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Calenna Carmela Cauley
USA
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“Anyone can view my paintings and get something out of them, whether it is emotionally provoked or formally provoked.”
Calenna Cauley, or Dusa, was born and raised in southern Maryland. She now lives in DC and often goes by the nickname of Cal. They are currently pursuing their Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies at Arizona State University. She received her undergraduate degrees in philosophy and studio art.
Red Rose | Oil
$1,000
30 X 40
Red rose study in 2019
At a young age, Calenna was fascinated by art, as she was quite early on introduced to artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe, Diego Rivera, Pablo Picasso, and much more. She grew an affinity for art throughout the years, drawing flowers, people, and anime characters.
O'Keeffe | Oil
$2,000
36 X 48
Rose drawing influenced by Georgia O'Keeffe
In high school, Cal took AP 2D Design, and her love for art grew. Calenna experimented with colored pencils, graphite, charcoal, photography, and much more. As time passed, an affinity for colored pencils was discovered.
“I tend to focus mostly on color, depth, form, and marks to create my paintings.”
She created some of most breath-taking works, such as “The Real Purge.” In college, she discovered a knack for oil paint and pastel, and she explored the medium through large paintings of flowers, namely roses.
Manic | Oil
$300
16 X 20
This was made at 4am one night when I felt my mania coming on. This is a representation of how my brain and thoughts were feeling.
This was made at 4am one night when I felt my mania coming on. This is a representation of how my brain and thoughts were feeling.
A sunflower inspired by my anger
Rage | Oil
$700
24 X 36
Being heavily influenced by Georgia O’Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, and Rembrandt’s invention of chiaroscuro, she has created a unique art style that emphasizes formal elements of paintings to describe her thoughts, emotions, and morals. She often uses flowers, specifically roses, and sunflowers, for their rich colors and details.
“My goal is to share my story with anyone willing to be a part of my audience, in hopes that they can learn something from me to make the world a better place.”
“Another reason for some of my art is to display social commentary concerning anti-Black and anti-Asian racism. This was previously explored years ago to process the injustices against Black and Asians in the United States.”
Her work is diverse, as they are a reflection of the self. As someone with anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, her thoughts and feelings are constantly evolving and changing; they race and battle each other in her mind.
Conversations | Oil
$100
12 X 9
Inspired by Juice WRLD'S song. Sometimes I feel as if the devil is always tempting me, but it is up to me to answer the phone.
The point of her art is to normalize things and create a safe space in which people can talk about their thoughts and feelings without being ostracized. Mental health is a serious matter, and she hopes to highlight this issue in a positive manner.
Rose study in red/pink
1 | Pastel
$75
11 X 15
Rose study in red/pink
Being Black and Filipina, Cal felt the need to express her thoughts and document history from her perspective. Growing up in a predominantly White area for much of her life, Cal has experienced multiple instances of racism from strangers, peers, and even police officers. Art became a way to express her frustrations and pain on a level never done before.
Rose study in turquoise/blue
2 | Pastel
$75
11 X 5
“I can create various forms of art, whether it be figurative, nature, or abstract. I express myself as I see fit.”
3 | Pastel
$75
11 X 15
Rose study in orange/red
Currently, Cal has been studying various forms of flowers, as she is heavily fascinated by the diversity within nature. They see people as flowers sometimes, as each person has their own characteristics that make them unique, much like a flower.
Rose study in blue
4 | Pastel
$75
11 X 5
The flower has become both a plain subject matter and a metaphor for Cal, allowing her to further explore oil paint, oil pastel, and colored pencils as mediums. By sticking to the same subject matter, she has been able to perfect the flower, though Cal may find themself indulging in other subjects at times.
The Real Purge | Mixed Media
$200
A depiction of White Supremacy in today's world
“There is no limit to what style or subject matter I may explore.”
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