Introducing Callie Istre

Callie Istre is an artist and jewelry maker from Lafayette, La. Her main focus is in creating paintings that can also be classified as sculptures.

Callie is a graduate of Louisiana State University and has recently begun her delve into the professional art community. Her art centers around the woman experience and aims to connect to her feminine audience. Callie takes inspiration from everywhere, but her time studying abroad in Ireland helped to solidify her love for art and helped her branch out into sculptural work. She is on the BARE WALLS art roster, and is always searching for new opportunities within her community.

Who makes up your art circle?

My art circle is largely influenced by my friends and women around my community. A large aspect of my work is making pieces original to the woman experience, so in turn a lot of my circle is people who can relate to the things I paint about.

How do you expand your art circle?

I am always looking for new opportunities in the art community, the hunt for my next exhibition or art project never stops. I’ve recently started branching out into social media as a way to expand my artistic reach. You can reach me at caktis.studio on instagram, and I’m hoping to branch out to more places soon!

What value do you see in having a creative community?

Art has always had a special place in my heart ever since I was little taking art classes at the Little Paintbrush. This has led me to a career in art and I think it’s important for both children and adults alike to be able to turn to a place in their community where they feel like they can express themselves, or relate to what is being presented to them.

Without this community, I can’t imagine that I would’ve gotten where I was today, and be able to continue growing into a better artist.

How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?

My art tends to be women-centric. I make art for anyone who has ever had to experience the effect of femininity on their person. A lot of my pieces are just as much a celebration of womanhood as well as the painful and harmful views a lot of people have on women, and I hope to create a connection between me and those viewing my art. Additionally, all of the wood used in my art is recycled, which helps to clean up the community! 

Our weekly Art Circle series profiles artists throughout the community and is sponsored in part by Lafayette Visitor Enterprise Fund managed by Lafayette Travel