Who knew a spilled bottle of nail polish on a Vogue Magazine could ignite a creative spark? Visual artist, Tanekeya Word’s collection entitled Donna Di lusso has catapulted into a successful creation of colorful vibrant work that has been showcased at art galleries nationally. Tanekya honed her skills at Howard University; found her “artistic voice” and has created many collections that showcase her love of Andy Warhol, using elements derived from fashion, popular culture, and music. Her days are spent creating new pieces and everything around is used for future inspiration. This artist is also an entrepreneur and has sold many of her pieces and also sells them online as well here.Tanekeya took a small break from creating to tell me more about her goals and why art has changed her life.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: When did you know you were an artist?
Ms. Word: I’ve always known; but I think my mother who is also an artist but chose to become a nurse in order to take care of her four daughters nurtured it. So, because of her sacrifice I am now able to live my dream and hers.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Have you ever thought of yourself as a “9-5” person and why or why not?
Ms. Word: Yes, I love business and working a 9-5 can be wonderful if you are living what you love. I also love being a professional artist too and working a 9-5 is so much easier because the 8-hour days are shorter than my usual 13-18 hour days spent in the studio creating.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE :In the past what was the one moment that you knew that Art was you’re calling? (A special event in your life. Mentor?)
Ms. Word: I realized that I love to paint after taking a Mixed Media Painting course with Dr. James Phillip of AfriCobra who was also my painting professor; then I was exposed to the art history and business side by Dr. Teresia Bush another Howard Professor and then I sold my first painting out of school for $1,000 and the rest is in the making.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Describe your creative process.
Ms. Word: I dream, I watch, I read, I write, I listen, I paint.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What are you long term goals?
Ms. Word: To inspire, create and empower while being the best person I can be and of course being a creative mastermind.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: In five words or less describe your time at Howard University?
Ms. Word: Oh, how I love thee!
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What are you working on right now?
Ms. Word: Painting daily and working on a few projects. I am a year and a couple months into one of the projects and it’s expected to debut in a year or so.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Do you see a void in the Black Arts Community in regards to young talent? And if yes how are you combating this problem?
Ms. Word: I actually see so many talented artists in the black community, some of which hail from Howard University…there is no shortage in talent in this world of ours; but there is a shortage in the way the art is represented and a shortage in African-American collectors. I would hope that our generation will become more involved with supporting the arts and collecting these cultural artifacts…they may not be our ancestors’ artifacts but they will be the next generations’ history.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What artist, dead or alive inspires you?
Ms. Word: I would have to say Andy Warhol!
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: In your own words what is style and substance?
Ms. Word: Style is personality personified. Substance is character personified.
Photo Credit: “Donna Di lusso” photographer Kea Dupree
Artist: Tanekeya Word
