Meet the Artist
Makeda was born in Barbados, a tiny Eastern Caribbean Island, and has been painting since she was young. She believes that there is an artist in every person. Artistic expression takes many forms; it is your job to discover which speaks to you.
a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
my first step
My first artistic step was a summer camp I attended when I was three. It was there that I created my first painting, Angelfish in the Coral Reef. Through activities which inspired creativity, that summer camp empowered me with a passion for art that would follow me for life.
A WIDER SCOPE
Art is about trying something new or viewing an issue from a new angle. Experimentation is the key to discovering the technique(s) and medium(s) best suited to your creative style.
Until high school, experimenting was never my focus; I liked my pencils on paper and acrylics on canvas. However, my first formal art class meant experimentation was no longer an option. Assignments were on various subjects and required using a specified technique. Eventually, I discovered a love for mixed media through much trial and error. Inks, watercolours, acrylics, pens, pencils, markers – anything I could smudge or splash were perfect for my artistic style and messy process.
The man who has no imagination has no wings.
Muhammad Ali
learning to fly
Growing up, I believed that you had to be able to draw realistically to be considered a “good artist.” That is not the case. You do not need to draw or paint realistically. Your imagination has no creative limits, so why should your artwork? Skill, talent, and hard work are valuable assets, but is it creativity that drives art.
soaring like eagles
Self-confidence can translate into your work. When I was younger, I felt creatively unstoppable, drawing everything I saw or thought. As I grew older, I found myself in a spiral of creative dissatisfaction. I began putting myself down and copying other people’s styles, trying to become “better.” There is nothing wrong with learning from others or even copying an idea off the internet when you do not know what to draw. Learning from other artists, sharing ideas and perspectives, and getting and giving constructive criticism are crucial elements of every artistic journey. However, changing your style or message to fit or imitate someone else’s design is to do yourself a disservice.
painting reality
Develop your style confidently and unapologetically. Do not just copy. For every YouTube video you watch, for every idea you see on the internet, add your twist – add an element, and shift the perspective.
Paint what matters to you so that you can create without regrets. Every artist goes through periods where they question their skill. Just remember, your story is worth sharing. Paint what you see, what you love, what you dream, what you want; paint your reality.
What am I doing right now?
I am currently a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Calgary and hope to build a career in web development. Sketching, drawing, painting, and reading take up much of my spare time. It takes time to create quality work and even more time to document and upload my work to this website. So, please bear with me as I continue to work on this website and my brand.
