Warrior Woman of the Week: Vivian Chavez

by Gabrielle Arduini

Vivian “Toots” Chavez is a Mexican American model, artist and creative director based in Atlanta. Her work is a reflection of her unapologetic emotions, her colorful abstract imagination + and her strong will to break industry norms. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others to step forward into their truth by utilizing fear and uncertainty as fuel. She is “Toots.”

How do you see your work effecting social change specifically in Atlanta?

My goal is to bring more awareness of women empowerment. The statement is true: the future is female. In the creative community, so many women are coming forward — women are the future and people are realizing that we are very unapologetic. I went through a very difficult season in my life that had me held down by depression and the like. I had to find peace within myself. One thing that brought me peace was telling myself powerful and encouraging thoughts. Your words and thoughts are so powerful, and I had to discover that for myself. Everyone does.

What goals do you set for yourself as a female entrepreneur and artist?

As of right now, my life is in a very transitional part. I have been sitting on the concept of self-love specifically in family, relationships and art. My family didn’t understand the idea of me solely being an entrepreneur and artist. This goes back to the idea of self-love; I have become so in love with myself, and when I love myself everything else makes sense. You look at yourself in an empowering way, thus empowers everything and everyone around you. I have started challenging myself with drawing one pair of eyes a day. Today, makes Day 54 that I have been doing so, and I have thoroughly surprised myself. At first, I wanted to get better at drawing realistic eyes, but I have begun to develop my own style. Instead of realistic eyes it has turned into my own form of abstract expressionism and obsession with what feels right. This challenge for myself, keeps me in my creative direction and focus.

What advice do you want to give to other women striving to do make their own work?

I would tell everyone that they need to do something that best expresses themselves. It is very hard to see these things move or come into fruition. You need to start regardless of fear, move in it and welcome the uncertainty. For the exhibition that I curated, I had to finish one of my pieces in 8 days. That really showed me my abilities to get things done when I am passionate about it.

How would you explain your “One Word” exhibition to those that did not experience it?

For me, “One Word,” addressed this question, “How would you describe love in one word?” In the development of this exhibition, I was able to describe love as pain and courage. “One Word” represents my ability to be transparent in love and know my worth. It was my first-time curating works and I was nervous that this little house in Atlanta on Edgewood would be a sad story of people that didn’t show up: I was wrong! I am continuing to meet other artists in the Atlanta area and collaborating with them on my new projects.