Today we’d like to introduce you to Bella Crum.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
As a child, I had the privilege of living in quite a few different neighborhoods throughout Chicago. Growing up in the city gave me the chance to see that everyone had something to contribute and so I viewed everybody around me as an artist. This belief that everyone harbors stories, feelings and desires that are worth sharing has heavily influenced my art as well as my career choices.
Modeling came first in terms of any formality or career, and poetry followed a few years later on. I always joke about how I wanted to be a rapper, but I didn’t like being constrained by the beats. It took me a very long while to realize that what I liked about rap was the poetry and rhythm in the lyrics.
For me, poetry and modeling are both forms of expression which also include being part of their respective communities. Finding a community has been invaluable for my development as an artist and vital in making Chicago feel safe and connected. Being able to uncover truth in a way that feels new is invigorating and that excitement drives me to share my art and art forms with others.
I am currently studying poetry writing with a minor in early education. I have a lot of interest in helping people make their lives more fulfilling, which to me means they have more depth, warmth and connection in them. Part of being an artist is the ability to foster that for myself, and the other part is having the desire to foster that in those who come in contact with me or with my art.
Please tell us about your art.
I am primarily a print model and a poet. A lot of my modeling is, as an artistic act, me getting in touch with fashion, locations and photographers that enhance the way I am feeling to make a shoot what it is. There are some things that are more logistical; lighting and angles and color palettes. This concrete side of modeling is very precise, and those aspects help me make strong choices in front of the camera. Then there is also this emotionally connected side which makes sense to me as a poet. In poetry, I very much am seeking connection, and in many ways modeling also seeks connection. My writing right now is rooted in a seeking and desire for connection to the self and the body, and I see this practice integrated into my modeling as well. To display emotion in a single image requires a model to understand how a feeling affects the body, and then be able to recall those sensations and reactions in front of the camera.
Additionally, I am disabled and living with an invisible illness can be taxing. This is especially true for young people, and for those in an industry like modeling where being able bodied is nearly part of the requisites. Modeling is already well known for pushing the boundaries of the body, and that happens well before any of my disability challenges come into play. I know this art tests my body and there have been choices in my career that were heavily influenced by my condition and its limitations. This isn’t to say, however, that my disability defines me as a model.
Understanding these challenges has allowed me to declare wholeheartedly that my body is still important and my existence is still valuable, despite it being a little atypical. I think that is the marriage of my modeling and my poetry — making people feel important in their bodies. We use this word ‘bodies’ all the time and we don’t quite understand what they are or how to connect with them or be happy in them. I believe there is an intuition in us all which grants us the ability to connect with our bodies, we are all just in the process of learning how to do so. That connection and desire lives at the core of my art.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
To me, success as an artist means the artist is actively pursuing goals within their field. They can be personal goals, goals within the community or goals regarding benchmarks in the industry. It is vitally important that the artist is happy with their process and products, but never stops trying to improve and expand their reach and abilities.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My portfolio can be found online at www.bellacrum.com.
As a model, my all-time favorite clients are local artists. They have this burning desire and excitement in them and it’s truly contagious. We always create something powerful and I can’t help feeling invigorated and inspired after.
Some of my poetry can also be found on my website, but it’s always better to come hear it live! I also host an open mic and featured poets gallery at Happy Gallery on the first Saturday of every month. If you’d like to join us you can find more information at www.facebook.com/happypoetrynights or email us at chicagopoets@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bellacrum.com
- Instagram: @bellacrum
- Facebook: @bellacrum
- Twitter: @bellacrum
Image Credit:
Photographer: Diana Nguyen
Photographer: Lily Someson
Photographer: Marco Del Arca
Photographer: Jiayue Yu
MUA: Jessica Hillery
HA: Jonquinae Harris
Photographer: NewYorkRebel
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
