Cholena Drew Hughes Artist

Cholena is a visual artist who grew up on Bribie Island. After many travels, both in Australia and abroad (Hawaii, Indonesia and Singapore) she has now established a home in the bush at the base of Mt Mellum. Drawing on her surroundings for inspiration, her artworks resemble elements of the beach, the bush and beyond.

Cholena has explored many processes and mediums in her art practise always stimulating new creativeness in her vocabulary of mark making. Her years of study at both TAFE and University have extended her knowledge and practise of both traditional and contemporary ways of creating art.

In the last few years Cholena’s art has emerged through galleries both in Australia and overseas in the UK, USA and Indonesia, as result her work is now part of many collections nationally and internationally.

Website: www.cholenadrewhughes.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cholena_artist/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CholenaDrewHughesArt
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cdrewhughes/
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/CholenDrewHughes
Email: cdrewhughesart@live.com.au 

How long have you been creating your art?
I've always been creative, in 2007 my husband encouraged me to begin Art studies. He said "You are an artist Cholena, you need to develop your talents". That year was the first time I participated in an exhibition since High School, and I haven't looked back. 

How did you get started?
My Grandmother was very creative and would teach us the techniques she learned as well as enrolling my sister and I in workshops on school holidays. Visiting my Grandmother was always so exciting because we never knew what creative activities she would have for us to do next.

What is your greatest inspiration?
Nature! I live on 50 acres in the bush, I love how it's always changing.... the colours, the textures, the shapes.... there's always so much to see if you take the time to look. I also love the beach, growing up on Bribie Island I have many memories of beach walks. Collecting shells, rocks and driftwood, making marks in the sand with a stick or our toes as we absorbed our environment. Again there is so much to explore and see if you take your time to look and become an active part of our natural environment.

What is the greatest challenge to owning and operating your own business?
Juggling my time. My husband is sick with Lyme Disease and requires a lot of care. We also have a 6 year old who goes to school and I like to share her experience of learning and developing as she grows through life. Escaping into my Art practice is my favourite way to cope with the challenges of life, focus on the things that make me happy and then offer it to the world to try and spread the happiness.

What is the best thing about owning your own creative business?
Being able to share my creativeness with people! When someone decides to purchase my work and make it part of their life - there's no greater compliment. I tend to get goosebumps during the experience.