Studio

In the dawn of my artistic rebirth, I painted "Flaming Face," my first self-portrait in acrylic. The canvas became my mirror, a place where I could explore the depths of color and emotion. As I layered vibrant hues, I felt my spirit lift, the colors dancing like flames, igniting a joy that had long been dimmed. This piece, a burst of life in the midst of sorrow, marked the beginning of a journey where art would be both my refuge and my revelation. In the dawn of my artistic rebirth, I painted "Flaming Face," my first self-portrait in acrylic. The canvas became my mirror, a place where I could explore the depths of color and emotion. As I layere ...

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In "Black Allure," I sought to capture the essence of true African royalty. The inspiration came from Michele-Ange Minkata, a Cameroonian Beauty Queen whose presence is a celebration of Africanness in its purest form. Her rich, brown skin, adorned with a crown of cowries, speaks of heritage and power, while her talent as a musician—strumming the guitar and crafting songs—adds depth to her beauty. This painting is more than an image; it is an ode to the lushness of her spirit, the allure of her culture, and the pride she carries as she represents her nation on the global stage. Through this piece, I wanted to honor not just her striking appearance, but the soulful melody that resonates fr ... In "Black Allure," I sought to capture the essence of true African royalty. The inspiration came from Michele-Ange Minkata, a Cameroonian Beauty Queen whose presence is a celebration of Africanness in ...

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In "Sapphire Eyes," I was drawn to a mesmerizing photograph of a Ugandan boy named Kibila, captured by Jjumba Martin. His eyes, vivid and blue like the clearest sapphire, stand out against his deep, dark skin—a contrast that speaks to the extraordinary beauty within the ordinary. These eyes, far from being altered or imagined, are real, and they hold a gaze that feels as if it could pierce through the very fabric of the soul. Some might see an anomaly, but I see a story, a haunting beauty that defies expectation. The inspiration for this piece came from the way his eyes tell a tale of wonder and innocence, a delicate balance of light and dark, of the extraordinary within the ordinary. In "Sapphire Eyes," I was drawn to a mesmerizing photograph of a Ugandan boy named Kibila, captured by Jjumba Martin. His eyes, vivid and blue like the clearest sapphire, stand out against his deep, d ...

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In "Uptown Girl," I capture the essence of modern sophistication, embodied by the contemporary African American woman. She is affluent, draped in elegance, and moves with a grace that reflects both her heritage and the comforts of a life well-lived. Her style is impeccable, crowned by rich African braids that cascade like a tapestry of culture and tradition. These braids, intricate and regal, are a testament to her roots, a symbol of the beauty and strength she carries. This piece is a celebration of her poise, her power, and the seamless way she navigates a world of contrasts, embodying both the richness of her ancestry and the sophistication of her lifestyle. In "Uptown Girl," I capture the essence of modern sophistication, embodied by the contemporary African American woman. She is affluent, draped in elegance, and moves with a grace that reflects both he ...

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"Turkana Lady" is a celebration of the beauty found in diversity and culture, embodied by a woman from Loiyangalani in Kenya. Draped in the rich traditions of her people, she is adorned with vibrant beads, layered necklaces, and earrings that sing with the soft jingle of aluminum chains. Her attire, a mosaic of color and history, tells the story of her heritage—a story woven with patience and care, just as this painting was. It took months to bring her to life on canvas, each brushstroke a tribute to the timeless elegance of the Turkana people. This piece is a visual homage to the grace and strength that shines through cultural identity, a reflection of beauty that transcends borders. "Turkana Lady" is a celebration of the beauty found in diversity and culture, embodied by a woman from Loiyangalani in Kenya. Draped in the rich traditions of her people, she is adorned with vibrant b ...

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In "Hot Lips on Fire," I capture the enigmatic beauty of a Surma woman from Ethiopia, her lips adorned with the traditional lip plate—a symbol as ancient as it is mysterious. The origins of this practice are shrouded in time, with stories suggesting it once served to protect women from slavers by making them less appealing. Today, the tradition is fading, as young girls increasingly choose to forgo it, yet it remains a powerful marker of cultural identity. In the not-so-distant past, and even now in some communities, the size of the plate determined the dowry, with larger plates demanding more cattle from a prospective groom. The ritual of fitting the plate, which involves the removal of l ... In "Hot Lips on Fire," I capture the enigmatic beauty of a Surma woman from Ethiopia, her lips adorned with the traditional lip plate—a symbol as ancient as it is mysterious. The origins of this pra ...

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In "Gotipua Dance," I immerse myself in the vibrant traditions of Orissa, India, where young boys, adorned in the guise of women, perform the sacred Gotipua dance. This dance, a homage to Jagannath and Krishna, weaves together devotion and artistry, capturing the essence of spiritual transformation. The boys, though youthful, carry the grace and poise of seasoned dancers, their movements a delicate balance between innocence and reverence. The photograph by Steven Goethals served as a doorway into this world, inspiring me to bring the dance to life on canvas. Each stroke reflects the vibrant colors and intricate details of their attire, while the fluidity of their movements whispers tales of ... In "Gotipua Dance," I immerse myself in the vibrant traditions of Orissa, India, where young boys, adorned in the guise of women, perform the sacred Gotipua dance. This dance, a homage to Jagannath an ...

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In "Mesmerizer," a spellbinding creation from the year 2024, I capture the soulful allure of a muse from the Omo Valley in Ethiopia. This painting, rendered with oil on canvas, measures 24x36 inches and stands as a tribute to the ancient echoes of a culture resilient against the tides of globalization. Her presence, poised and timeless, speaks of enduring beauty and grace, enchanting all who gaze upon her. The artistry, inspired by the evocative lens of Steven Goethals, weaves a narrative of elegance and reverence, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the spell of her gaze. This piece is a celebration of cultural heritage and the profound magic that transcends time. In "Mesmerizer," a spellbinding creation from the year 2024, I capture the soulful allure of a muse from the Omo Valley in Ethiopia. This painting, rendered with oil on canvas, measures 24x36 inches a ...

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