What's Her Story: Emergence
With this epic pandemic this year and all the changes it has created, I found myself trying to figure out how to continue doing what I love. One by one all of the art shows and events lined up for me were cancelled, so I had to decide what to do. Do I go an get a random job? Do I go back to school? Do I even continue being an artist? This piece, Emergence, represents coming out of the uncertainty, and choosing to continue pursuing my dreams.
Art shows give me so much life! I love meeting people and sharing our stories. I love the energy from other artists and from those who are interested in my work. So not being able to see people in person has been very tough. Before the pandemic my income depended on shows, festivals and events so I had to think about how that would affect me.
The purpose of my work has always been to showcase black women in the fine art world, because it is not something that I saw enough of growing up. I needed to feel that I was represented, and that women like me were worthy of being the subject of art. Besides that, I infuse my own personal stories into each piece and I love that people around the world can relate to the messages behind the work.
Art is a way for me to express myself in ways I can't through my words. It can be very therapeutic. Whenever I start a piece I have no idea how it will turn out in the end. And I only know it is finished when I feel there is nothing left to add, it is a feeling that tells me to stop. Sometimes the story is in my mind before I start, and sometimes the story comes after I have finished. So that is how this piece was created in one night.
I started with one solid color. Colors give me feelings, and this color made me feel that it represented a darkness or sadness. I felt drawn to it nevertheless.
Next is the outline of portrait. I chose to use paint instead of a pencil to create the outline, that way I can fully see what I am working with.
I always begin with the eyes. Eyes set the tone for the portrait.
As I began to see her face take form, I decided that I wanted to do this portrait in the style of Jimmy Law- one of my favorite artists. I wanted this portrait to be vibrant, expressive, and abstract.
The finished piece! She really came to life overnight!
Initially I created this piece for my entry way, I wanted a piece that caught the attention of the visitors. The artwork isn't hung in this picture, I am just seeing how it looks. When I shared this piece on social media, I didn't expect the response that I received, and now this piece is sold!
Once I finished this piece, the story came. Her name is Emergence, and she represents coming out of the uncertainty, the sadness, and continuing to pursue everything that my purpose has for me! I am happy to say that I am not giving up on my art career despite the changes this year. I look forward to creating more work for you all to enjoy!
To purchase prints of this piece, visit:
https://www.shopartbymonday.com/collections/canvas-prints/products/canvas-print-emergence-abstract-art-free-shipping
1 comment
When I first saw her, I literally had chills on my arms. She spoke to me immediately. I kept returning to your page to visit her beauty. Then when I heard her name and you shared the meaning I knew it was meant to be. She was my birthday gift to myself and my first original piece of art. She is the essence of my home office. Thank you for sharing your gift! I am honored to be able to display it!