ART GALLERY

From "Overactive Mind" to “My First Art Show”

A few weeks ago, I sat down with a fellow creative and wellness friend. I needed a safe space to unload the thoughts I’d been juggling—the kind of mental clutter that comes with having a truly overactive mind. I needed help organizing my "wants" into "actions."

She helped me see the path through the noise. That very night, I took a leap of faith and applied for the Black Girls Art Show. By the time I woke up the next morning, I had an acceptance letter for the show this August in DC!

Overcoming the "Comparison Trap"

My initial excitement was quickly followed by a wave of "What the Fudge am I doing?" mode. The women in this community are incredible; they are masters who can draw, paint, and build with their eyes closed. But as I sat with the news, I realized something vital: I am one of those artists, too.

Do It Scared, Do It Messy

One day, while doom-scrolling, I came across a creative influencer who helped change my momentum: She was sharing how she started to move forward with her creative journey when she lost everyone and everything important to her. She said it was scary, messy, lonely, and all “the things,” and she continued to say, just paint, just do the thing, and do it with fear and let it be messy! It will all come together when you least expect it,” and she was right!

That was the wake-up call I needed. I put my phone down, stopped scrolling, and started creating. I let the ideas flow without judgment—I even painted a cardinal just to break my habit of only drawing faces. It was a joyful reminder: I can do this.

Reclaiming My Roots

This passion isn't new. Back in high school, I was the girl painting on t-shirts and jackets, selling my work at local farmers’ markets, and painting large-scale posters for the high school football team. I loved it all! But over time, the weight of criticism and the pressure to create for others chipped away at my confidence. I started to feel like I wasn't a "real" artist.

Fast forward to launching a pretty awesome clothing line, balancing the demands of marriage and motherhood, the demands were too great, and I believed I failed at building a long-lasting brand, while I was losing touch with the girl who painted just because she loved it.

I was also recently cleaning out my aunt’s old art supplies and came across three paintings I did back in high school! I don’t know how she got a hold of those paintings, but I was surprised at how well I painted at such a young age. I’m glad I found the paintings, because it’s a stark reminder that I am pretty good at what I do and I have a lot to share with others who love art! Check them out below!

The Lesson: Listen to Your Instincts

If there is one thing the ups and downs have taught me, it’s this: Not everyone is going to love what you do, and that is okay.

For years, I let the fear of judgment create missed opportunities. I let other people’s opinions cancel out my own intuition. But those days are over. I am no longer in the business of creating just to make others happy. I am following my instincts into spaces I never dreamed I’d occupy.

In the meantime, stay tuned for more details on the Black Girls Art Show.

THAT NEW FEELING (video)

Here is a piece of line art I started back in February, and finally put some time into it this past week, and finished the piece. I’m very happy with it. The first sketch is an old sketch from the 90’s! It wasn’t one of my finest, but my daughter loves it and has the original. So, I decided to redraw it with my newfound style, drawing with pencil and ink!

THE CARDINAL

I wanted to get away from the line art and from drawing women, just for a bit. So, I decided to paint a cardinal bird. I wanted to draw and paint it with the same feel and energy, adding my signature leaves and quick, sketchy background. Like any artist, I can definitely see what I can improve on, but for the first time, drawing and painting a bird, I kind of like it! I love Cardinal birds…it’s a St. Louis thing! Below are April’s pieces.