We had the good fortune of connecting with LeChell Rush Honorat and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi LeChell, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks absolutely frightens me, especially the ones that require me to bet on myself. I don’t alway have the confidence to do it, but what I can say, I’ve never taken a risk that I’ve regretted. It may take a bit longer to get there but when I take them, they are calculated and full-force. I wouldn’t be remotely near the artist or person that I am without these risks.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is truly a reflection of me. It’s raw and honest but also holds my communities in reverence. As a Black Queer Women, who primarily focuses on sharing the stories of black woman and black queer women, I am proud of the trust that the people who participate in my projects offer to me. The willingness to grant me permission to tell their stories and handle them with respect but also to listen to mine in ways I never knew I needed. Their stories and mine are, my entire brand rest on speaking for myself and marginalized communities and speaking truth to power the way we want it to be told not how it is expected on in ways that make it palatable and it’s the most radical thing I can do for us.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m naturally a homebody, so I don’t have many favorite places to go but a couple of things I love about being in Houston that I didn’t have much being born & raise in New York City is the greenery and the history Houston holds I explore the parks and recreation areas and also have to take them through 3rd Ward just to view how historic and creativity of the black community. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out the Write About Now (WAN) community. Amir Safi, Ebony Stewart, Aris Kian, RJ Wright, Rubi, Xach Blunt, Peace, Omer Ahmed. I first took to the stage at WAN and they have definitely encouraged, motivated, mentored and show me so much love. They have so much faith in my artistry and the also willing come through to support and actively participate when I call on them.
Website: www.bylechell.com
Instagram: bylechell
Twitter: bylechell
Facebook: bylechell
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FB8PpT0kFPg5sH9xrJoVQ (By LeChell)
Image Credits
Headshot @rdaugustphotographyllc Additional Photos @bylechell