Meet Kalichi Lamar | Artist & Art Healer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kalichi Lamar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kalichi, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?

“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” -Khalil Gibran

“Be quiet in your mind, quiet in your senses, and also quiet in your body. Then, when all these are quiet, do not do anything. In that state, truth will reveal itself to you.” -Kabir

I have two that deeply resonate with me, and I could not choose one over the other. Together, these words are a daily reminder to be still and listen. Even though I have loved these quotes for a long time, I never understood their true meaning until I took a trip out west and camped in remote deserts and forests. It was in those moments I experienced the embodiment of quieting the mind and listening to nature. It was one of the most profound experiences I had of going inward and answering internal questions I didn’t realize were present.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

My art is a representation of repurposing and alchemizing nature – a connection to roots. I work mostly with wood pieces through pyrography, and occasionally engrave and laser cut when I am creating a specialized piece. This connection to nature started with my birth name, Kalichi, which is Taino-Indigenous for “fountain of the high mountain.” I was born in Borikén (Puerto Rico), where the beginnings of my childhood were surrounded by nature, playing outside, and having a deep affinity for the ocean. These aspects, along with my roots are reflected in my artwork.

I have always been a creative soul, and the arts are what helped me cope with my father’s passing from cancer, my grandmother’s dementia diagnosis, being a caregiver, and coping with my own health matters. These experiences were a catalyst to pursuing a creative career. I developed a passion to help others heal through the arts, as well as cultivate my own craft. This motivated me to apply to graduate school where I earned an M.S. and M.A. degree in Psychology and Arts in Medicine (also known as Arts for Health).

During my studies and after graduation, I was taken down the path of working and providing creative outlets for cancer patients, the elderly, and patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and movement disorders. When the pandemic arrived and everyone was sent home, I took the opportunity to cultivate my craft. I refined my pyrography skills, opened an online shop, and participated in virtual arts for health sessions with a cancer center. This motivated me to organize my own creative wellness sessions within my community. I offered sessions to the overall public and specialized sessions dedicated to BIPOC communities. I also hosted creative wellness sessions with a local business and a university organization.

Going down this path was not easy because it involved experiencing trauma and alchemizing that pain to express it creatively. Although I experienced trauma, it inspired me to help others. It made me realize I have a caregiver and healing spirit, making this one of the most rewarding paths I have ever taken. One of the most important things I learned is that it’s okay to start over. It’s okay to stop, go back to the drawing board, regroup, meditate, and start anew. It’s okay to let go of what no longer works. Do not box yourself in. You are allowed to have continuous change and growth.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Oh wow! Ha-ha! There is so much to do here. Let’s see…

I would tell my best friend to visit Miami early Spring. Let’s do March. I know spring break can be hectic, but we also have many festivals to attend, and the farms are harvesting some goodies. We would start the week by visiting the Knaus Berry Farm to pick some fresh strawberries, bloomed sunflowers, and don’t forget, a box of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. If you know, you know.

Let’s follow this by taking a trip to Wynwood and the arts district. We are going to spend the day looking at art walls, galleries, and shops. Have your camera ready. There are hidden gems on the ground as well.
Want to chill out? Let’s visit a hidden spot called Upper Buena Vista to have a Cacao bowl at the Devia Juice Bar. The best part is the large Banyan tree in the center, which acts like a canopy over the patio. Shade and breeze.

Looking for fresh-air shopping? Let’s go to Coconut Grove where we can jump from shop to shop, and sit on the patio of a café for some brunch.
We need dinner right?! Let’s go to Havana Harry’s. The plates are large, tasty, and the bread basket is addicting. Make sure you go with an empty stomach. You will ask for a bread refill.

You can’t come to Miami without visiting the beach. We could do South Beach but let’s go a little North where it’s quieter. Soak in the rays and blue waters. More importantly, enjoy the low humidity. We might need to drive a little, but this gem is worth it. Let’s stop by Sazón Cubano, sit on the patio and eat the yummiest cod fish croquetas. We can take a walk on the beach afterwards and wait for the sunset.

Since we are book lovers, we have to stop by Books and Books to browse the shelves. We can grab a quick snack at the café, and maybe check out some poetry reading events! Or, if you have an appetite, we can head over to Mofongo Restaurant for some Puerto Rican cuisine. We can’t be Boricua and not stop for some Rican food before leaving, ha-ha!

We will end the trip by going to the Calle Ocho festival, because why not?! You are about to get all of Miami, the Caribbean, Latin America, arts, food, and music in one spot. If you get eager to come back, visit me at the end of the month so we can attend the largest rave ever, Ultra Music Festival. Hope you had a fun trip!

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?
Of course! First and foremost, I could not have made it this far without the support of my husband and affirmations from my mother. They have always believed in me and my dreams, and are my biggest cheerleaders. They push me to be the best version of myself. When I get in my own way, my husband helps me bring everything back into focus. And my mother is always there to remind me to keep going. I can’t scream loud enough how much I appreciate their faith in me.

Secondly, I have to give a shoutout to my tribe, Higuayagua and the Taino-Indigenous community. They embraced me with open arms and are the biggest supporters of my work. They inspired so much of my vision, and I cannot go through this interview without giving them the recognition they deserve.

Website: www.kolibriembers.com

Instagram: @kolibriembers

Image Credits
All images were taken by me, Kalichi Lamar.