interview by Jess McCuan . photo by Matt Rose

Name: Chelsi Ann Ichrist

Age: 21

You’re new in town? Yes. I just moved here from Baltimore a few weeks ago. Actually, I ran away from Baltimore kicking and screaming.

What are you reading now? A Piece of Cake, by Cupcake Brown. It’s a messed-up memoir about a girl who got into prostitution at a young age. I think she’s a lawyer now. Anyway, it’s very inspiring.

Are you looking for inspiration? Always. I’m an artist and a musician, and I have a couple of big things in the works.

This is the right town for that. What kind of artwork? One is a mixed-media piece—it’s paint and recycled trash. There are some used cigarette packs and old letters from five years ago. I like to find beauty in things people have forgotten.