Though our art display case at the Harry Belafonte 115th Street library has been temporarily closed to the public, we musn't forget to celebrate art...so we are doing so with a virtual edition.

Say hello to local artist and Belafonte site regular, Isabel Chevalier!

Where were you born? What other places has your life journey taken you? How long have you been settled here in Harlem?

I was born here and raised in Harlem. Throughout my younger years I have moved around some; I lived in the Bronx, and Queens as well. As an adult I settled back home in Harlem, I have been living in this apartment ( which is my first and only apartment ever! ) for 15 years.

What's your favorite color (#hexcode/RGB/CMYK, if you can!) or, color combination?

Oh, this question always makes me reflect on why I do not have a favorite color. I still don't know the answer. Anyhow, I do not have a favorite color though sometimes I just stare at blue things. Blue like the sky on a sunny cloudless day. And blue like the night where the blue of the sky is almost cartoon-like. 

What’s your favorite book? 

As a kid I loved Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arleen Mosel. I loved saying his full name. As a teen I loved Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria. There is this one "scene" where the husband combs and braids the wife's hair—sometimes I ask my husband to comb my hair and I know it is because of this little read in H.S. And now I have read too many great ones to choose, But I can tell you that Octavia Butler (author) can do no wrong in my eyes. Extraordinary thinker and I never use the word extraordinary.

What's your favorite memory of the Harry Belafonte Library?

Going to one of Jenny Chisnell's job search/prep workshops and being truly blown away by her passion and knowledge on the subject. Jenny has the compassion and the know-how; she is equipped with the range to help the out of work/changing careers community! I've been to many disappointing workshops led by lackluster hosts—the job search community and Harry Belafonte is fortunate to have Jenny, someone that truly wants to help.

Tell us anything that would help us understand your "process." Do you sketch ideas before painting? What kinds of things inspire you?

I don't know if I have a process. I have been sketching for ages but those sketches never make it to a painting. Paintings become what they need to be, what I need to see. I do know that I am inspired by my lack of roots. I always try to figure out who I am, where I come from, where I belong. When I sit down and paint I feel mostly unhappy and frustrated. Most of the time I just stop painting. I just quit—let it dry, take a picture and roll it up.

Tell us about your personality. If you like to use heuristics like "Myers Briggs Type," "Zodiac sign," "Love Language," etc., you can, or you can just use regular adjectives like “extroverted/introverted or “cheerful/dark”!

I am a very happy person with sadness always present. It feels stranger than it sounds. I can be laughing really hard but I can always sense the sadness present, always like DNA.  Happiness is a great fortune and so I experience life with great gratitude. But I am also thankful for my sadness because it helps me understand life and people. The purpose of life might simply be to understand. To quote Cardi-B "I am just a regular-degular girl". P.S I love going to the movies and being in spaces where I can be myself. 

Who or what are your influences? Feel free to drop names of any other artists you'd like us to keep our eyes out for!

I go to museums a lot, well before COVID. I love to stare at "Winter" by Jean Antoine Houdon, a sculpture at the MET. I feel like I can see her trembling and trying to go on. I love this sculpture that stands in my neighborhood, "Three Women Friends" by Nnamdi Okonkwo. It reminds me of my sisters. And I love "Colossus" by Goya. He looks so sad and misunderstood. I am not up to date with current artists. 

What would you tell your 10-year-old self, knowing what you know now?

I would tell her to focus on school and art and to seek out the good teachers that cared so that they may guide her. In my mind, I always visit her and hug her.

Where can we find you and your work online?

I have a YouTube channel where I get really personal in my vlog videos and where I share personal style guidance via my Thrift style videos.  On my website you'll find some of my paintings, DIY clothing, doodles, and pictures. On my Instagram I post random advice from random New Yorkers and there's a segment about my Youtube vlog series. My IG has gotten a bit political with the times—how can it not though?

EXTRA CREDIT: What's your all-time FAVORITE thing about our community (Harlem)? What would you tell someone who has never been here before? 

(I LOVE extra cred! lol)

I love the culture of Harlem. Harlem is just herself. Not some over the top trendy caricature. What I love most about Harlem is what I love most about my very home, the people that occupy it, the food, the proof of life; laughing, banter, loving. The smell from food vendor carts when you pass by. To be pickier, I love looking over a chess match in Marcus Garvey Park, the seniors on the corner dancing to their salsa, the recreation centers and their great resources and amenities, the history and culture on every block. I even love the post office crew; shout out to Ms. Gloria on 124st!