Dr. Maya Angelou
30" x 43" oil on paper, 2008

A derivative painting from a photograph in the book, "Maya Angelou, The Poetry of Living"
by Margeret Courtney-Clarke.

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life.'
~ Maya Angelou

There just wasn't much talk about Black History at home or in school, and as I got older I naturally became curious about my roots and history. Being adopted and brown were both quite uncommon where I grew up, and my situation at that time left me somewhat isolated at best. I was first introduced to the life and works of American Author, Dr. Maya Angelou in my College English Literature class. The professor read the poem "Still I Rise" with reverent emotion and it set my mind and soul into a new realm. I was so moved I went out and bought "I know Why The Caged Bird Sings", "Poems" and an autobiography book to read for myself. Her work is pure and shockingly honest, a straight from the hip truth about life and the human condition from the perspective of a black woman growing up in the American South. Maya is so amazing, her absolute insight towards solutions for humanity and such heartfelt compassion for every race on earth had drove me to painting a portrait of her.
I saw many photographs of her speaking, reciting, dancing, or being interviewed by Oprah...and each photograph showed her many faceted personality in different lights and moods. But I came across a tiny little black and white photo of her that spoke to me the most, and I reckon it to be the one that shows her soul, and so I created the portrait from that photo.
As I was painting, I watched every clip I could find on YouTube to see her face, hear her voice and have her influence pass into the portrait...many times I had put my brush down and just listened. This painting is the first time I had managed to capture a true likeness of someone.

At a local Art Show, I was asked, "What made you want to paint Maya Angelou?" And I knew the answer, but to say it to strangers was at first very difficult for me, but after a bit of practice I began to express my thoughts freely and openly. Somewhere in the whole creation process I learned a very valuable lesson. Although raw talent helps, it is not so much the artists skill that can create a work of art. When the artist puts aside his/her own ego, so that the energies of pure potential can drive the creation process, a work of art happens that seems to have a spirit of it's own.

Posted | November 23, 2008