Bed-Stuy Art Walk | Women in Art Panel and Exhibition

Sitting with select works from 2013-2015.

"Woman in Art", Bed-Stuy Art Walk, Macon Brooklyn public Library.

Last Saturday, I was invited to be apart of what became my first solo panel and exhibition apart of the Bed-Stuy Art Walk. I had the chance to discuss my work, perspective as a female artist and break down each piece.

Each peace holds a special place in my heart. This was a great moment to reflect while releasing them at the same time. 

Initially, I was told there would be other artists for the panel, however I learned that my style, consistent and approach to the subject matter got the attention of the organizer and was the only artist for the event. After being contacted, I organically chose the works that closest to me, and truest to my artistic voice. The panel was a bit over an hour and we were able to deliver a dynamic discussion touching on all the things possible.

After talking about my work, the curator, Hamida Novachovich shifted into topics like inspiration, women's perception of art making and more.  At some point I said, 

When asked about my work, I'm often asked "Feminist? Pro-Black? Melting pot of other labels and themes of life?" 

Check, all of the above. 

The label is self-reflective. "I represent that which I am. A black female artist. I like representing other black female artists. That is identifying self in others, spreading reflections of my kind. No labels are made really, when it is done by the majority, but rather when it is done by the less than seen, it's questioned and considered activism. These days, I think "why does I have to be a protest to represent the image that you are.?" "... You are born for it. Now more than ever we need to take advantage of representing ourselves while we have that platform."

Here are all of the works that were displayed. Sitting with works dating from 2013-2015. All works are currently available. Any inquiries please contact me at sarajbillustration@gmail.com 

Prints, Edition of 20 (hung). : 🔝

"Just Surrender" : 

14 x 18 print in 18" x 24" frame

"With These Hands" :

16" x 20" print in 20" x 24" frame

"Buckets to Bags: What American Dream?" : 

14" x 18" print in 18" x 24" frame

Original Paintings 🎨🔛 shelf

"The Capacity of Holding On"

Acrylic on Canvas

16" x 20"

"Waterfalls: Left Eye Tribute"

Acrylic on Canvas

16" x 20"

"Be Still"

Acrylic on Canvas

16" x 20"

Just Surrender

Acrylic on wood Panel, (birch) Gloss Varnish

16" x 20" 

"Woman in Art", Bed-Stuy Art Walk, Macon Brooklyn Public Library, 8.1.15

📷 @ebony_bolt 

Higher Learning.... Let It Go!

Hey loves! This month has been about building some serious momentum. I've been making an effort to step outside of my comfort zone and analyze my habits. Habits that are no longer serving me and habits that are bringing me #higher. To get higher, you must let go of what's holding you down. This can be so many things and sometimes we must really take a step back and ask what we are willing to change.

It's time to free ourselves so we can increase our capacity. 

P.S. Read Show Your Work by Austin Kleon. I have just read it and recommended it to some friends and have been marinating on some of the quotes in this great book. One that has really stood out to me was, in order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen-- really seen".

-Brene Brown. (mentioned during a TED talk).

I recommend it to all artists and creatives, seasoned or aspiring. 

I felt this older piece I did back in January featured in the Type Indicators Group Show, can speak for these thoughts. 

The Capacity of Holding On, 2015.

Original is available and prints are available in sizes made to order. I am willing to discuss pricing and availability via sarajbillustration@gmail.com

CHRISETTE MICHELE | ART: PAINTING |TIME LAPSE|

I spent last Tuesday working with amazingly humble and talented singer, songwriter, Chrisette Michele and her ‪#‎RichHipster‬ team for the New York stop on her ‪#posenpostsymposium‬‪‎tour‬. What a empowering atmosphere. Here's to pushing concept and a deadline, and ultimately will.I wanted to gift Chrisette with this painting while I had the opportunity to volunteer for her venue so I got started once the concept aligned with me. With 72 hours till the time I was due to show up, I started by stretching my canvas on Friday night. I created a reference pulling from a few different musical influences I have found in her music as well as reference to her latest E.P. cover art to tie it all in as a whimsical portrait.  Due to my schedule, I could only paint for a few sessions in a total of 2 days if I wanted to execute my deadline. On Sunday, around 4pm, I started sketching the portrait, scaling it properly onto my canvas. I worked from 4pm- 3am and for about 5 hours on Monday. from 10pm-3am. 

Add caption

On Tuesday, 12 hours before It got to be in the hands of the muse herself, I took an hour to observe my work and successfully wrapped and packaged the painting (ready for shipping) about an

 hour before arriving to volunteer for her amazing @posenpostsymposium event. 

We had been hands on with Chrisette for the entire event. I waited until the event was over to gift her with the painting so she could be at a less busy state. It was an unreal moment, and amazing to watch her observe and give her feedback about it. Her kind words warmed my heart and it felt awesome to transition my creation to the muse herself. Just as I had imagined, Chrisette was just as humble and down to earth and receptive. I already appreciate her music and her brand ‪#‎RichHipster‬ and now it has maximied x10 after spending time with her, in painting and in person. ‪

Gifts are meant to be shared. I appreciate her talent and support her light in the industry. Stay sharp and steady working is the way to go!

