Breaking Beyond the Canvas: The Challenges of Being a Black Creative with Ashley Fluellen
In this conversation, Surayya and Ashley Fluellen discuss the challenges of balancing art and business, drawing parallels to Issa Rae's experiences in Hollywood. They explore the frustration of unkept promises in the industry and the need for artists to navigate the gray area between social change, business success, and artistic expression. They also discuss the disappointment of projects not panning out as expected and the importance of giving oneself grace and embracing imperfection.
The conversation highlights the responsibility of successful Black artists and creatives to give back, while also emphasizing the need for self-care and prioritizing one's own needs. Ashley Fluellen discusses her childhood artistic expressions and how it has influenced their current work. Ashley talks about her love for teaching and the challenges she faced in the American school system. She also shares her experience working in a hyper-capitalist company and how it went against her values.
Overall, Ashley talks about the challenges of balancing multiple roles and the importance of experimentation and finding one's unique path. Ashley envisions creating a supportive community and providing opportunities for artists and creatives of color.
