Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsey Rives.
Hi Chelsey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m the founder of Volcano Heart Communication Consulting and also offer handcrafted artwork and gifts. Volcano Heart offers communication coaching and handcrafted artwork and gifts.
I’m a life long learner, teacher and self-taught artist. After years of being extremely sick, I’ve been brought back to health and am now free to create art and help people free their voices by unlocking their power of presence.
Previously, I enjoyed a successful career as a professional commercial, voiceover and theater actress. I also served for many years as a teacher in various public, private, community and higher education institutions.
My work as a house parent at a residential treatment center for children, a direct care worker at a home for pregnant and parenting teen mothers, and volunteer work at women’s shelters and refugee resettlement programs have made me sensitive to the needs of people who have undergone significant struggle and/or suffered trauma.
My academic training in drama therapy, work experiences and lived experiences have attuned me to the complex role trauma plays in the body, voice and ways we connect with the world.
I hold a master’s degree in drama from the Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University and studied at the Moscow Art Theater and London Academy of Theater.
I live in San Antonio, Texas, with my husband and little white dog.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I struggled with mental illness for three decades as a result of severe trauma. I was diagnosed with multiple disorders, experienced chronic pain, endured several hospitalizations and spent many years on pharmaceuticals that reduced me to a shell of my former self. When I finally decided Western medicine wasn’t working for me, I began to seek out other paths to healing from trauma, both ancient and modern. Through nervous system regulation, and somatic therapy practices, I’ve been pharmaceutical-free for some time now, no longer experience chronic pain or mental health symptoms, and feel more alive than I have in decades.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Every item is an original piece of artwork that I create by hand. I hand paint each watercolor painting on my back porch. To make the block print artwork, I hand carve my original designs out of linoleum blocks then roll ink onto the block and hand burnish the designs. As everything is handcrafted, variations are part of the unique charm of Volcano Heart. I want people to see my work and think of someone special in their lives that would love it. Everything I make is meant to be a vehicle for connection; a handmade expression of love.
About Communication Consulting:
I specialize in empowering people to unlock their vocal and physical presence and use their voices with agency and autonomy. I work with students, professionals and non-profits.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Every facet of Volcano Heart is a reminder to myself and others to live with our hearts on fire, love fiercely and always speak our truths.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.volcanohearttx.com
- Instagram: VolcanoHearttx
