As a Black woman and an artist, my journey in art has been as much about self-discovery as it is about self-affirmation. In a world where the presence of Black female artists isn't as pronounced, each stroke of my brush feels like a statement, a defiance against a narrow narrative.
Growing up, I was often told that art wouldn't pay the bills. Yet, no matter where life took me, art was always there, like an old friend waiting to welcome me back. It was in this embrace of my passion where I found the strength to prove others wrong, to carve out a space where my creativity wasn't just accepted but celebrated.
My art is deeply personal. It's a reflection of me – the full lips, the button nose, the wide nostrils. I draw what I know, what I see in the mirror, and what I see in the incredible Black women around me. My childhood was marked by feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Despite my father's affirmations, I struggled to see the beauty in myself that he saw. I was picked on for my big lips, my big forehead, my long name and even my glasses – features that made me feel less than beautiful. The world around me seemed to echo a harsh judgment: that my features were too much, that I was not enough.
My work is an artistic echo of 'I see you, and you are beautiful.' My work is a tribute to the diversity and richness of Black femininity, which often goes unacknowledged in mainstream art.
The surprise and disbelief I sometimes encounter when people see my work are reminders of the biases and stereotypes we still combat. It's frustrating to constantly feel like you have to prove your worth, your talent, and your right to occupy space in the art world. But in this struggle, there's a powerful drive to push forward, to keep creating art that challenges perceptions and celebrates our identity.
My art is a love letter – to myself, to the women who inspire me, to the beauty often overlooked. It's an invitation to see Black women as we are: diverse, strong, and deserving. Though my style has evolved over the years, the essence remains the same – a celebration of Black women, a testament to our beauty, and a challenge to the world to see us as we see ourselves.
In every piece I create, there's a bit of my story, a bit of my heart. It's a story of resilience, of love, and of finding beauty in places where others have failed to look. Through my art, I've not only found a way to express myself but also to connect with others who see their reflections in my work and feel seen, valued, and beautiful.
My art isn't just for show; it's meant to touch people, to resonate with them. It's for every Black woman who has ever felt ugly or unworthy, for those who need a reminder of their inherent beauty and strength. It's about creating a world where Black women can look at art and see themselves not just as subjects, but as muses, as creators, as the very essence of beauty and art.