Tell us about yourself - what’s your story?
I was born and raised in London, but my parents were originally from Jamaica. I inherited my love of art from my late father who was an extremely talented cartoonist. Growing up I was always doing something creative, from drawing and painting to making nature inspired sculptures using leaves and pinecones that I’d found on trips to my local park. I guess you could say that my path to becoming an artist is somewhat unconventional as I never went to art school, although I did often dream of going. I fell in love with abstract art when I first saw a painting by the artist Wassily Kandinsky in an art history book, and immediately knew that this was what I wanted to do. However, it’s taken me years to finally find my courage and voice as an abstract artist as for a long time I believed that black artists were only supposed to create figurative art that reflects our race and culture. I, of course, no longer believe this and have since researched and discovered so many other black female abstract artists that came before me as well as those that are living today.
Tell us something about yourself that other people might not know?
When I was a young girl, I remember going through a phase of wanting to be a fashion designer. It all started from when I saw my very first copy of Vogue magazine, I fell in love with all the beautiful glossy photos and clothes the models were wearing. Although I no longer want to be a fashion designer, I’m still obsessed with Vogue magazine and I’ve got over 100 copies of back issues stored away, I’d probably have more if my space allowed!
How did you begin selling your paintings?
I decided to officially start selling my paintings after I took part in an annual art market called the Urban Art Fair in Brixton, London in 2018. I signed up to do it just to be brave really, to show my work for a change rather than hiding it away at home. I had no idea of how it would go and, if I’m honest, I didn’t expect to sell anything. However, I ended up selling about 9 paintings and I remember feeling so happy. I then began to think that maybe I should start taking my art seriously and make a business out of it.
"Growing up I was always doing something creative, from drawing and painting to making nature inspired sculptures using leaves and pinecones that I’d found on trips to my local park."