Spotlight: Chesterfield Artist, Jade Carter (Creating AS)

Jade Carter/Creative AS, Artist / Photo - CultureWorks

“To me, success means showing up for yourself consistently and continuing to create, even when things get difficult.”

Jade Carter is a young artist from Chesterfield County also working under the moniker Creative AS. her first mixed media show, Peace from Anxiety, just wrapped at the Petersburg Public Library, featuring paintings, drawings, and photography by Jade. We caught up with her for a brief interview in Petersburg.

CULTUREWORKS: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST REACTION WHEN YOU WERE ASKED TO SHOW AT THE PETERSBURG LIBRARY?

Jade: I was honestly stunned. The artist they originally had lined up had to back out at the last minute, and by sheer luck I was asked to fill in. It was an unexpected opportunity, and I was incredibly grateful to be considered.

CULTUREWORKS: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE IN JUST A FEW WORDS?

Jade: I would describe my artistic style as contemporary, textured, and unique. I enjoy creating pieces that immediately capture a viewer’s attention and encourage them to take a closer look.

CULTUREWORKS: TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Jade: What inspires me most is other people. I see individuals pursuing their dreams and creating things—whether it’s artwork, website design, music, or even a new business. Watching others create inspires me to find my own way of making an impact and connecting with people through my work.

CULTUREWORKS: WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT CREATING YOUR ART?

Jade: What excites me most is watching an idea evolve. The finished piece rarely looks exactly the way I imagined it in the beginning, and that’s my favorite part. Creativity isn’t a straight line from point A to point B—the unexpected detours are often what make the final result special.

CULTUREWORKS: IN YOUR MIND, WHAT DOES SUCCESS AS AN ARTIST LOOK LIKE?

Jade: To me, success means showing up for yourself consistently and continuing to create, even when things get difficult. Success isn’t something that someone else can give you. It comes from believing in yourself, staying dedicated to your craft, and refusing to give up.

CULTUREWORKS: WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING AS A FULL-TIME ARTIST?

Jade: The best part is having the freedom to create and work with clients who trust my creative vision. Having that creative freedom allows me to produce my best work.

CULTUREWORKS: AS AN ARTIST, HOW HAS LIVING IN THIS REGION INFLUENCED YOUR STYLE OR YOUR JOURNEY?

Jade: Living in this region showed me that becoming a full-time artist was actually possible. Seeing artwork throughout Richmond—in galleries, public spaces, and murals painted on buildings—gave me the confidence to pursue art as a career and believe in my own path.

CULTUREWORKS: WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AFTER THE PETERSBURG LIBRARY SHOW—ANY UPCOMING WORK YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?

Jade: I’m excited to share that I’ve been invited by a member of the Petersburg Art Council to display my work at a new gallery that will be opening soon. I’m looking forward to this opportunity and to continuing to share my work with a wider audience.

For more information on Jade Carter, find her on Instagram @creating.a.s