FAQ
How did you know you were an artist?
I can’t honestly remember a time when I didn’t know I was an artist. It is something I’ve always known. Some of my earliest memories are of me sitting on the floor with crayons and paper drawing up a dream world. Creating art has always felt like home to me.
When did you decide to pursue art professionally?
I decided to pursue art professionally around 2009 after the loss of one of my closest friends. Her name was My an Lam Williams. She was 38 years old and there was so much she’d wanted to do. Her death lit a fire that pushed me to really tap into myself and discover what else was there. If I was an asset to every company I ever worked for, I could absolutely do it for myself.
Do you also have a ‘real’ job?
This question always makes me giggle inside. Being an artist and guiding others through creative expression is actually a real job. I realize that not everyone understands or agrees and that’s ok with me. Real might mean different things to different people. Having a career in art has been one of the most real and rewarding experiences of my life.
Why is art important?
Art is important because it is the connection between all things. And if you ask me, connection is the reason for our existence. Art is a universal language, be it, visual art, music, dance, poetry, theater. Art speaks to everyone in a way that nothing and no one else can. It helps us to relate, connect and heal.
What materials do you use?
It depends on the day and the project to be honest with you. I am constantly evolving and learning about my creative process so I am open to learning new materials. As an artist, I feel it’s important to be open to materials and methods outside of what I’m comfortable with. I am often inspired by other disciplines and of course other artists. Currently on canvas, I work with mostly acrylics and some mixed media. On people, I use FDA approved high pigmented makeup made specifically for skin. We call it body paint but it is actually makeup. On walls, I usually use latex paint formulated for either interior or exterior walls depending on the project.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
If you are an aspiring artist, I would first say to really consider what your life as an artist might look and feel like. I’m not saying to sit and think too long but really feel what it is that you would like to accomplish as an artist. For some it’s just a life of creativity, for others it’s to inspire and make an impact, for some it might just be a hobby that feeds your soul. I’ve learned that the things you pursue and stick with are the things you are most passionate about. If you truly feel like you want a career in art, I encourage you to pursue it with your whole heart. I will also caution you to prepare yourself for the challenges along the way and create a strong support system for yourself.
How do you make money?
As a full time artist, I’ve created multiple streams of income. All streams are art related. Here is a list of all of the ways I make money right now:
Original artwork and prints including commissions
Teaching art
Sip & Paint events
Residencies and workshops
Body painting
Creating curriculums
Murals
What motivates you? Why do you create art?
I create art because I love it. My decision to pursue a career in art was highly motivated by my children. I wanted them to know that they could pursue a career in what they loved and that alone makes one successful. I have also always been motivated by my bloodline and those who came before me. As a woman or color, there are ancestors in my bloodline that never had the opportunity to be an artist or a Doctor, lawyer, poet etc. They existed, fought, lived, worked and died for my existence. The best way to honor them is to hone and share my gifts in all of the ways they were not allowed to. Art is the highest form of expression that I know outside of love. Those who came before me, including my parents, literally cleared the path for me to be able to do what I do today. It is my way of honoring them, my children, myself.
Do you do commissions?
Yes, I do commissions but not all commissions. There are certain things that I don’t genuinely enjoy painting such as portraits. If collectors contact me looking for portraits or another form of art that is not my specialty, I have a strong network of artists that I will refer them to. I believe that all that we choose to do should be intentional. Artwork carries energy. If I don’t enjoy the process of creating a commission because it’s not in my wheelhouse, I believe the collector will feel that in the piece.
Can you design my tattoo/logo/poster?
No. I do not design tattoos, logos or posters. As I mentioned in my response to the last question, I can refer you to artists who do specialize in these services.
What is your creative process?
My creative process is very spiritual and often very fluid at first. It usually starts with an actual vision of what I’m supposed to create. Sometimes it’s seeing something or someone that sparks an idea. Oftentimes, I’ll get ideas through conversation, a song or a quote. I might jot it down on a piece of paper or in my phone to revisit when I am able to start the project. I’ll then go on to sketch it on a sketch pad with images for reference or I just go straight to canvas. At times my creative process can be daunting because I try to understand visions before I actually create them. I’ve learned that trying to understand them before actually starting them is futile. My process is also constantly evolving like me so this answer will most likely change over the span of my career.
How did you get into Body art?
I started out as a face painter. I did this because it was easy and children did not require a lot of conversation. This worked really well for me because I had been sheltered and suffered from social anxiety. There was something about the paint on the skin and the energetic exchange without words that was soothing for me. I thought it would be cool to paint an entire body but didn’t really know how to approach the idea. My social circle was small and I mentioned the idea to a new friend who was an up and coming photographer. He said he could find me a model if I would let him photograph, the rest is history. The photos from that shoot in 2009 hit social media (Facebook only at the time) and I haven’t stopped body painting since. Since then, I’ve found a body painting community and I’ve taken courses to learn how to refine my skills and gain access to the best products on the market.
How do you price your work?
There are several factors that go into pricing my art which include; size, materials, time spent creating, time spent preparing including concept. There are times when work is also up priced because of gallery fees. I price my work based on the value I believe it holds. With more commercial work like murals etc. I price the same way.
Where do you get your prints made?
I currently get my prints with a couple of online vendors. I’ve found one online that is environmentally conscious in their process, they are US based and they offer good pricing for quality prints in multiple sizes and materials. Ideally, I prefer to support local small businesses but I have not yet found one close to me that offers all that I am looking for.
Did you go to art school?
I know this may come as a surprise to many but I did not go to art school. While I have taken classes to sharpen my art skills, I do not currently hold a degree in art. This is not to discourage anybody who has chosen the path of art school. It is just not a path that I chose. Art is a natural gift that I’ve had my entire life. I just decided to spend a lot of time practicing so I can continue to grow and teach others. I would say that I am self taught but I have definitely gotten some help along the way.