Can you tell us about your background in the arts and how your line of work has evolved?

Since my young age of 6 or 7, I was always interested in the creative world. I started with performing art dances, acting and singing. I was always interested in drawing people too. I started on my own then I studied studio art for two years. I love exploring new techniques and, after discovering the minimalism style, I slowly started incorporating line art into my drawings.

What is the starting point of your artistic expressions? Does your upbringing have any influence on your art? 

I will say that my African roots, culture and traditions play a huge role in my artistic expression.

Often contemporary artists create art for an audience that does not yet exist. Is your work created for a specific and already existing audience?

Yes, I create to celebrate Black culture and African culture. I represent beautiful Black women and men. My audience is not only for Black people but for anyone that loves culture and sees beauty in Black and African culture.

The art world operates based on the need for immediacy that exists today. Many artists create art at a fast pace and art lovers consume this art at a faster pace. Do you work on a timetable that does not respond to the demands of a faster pace of production? In what ways has the need for immediacy affected your rhythm and process?

This is why I don't post often. I don't follow this fast past creativity. I create when I am inspired, I create when my soul aligns with my ideas. My creative process is a whole vibe and mood. I want each piece that I create to express something that speaks to me. I don't create to create, I create when I am in love with the inspiration that comes.

Is your artistic approach inspired by any artists and art history?

Yes, definitely. I am inspired by the minimalism style, the modernism movement and the traditional African art style and symbols.

Art provokes conversations and gives people the space to have a different perspective about the world in ways that are not possible through mass media. Do you see your art playing any role in multifaceted conversations about our world today?

Yes, I do. In fact, that is one of my artistic statements. I create to evoke emotions and to start conversations.

Is there a crucial element that significantly affects your vision and intentions? How does this translate to your process?

I only create when my soul is in alignment with my ideas. When the whole mood is not in place it's difficult to create or finish something I started. I will just get away from it for a while and come back when the flow sinks in.

Do you have unwritten but well-established rules that you follow to establish a signature style?

Yes and no. I do have a step-by-step process to create a piece. I always have some texture and line work that defines my style but from time to time, I let my brain and hands sink into trying something new.

Some artists start working on artwork without knowing what these works mean, while others create intentional artworks from the beginning of a particular process. How does your work finally achieve the interaction between form and content? Does intentionality matter?

Intentionality does matter for me. I always create with a purpose, with a message in mind.

What are the most important elements that you think are crucial to the final presentation of your work to the public? Do these elements have any obvious implication on how your work is translated by the public?

Texture and line details are my finishing touch; they are my signature style!

Conceptual difficulty and the uncertainty of creating art can be frustrating. How do you deal with it?

Simple. I just get away from creating, I take time to travel if I can or binge-watch movies and art-related documentaries or shows. I stay away from social media altogether for a while.

What single ethical consideration affects the decisions that you make as an artist?

Not to copy and paste someone else's artwork. Being inspired by, yes, but not to copy and paste.

When looking at other artists’ work, do the performances, shows, or experiences have any significant impact on your creative process?

Yes, definitely. I study other artists' work to learn something and that often opens up my mind to possibilities and to test new techniques or totally create a new one.

Tell us a little bit about your formative years as an artist?

I did two years at community college for studio art. Those two years helped me to sink into my abilities to create more than I thought I can.

What keeps you company in the spaces where you work?

Music, music, music. I have different playlists depending on the mood but, yes, it is a sing-a-long concert and dance when I am creating.

How has making art changed your understanding of human interaction, time and culture?

A lot! Art taught me how to observe, how to see potentials and beauty in anything. Art also taught me that humans are the most complex yet surprising living beings on earth.

What are some issues that you are currently reacting or responding to?

I am currently working toward normalizing mental health and uniqueness. I am going through a self-discovery journey. To others, I am strange and different because, for them, it seems not to be the norm but I believe that each one of us is unique. No-one should be put into categories in a box.

What is the biggest professional risk that you have taken as a contemporary artist?

Being unapologetically ME and sharing what I stand for.

As an artist, what is the most helpful advice that you have received?

Accept yourself, be yourself, be authentic and create with your heart.

What are you currently working on and what are your plans for the future?

I am currently working on a collection using mixed media, acrylic, pastel, fabrics, clay, on canvas and textured paper. My future plan is to get into galleries and/or start doing a solo show. If I don't get a gallery opportunity I will create it myself by organizing and doing solo exhibitions.