Hello friend! I recently started a series of 50 portraits inspired by the Black community in BC, Canada. Would you like to be apart of this series?
About the Project
I am in the process of creating 50 portraits that center intersectional Black and Afrodiasporic communities across BC. These paintings will examine the communities’ relationship to the land, to ancestral histories and futures, and to the concepts of decolonization and re-indigenization. Furthermore these paintings assert intersectionality, not just as a binary, but as a kaleidoscope of realities that reflect and reverberate lived experiences.
If you would like to join this project as a model, please use the booking link below to schedule a time to come to my studio in downtown Vancouver. If you are really jazzed by this project but visiting my studio isn’t possible, just let me know and we can figure something out!
Frequently Asked Questions / Process
I am currently working spontaneously and trying to build the momentum with this series, but below is some information about the process, guidelines, and what you can expect.
Is there any compensation for posing for this series?
Currently there is no monetary compensation for posing for this series. I can offer a print of the finished painting, the finished painting at a discounted rate, or if you want to do some kind of bartering for modeling please let me know. This project was made possible through a BCAC grant, however the funding only covers materials, expenses, and artist sustenance/time it takes to paint 50 portraits.
If the project grows into something bigger, and you are curious about monetary compensation at that point then lets talk! This is a project that would not exist without you, so I am all for figuring out what feels good and equitable throughout the entire process.
What should I wear?
Whatever makes you feel good and excited and alive! You can be casual and everyday, you can be regal and dressed up, whatever feels good to you that day. I tend to like the contrast of skin and saturated colors, but I can and will find visual excitement in any subject. I also encourage any accessories, personal heirlooms, or items that make you feel connected and grounded (whether that grounding be ancestral, familial, physical, or spiritual)
Is this a portrait of just my face or full body?
The majority of these paintings will focus on the head. But I am open to painting more of the figure, and in some instances multiple figures together. It all depends on the energy, lighting, and spontaneity of the session.
Can I tell my friend about this?
I would absolutely love that! The only criteria is I am centering Black intersectional, Afrodiasporic, and Black identities across BC.
Are you painting anyone outside of Vancouver?
I would love to expand outside of my immediate network. Folks outside of the greater Vancouver area would be so exciting to bring into this project. If you are outside of the area and can’t make it to my studio, we can arrange a digital session!
More information for curious minds
These paintings will grow from planned communal events, one on one studio visits, and culminate in an exhibition. These portraits will center accurate depictions of community members, but most importantly all the portraits will center the spirit, memory, feeling, and archetypal experiences for contemporary Black communities in BC. Additionally, I plan to use the lessons used from hosting Hot Fruit Figure Drawing and creating the work entitled Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here, to create portraiture that focuses on legacy building and honoring the culture, principles, and aesthetics of Black intersectional communities across BC.