WASHINGTON, DC - A Washington, DC resident, Chinedu Felix Osuchukwu lives by the theme, "I Live to Create." Chinedu attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and The Corcoran College of Art & Design. He later joined the staff of the Cesar Chavez Public Charter School, where he serves as both Department Chair and instructor in visual arts. He began creating art at a very young age, and by growing up with a bleeding disorder known as hemophilia. He decided to take this challenge and develop his skills as an artist, and specifically a world class painter, to build up his self confidence and to share his vision with the community.

Artist Statement

I want to raise people's consciousness about what is going on around them. especially young Black males. If I do a riot scene. I want people to think, "Why do people riot? Why are people on that side fighting those people on the other side?" If I were to do a homeless person, I want people to ask, "Why is there poverty?" Art is a way of healing. It heals the soul. But it can be any form of art. It can be poetry or acting or dance. And I don't mean classical dance, it could just be regular dance. It could be making people laugh, being a comedian.Or it can be the art of being a doctor or the art of giving - whatever fits your needs, whatever makes you feel good. It's doing things that you can share with other people that they can relate to. For me its painting. creating art helps me meditate and think about new ideas for my next project.


When I'm creating, I have a lot of thoughts that go through my head - other creations, ideas that can help other people, or assignments for my class. I think about my next project, whether that's another painting or working with one of my students. Also, I've found confidence through my art. i think of my art as a weapon that I have used to fight against injustice and violence. I have found something that I really enjoy. I'm blessed. I was given a gift to use my art to inspire.