Today we’d like to introduce you to Claude Cherry.
Claude, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in San Diego, Ca and Daytona Beach, FL where it all began! I’ve always been an artist since a very young age. I was raised by strong, independent, black God-fearing women, my grandmother, my aunt and most importantly, my mom who was a single parent. They encouraged me with my art. My mom pushed me to be the best at what I do, whether it was art or life in general. My mom has always been my biggest supporter when it came to art she pushed me so hard, she always told me not to stop or give up on my dreams as an artist.
In 1992 I started my own business at only 19 years old. Airbrushing, painting murals, designing flyers for parties, and my own clothing line. I became well known in my community and surround communties. I also employed three of my younger cousins to help me run my business (keep it in the family lol). Unfortunately, it didn’t last. I was young and didn’t know how to manage a company that was growing pretty fast, and it ended abruptly. Over the next few years, I continued to do small pieces of art on t-shirts and logo designs, but nothing big developed.
Fast forward some years later in 2018 after a hand injury, a close friend took a chance on me (Kimberly). She asked me to create an original piece of art, which was a canvas painting. It was then I realized that acrylic painting was my calling, and I fell in love ever since. It brings me satisfaction to bring joy to people through my art.
I’ve never would of imagined that painting on canvas would be so huge for me. Especially after my injury, which back then I thought was going to prevent me from making any art. I’ve been painting for over a year now. I’m so blessed to have a wife that is so organized and keeps my current business running smoothly.
I’m a free spirit and my wife is great at putting things together which makes us a great team.
It’s amazing seeing the joy on people’s faces when they look at my art, especially those that buy it. Art brings me so much joy and happiness. I thank God for the gift and ability that He has given me, I don’t take it lightly. I cherish what God has done. Without God, I wouldn’t be here to share my story and my love of art.
Has it been a smooth road?
As an artist, you try to find your place in the art world, you often compare yourself to other well-known artists, especially when you first start out. That was the case for me, I had to overcome to find my style and to not be like everybody else. To be you and not let obstacles or challenges stop your dreams, that’s important. I felt like with my art, I had to try and fit in into an art box, I used to think I had to fit in this box to be accepted by the art community but it’s not true.
Everyone was welcoming, the art community is full of people who are friendly and encouraging. We all want to see each other succeed, so those insecurities that developed in my mind disappeared and I developed my own style.
Ever since I got out of that invisible box which by the way, doesn’t exist, I’ve let my mind and creativity run wild and my art shows that.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I create art that brings joy and puts smiles on people’s faces which is needed in this day and age, I specialize in acrylic paintings, from portraits, abstract, landscapes, anime, and cultural artwork.
I’m known for my portraits and bright colors. I’m most proud of never giving up on my dreams which is so important to me. I feel that my style of art separates me from other artists.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I definitely feel that San Diego is a good place to start a business, especially one like mine. San Diego has some of the most incredible art culture, full of color and diversity which makes this city great. I would recommend anyone starting a new business to do it here.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 619 870-7321
- Email: zonoarte@gmail.com
- Instagram: @zono_arte
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