I like referencing an image that exists so I can capture the likeness, however incorporating elements that create mystery and fantasy are things I've been exporing for a while.

Stay tuned for more posts coming soon with more snippets of what's in store for me.

Who knows what the future may bring?

UPDATE 4/21/15:

CHECK OUT THE RECAP VIDEO ON YOUTUBE TO SEE THE EXCHANGE START AT 2:11

https://youtu.be/ykCtiP99kNw

Chrisette Michelle Pose and Post Symposium NYC Recap - MAIN EVENT

Late last week, one of my all time FAVORITE artists in music, Chrisette Michelle jump started the Pose and post Symposium tour. An 8 city tour of pdiscussing all things social media branding, featuring a panel of three youtube bloggers including one of my favorite gals, Ambrosia Malbrough of Brosiaaa , as well as Fash of Lover4Fashion, and Courtney of CourtneyNaturalHair/TheManeChoice.

I was selected as one of 8 volunteers out of hundreds of applicants to volunteer with her PR team #RichHipster and get the venue setup. After a couple of hours the venue was ready and select youtubers who came in to interview Chrisette were allowed in. I got to meet some of the girls I love to watch, including Jasmine Rose and Pevielle. They are two of my favorite vloggers alongside Brosia (who was on the panel).

The ladies shared so many good tips that I have been feeling like I've known to consider for a while and now it's time to put it all into action. Showing what you like to do and having people respond to it by being you is important. In my field it's relevant to show people your interests as an artist so they see your ideas.

Here are a few picks and videos of the event that I was able to catch while lending my hands at the New York stop of Pose and Post Symposium.

Pevielle interviewing Chrisette for YT segment to air soon.

Me, B and Karyolyn in the middle of volunteering. These girls are gifted as well!

Chrisette singing "Art" and "Super Chris"

Aerial shot of the packed venue.

Shot of the Panel

Lover4fashion. Chrisette Michele, AmbrosiaMalbrough, and Courtney

The Fab 8 NYC. So grateful for the 100's of applications to volunteer for @posenpostsymposium. @krissdiditchose each cities 8 and we love each of you so much. Thank you! I think we had the BEST pizza in NYC! Tonight? Raleigh!

UPDATE:

https://youtu.be/ykCtiP99kNw 

Cc: @ceedotcee 

My Return to Mediums on A Canvas

So it's been a while since I pushed Publish on my blog. I have been juggling a bit of different platforms but it's nothing like bringing someone to look to one place for what you'd like to share Not everyone is on every platform but everyone can type in a link to a blog. 

As an artist, what I enjoy most is being versatile. I wear many hats and use many different mediums, to create different styles of art. One constant is I'm an artist, being creative, putting a story, an image out there. I was really overwhelmed by my variety of interests and started to worry about not connecting or coming through with a clear vision because of this, and sometimes I would take too long to decide what direction my blog was meant to go in. 

Right now, I'm living in the now. I'm going to share, what's in the now. Why? So my voice can be reported somewhere that I know I can direct people. It's my sweet haven, where my words are recorded along with updates on the work I'm doing. I'll be recording it all here, again.

I don't want to start a new blog because I don't want to lose track of the progress I've already made, nor lose the content that has been put into it.

I'll pick up where I left off, and start right now. Now, for some updates on some work of 2015, keep reading, on the next post.

Type Indicators Group Show @ Art Helix Gallery

"The Capacity to Hold On" 16" x 30" x 1". Detail.

Before I knew my niche, I knew my values. They were instilled, learned and edited. I learned a lot about 
the mind and wanted to engage in topics about identity and culture. After thinking long and hard I knew illustrative painting was my way. I wanted to say alot but only if i could speak in my language, art. I've been painting and drawing with many goals in mind, one being not to lose myself in the process. I've always kind of held on tight and I'm sure many of you have too. With holding on comes a lot of chain reactions including the possibility of stunting your growth. I can go on forever but I'd rather bring this to my message... I am so excited to share my first experience consigning my work with an art gallery in New York.

Free next Friday night? Stop by the ArtHelix Gallery where I will be showcasing along with 40 artists participating in the Type Indicators Group Show at the Art Helix Gallery. 

Curated by Wilson Duggan, inspired by the Myers Briggs type indicators personality test. 

Visit ww.arthelixgallery.com for the links and press release below for more info on this event.

BLICK ART SHOW AT ART HELIX GALLERY

My piece Queen of the City is on view at the Art Helix Gallery in the Blick Bushwick Art Show curated by Jackie Cantwell of The Bishop and Wilson of Duggan of the ArtHelix Gallery. Please stop by to see works of 30 artists. The opening night was amazing. The turnout was great and I appreciated all of the feedback on my work from fellow artists and guests.

On View Dec. 12th- 21st.

"Queen of the City"36" x 36" Acrylic on Canvas.2013