Today we’d like to introduce you to MISCHA ALEXANDER.
Hi MISCHA, 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?
My story as an artist and writer started in the Marcus Garvey projects in Brownsville, Brooklyn, NY and is rooted in survival, transformation, and the need to turn my experiences into something meaningful. I also wanna show others, especially kids, that they’re not alone in their struggles.
I’ve always had a creative spirit, although my path to becoming the person I am wasn’t an easy one. Life gave me experiences that forced me to grow, adapt, become resilient, build mental fortitude, and find my own voice…and force others to listen to it. Writing and art became more than creative outlets for me—they became ways to process what I had experienced, express things I couldn’t always put into words, and create something beautiful from things that were the ugliest parts of life to behold.
Over the course of my life, that creativity grew into something much bigger. I became a multi-faceted talent, developing my own unique identity through my art under the name, Red Rhapzodee, and my work as an author (under my legal name). My experiences shaped not only what I create, but how I create. I’m drawn to work that carries emotion, culture, individuality, vibrance, and meaning.
I’ve overcome a lot of challenges and trauma, changed directions more times than I can count, and continued creating even when life made it damn near impossible to keep going. Every chapter—good and bad—has built the artist and strong black woman I am today.
I’m still evolving, still learning, still overcoming, still building, and still creating. But when I look at where I started and where I am now, I’m proud that I didn’t allow everything I went through to stifle my creativity. I turned it into a voice people listen to.
So if you should ever see me on the street, give a holla and call me Red Rhapzodee.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been the longest and most difficult road I’ve ever had to travel. Homelessness, child abuse, DV, never having any control of my own life. Everything has been an uphill battle but I pushed through and I finally feel like I can truly live and create the way only I can.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m known as Red Rhapzodee in the art world. I specialize in mixed media and glow in the dark and blacklight acrylics although, I dabble in many forms of art. I mainly use dark backgrounds and vibrant colors to contrast and compliment each other. There’s this beautiful painting I did of an African moon goddess. I call it my masterpiece even after she was damaged after a DV incident. She took me 3 years to complete. I intend to mend the small holes in the canvas and turn her into an even bigger masterpiece. I feel like she’ll continue evolving until I leave this earth. My art isn’t just images or feelings for me. It’s not just a way to cope with my trauma. For me, my art is this living, breathing friend that’s always kept me company, much like music, it’s part of the reason I’m alive. When I create, I’m feeding and caring for this friend of mine. I’m helping it to grow and thrive, live and love and be a sound piece for all my hopes and pain and love and happiness. It’s my constant companion, whether I use a pencil or a crayon to create or have an entire studio to bring my visions to life. It’s just always with me no matter what phase in life I’m in. I always say I was born with a paintbrush in my hand and paint running through my veins. Creation is my lifeblood and it’ll always be the biggest part of me.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Oh, there are many people I need to shout out but my biggest and longest supporter, fan and cheerleader has to be my A1 Day 1 Red. She has always wanted me to succeed just as much as I wanted to succeed. She has merchandise with my face on it and she talks me up to anybody who will listen. Whenever I doubted myself, she was one of the first people who pushed me to keep going. She never let me give up on myself. She always called me the Adam Sandler of my friend group because she knows if I make it, my whole crew is gonna come with me. Next there’s of course my fiancé Malcolm. He’s also an amazing artist but his calm, steady support has definitely kept me outta the dark space I worked so hard to get myself out of. I don’t know how I got through life without either of them. Then there’s Monique. She will tell me to get my head outta my ass when I feel like quitting. She’s the tough love when I’m not at my best and will literally get on a plane to knock some sense into you. There’s my sis Jo and bro Chris (a married couple). Jo helped me get my art into places I’d have never been able to touch and Chris is always up to have a convo about ideas and constantly shows off the painting I did for them. My mom was the first person to buy me art supplies and tell my 11th grade art teacher to shove it when she said I had no talent. My middle school homie Ela is always rockin’ the Red Rhapzodee merch when she goes out and is definitely known to post a pic in her favorite art gear. My little brother Miles definitely humbles me when I get too cocky but will tell anybody off if they ever doubt my skills. Janelle is the friend who will ground me when I start to spiral and I can always go to her to get new ideas. My friend Charming is one of the most positive people I know and will definitely put a foot in my ass to go create something. Of course, I also gotta mention the Most High cuz without him, these hands of mine would be limp and these eyes wouldn’t see light much less my visions. Last but never least, my kids. My oldest daughter Jasmina is an incredible artist in her own right but the way she pushes me to be better is a gift I never knew I needed. My 3 year old Maya will throw hands with anybody for the right to call herself my #1 fan. She’s always telling me how proud of me she is and how happy and excited she gets when I paint, just makes me wanna create more. There are quite a few more people I didn’t get to mention but trust me they are always in my thoughts and I’m grateful to have such an amazing group of people to share this life with.
Pricing:
- Artwork and handmade pieces: Pricing varies by size, materials, design, and customization.
- Books: Pricing varies by title and format.
- Custom/commissioned work: Pricing available upon request.
- Art merch: Available @ https://www.redbubble.com/people/REDRHAPZODEE/shop
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.redbubble.com/people/REDRHAPZODEE/shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_artist_red_rhapzodee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558590436323
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/author/mischaalexander
