Combining elements of neo-expressionism, graffiti and African art, Brittany’s a multidisciplinary artist that creates abstract images and figures of the Black diaspora, to celebrate, uplift, and communicate complex emotions of Blackness and its intersectionality.
Q: When and how did you realize that you were an artist?
A: An artist overall? Always! My first love is acting. When I was younger, I would watch shows like “All That” and knew I was meant to do that. I even did a commercial. I pursued acting through community college and after that, life happened, you know? I started pursuing photography shortly after, which I was pretty bad at. So thank you to everyone who gave me opportunities. I always had a type of curiosity and enjoyment for art but never thought about pursuing art until sometime in 2022. I would share paintings on social media and the feedback encouraged me to pivot and pursue art professionally. I found some much freedom and enjoyment in creating, and the thought of sharing my visions was scary and exciting.
Q: Do you have an educational background in art, or are you self-taught? Please explain.
A: Baby, I have no idea! lol I’m self-taught, which, at first, I found intimidating, but everyone has to start somewhere, right? I research, I network, 99% of my art is experimental at this point in my journey and I watch A LOT of videos through social media platforms. There is a lot of trial and error and with that I have made some beautiful pieces, I learned to lean into my creative intuition, and I also started over so many times. Most times, I don’t know how a piece will turn out but I can’t be afraid to try, to trust the process and start over if I have to. There are a lot of great artists on social media who share so many valuable techniques and information, which I appreciate. My favorite artist that creates content for other artists is named Thomas Evans or @detour303 on social media. I appreciate you!
Q: When and how did you become interested in your particular art medium?
A: Oh, I don’t have one! Maybe it’s the attention span; maybe it’s the way a combination of mediums feels more captivating when I’m thinking about a piece. But it’s very rare I use one particular medium when creating a piece and stick to one form. One day, I may want to create a digital peice, and the next — wood layered piece — then sometimes I want a combination. I want to always feel free when creating, so I explore several mediums, which can become a challenge for someone trying to define my “style”. Although I believe my style is defined, it’s just not limited by visual presentation. Spray paint, engravings, oil pastels, acrylic paint, ink and acrylic markers are common combinations with pieces on canvas and wood. Photography, mixed-media digital art, clay and wood burn art are mediums I created from as well.
Q: In what ways does your art tell the stories of the Black diaspora?
A: My art ties together experiences, patterns, colors, and images within the diaspora. Navigating and encouraging Black liberation through visual depictions and influences of Black culture, community, sustainability, joy, and expression. I tie many stories into one, so more stories are told, shared, and identified. Black people and culture is not a monolith. Our stories are deep, vast, light, heavy, textured and joyful, powerful, and beautiful, complex. And my art reflects that.
Q: What are some of your favorite art tools?
A: Jigsaw. I look forward to getting a scroll saw,
but I like cutting shapes. I’m also a huge fan of using a rotary tool for engravings, and sanding.
Q: What are some messages you hope your audience takes away after viewing your art?
A: A feeling of belonging, home, connection, beauty, and curiosity.
Q: What inspires your creativity?
A: In no particular order — kids, black grandmas, music, writers, poets, storytellers. I’m inspired by everyday life through the lens of Black people and my own personal experiences as well as hoodoo, black culture and traditions, African spirituality, and the everyday black person. I love bringing and displaying the beauty of black people and everyday life.
Q: Do you follow the same creative process when you create art?
A: I wish! There may be periods where I have a creative routine that works for what I’m creating, but it’s always different. All of my pieces have been created free-hand, and, because I work full-time, the process always fluctuates. Sometimes I can jump into a piece; sometimes I need time to brainstorm. But the one thing that stays consistent, is that I always ask my ancestors for guidance during my process. I also have to have headphones playing music when creating. I wish I had a better visual, but I’m in a home studio with limited time and tight space. I just make do. I even cut my plywood in my small apartment with my jigsaw — I DO NOT RECOMMEND!
Q: Are there any future projects that you are working on that you would like to share with our readers?
A: I’m currently a part of the Phillips Collection digital intersection art exhibit. This is a part of the Digital Window Exhibition series at Phillips@THEARC This exhibit runs through January 2024. I was also a part of WMATA Art in Transit Digital Exhibition. WMATA, the TORRENTS digital art exhibition will be featured at the Crystal City, Farragut North, NoMa-Gallaudet, U Street, Gallery Place – Chinatown, L’Enfant Plaza, and Metro Center stations in Washington D.C. for one month, which started in November 2023.
Q: What are some of your proudest accomplishments in your art career thus far?
A: Continuing to “Do it Scared,” do it when I’m nervous, and doing it when I don’t feel ready. To continue to pursue art without outside influences of what it should be and enjoying what is. I’m proud that I’m doing all the things in my art journey that I said I would do. Like making a website, creating art, studying forms of art, exploring my style(s), networking. All of that has led me here. Somewhere I didn’t even think I would be doing. I’m proud that I trusted myself fully to commit to the journey and it has birthed beautiful opportunities and moments. Doing the work and committing to the follow through, even when I didn’t feel like it. Moments like this, where I see my hard work pay off in different forms, art, exhibitions, purchases, interest,. letters of acceptance. Those are the moments. I never give up on me, there have been so many NO’s for so many reasons but I knew my time was coming, I read someone that no stood for next opportunity and that’s what I told myself. My proudest accomplishment is not giving in to giving up.
Q: Where is the best place for a person to view your portfolio?
A: Instagram and TikTok if you’re interested in the process: @Brittanymonacreates. If you’re interested in art pieces, brittanymona.com.
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Some of Brittany’s pieces are available for purchase at vikavisualarts.org/brittanymona.
