Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacie Monday.
Stacie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Have you ever gone through that phase where you are wondering what your purpose is in life? Where you are unsatisfied, unfulfilled, and unhappy with where you are? That was me four years ago. I was in a place where I wanted so much more for my life, and I had no idea of what exactly that meant for me. I took one art class in high school and one drawing class in college, so art was not something I ever pictured myself doing as a career. The journey from 2014 to now has been a wild ride, and a true adventure that I wouldn’t change for anything.
I am originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma and one of my favorite things to do in the Spring was attend art festivals. I absolutely loved the art that was displayed, but I always felt something was missing. None of the art looked like me, or represented my story. Back in 2014 I began painting as a hobby and I learned by watching tutorials. I was asked to create art for my friends and family, and even a local furniture store in Oklahoma. In 2016 I was going through a lot of different things in my personal life and I was at a place where I felt stuck because I didn’t know how express myself through my art. I decided to go to therapy, which is taboo in my community. I found an amazing therapist who helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life and once our sessions were over I felt free to create. After creating my first collection of artworks I was asked to participate in art shows in Dallas. The shows are full of awesome people including fellow artists that gave me tips and inspired me to be better. I absolutely love the way that painting makes me feel and now that I am doing it full time I understand how important it is to love your job!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I use acrylic paint and I paint on canvas. The bigger the better! I have even painted my first mural as part of a group of artists at the Bathhouse Cultural Center in Dallas. My art has two purposes; to celebrate African American women and to be an activist in my community. My art includes my struggle, my experiences, and my lessons learned as a woman in America. I feel that Black women are strong, nurturing, and beautiful in every way. I paint to change the negative view of Black women and to erase stereotypes that we face. Each painting is filled with vibrant colors and full of passion. I create the art that I wanted see when I was growing up. I am honored to be a storyteller and to uplift the beautiful Black women who I see each and every day.
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
I define success as creating the art you want to make no matter what anyone else says. Having people who purchase your work is an added bonus. It is so important to have a distinct style and to be open to try new techniques. It is also important to understand how to market your art to the audience who will appreciate it the most.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can follow my journey on my website which includes my blog at www.artbymonday.com. You can shop for prints and products at www.etsy.com/shop/artbymonday. I attend multiple art shows so follow my Instagram to see where I’ll be next.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artbymonday.com
- Email: artbymonday@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/artbymonday
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/artbymonday
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/artbymonday
Image Credit:
Stacie Monday
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