canvas
2023
AI-Generated Artwork based on the description for the “Abstract Alchemy” Art Show and Dr. Chanel Beebe’s Bio
30" x 30"
Digital Art on Canvas
2021
This piece was inspired by the complexities of unpacking the root causes of the many social issues that have been brought to light over the past few years.
In an attempt to turn the “American Melting Pot” metaphor on its head, the Garden of Eden depicts the way different identities interweave with each other to create a tapestry of identities and concerns.
Though not all of our identities (represented by the colors) are given equal representation, the way they intersect creates a depth of texture that make us who we are. This also suggest that we must be delicate and intentional if we want to care for the identities that are the most buried.
30" x 30"
Digital Art on Canvas
2021
After scouring family memories and ancestry sites, I was able to track part of my lineage to the Choctaw Nation in Mississippi and am currently getting to know Native folks and practices in my local community.
As I learn, I find Native symbology and beliefs that align with beliefs I've long held as a Black Woman.
In Heritage Mandala, I situate colors, patterns, and symbols from both sides of my heritage into a single mandala representing the kaleidoscope of tools and perspectives available to me as I navigate this life.
30" x 30"
Digital Art on Canvas
2021
As I shifted my mindset from happiness as a default goal, I found myself mystified by the idea that joy was a sense of peace and appreciation that extends beyond fixed instances and reasons. Joy, it seemed to me, was a condition of the heart that could be reached regardless of the subjective quality of our experiences. Joy also seemed significantly harder to experience than happiness, as it is found deep in the essence of our existence and seems to have a holy or sacred purpose. In creating Joy Portal I created a visual experience that would remind my soul that joy was an intentional choice I could always make.
Intended Placement: Use this piece in spaces and rituals aimed at grounding and connecting with joy throughout the day.
30" x 30"
Digital Art on Canvas
2021
As I've done things that felt impossible, I've learned that with a clear intention, even steps taken in chaos can still lead down the right path. With Esoteric Temple Blueprint I used layering and techniques that complicated the journey toward the piece feeling complete. I chose colors that typically drown each other out and patterns that would typically be too busy to pair with others and allowed myself to work through the process of making it beautiful. Though the journey from layer to layer felt ugly at first, I slowly noticed a blueprint-like layout beginning to emerge. This blueprint reminds me that even in the least optimal circumstances, my intention and presence of mind can continue to lead me to exactly where I need to be.
Intended Placement: Use this piece to bring clarity and grounding to spaces and habits that facilitate learning or growth or currently feel unclear/misguided
36" x 24"
Digital Art on Canvas
2020
In 2020, I was finishing two graduate degrees virtually, coping with the growing pandemic, and trying to figure out my creative and entrepreneurial direction. Simultaneously, I was learning what it meant to manage my mental health.
While it’s important to celebrate previous accomplishments (symbolized by the balloons in the girl’s hands), it’s also essential to keep a clear view of the evolving goals in front of you (represented by the wavy and seemingly changing sunshine). Most important, though, is every step, breath, and moment along the way (depicted by the fact that the foreground has the most detail and takes up most of the image.) This piece represents how beautiful the journey can be if you keep everything in perspective.
