Photos Provided By: Ci
Me: Please share with my readers a little about yourself.
Hi! My name is Ci. I am a self-taught artist who, amongst the stress and boredom of the pandemic, picked up a dollar store paintbrush and canvas, and I haven’t put it down since (although I have retired the dollar store paints). In finding my art style—bright, flowery, and textured—which I’ve affectionately named “eccentric art gallery jungle vibe," I’ve found a part of myself and my community. My creativity has expanded to making hand-made clay planters, teaching art classes, wood art, and most recently, making furniture! Behind the pure joy it brings me, it also holds with it my way of adding beauty to the world.
Me: Tell me what inspired you to start doing art.
My inspiration for starting my art practice was really just a way to occupy my mind. For so long I’ve been surrounded by my amazing artists, admired the few black art pieces I’d see hanging in galleries, and been in awe of the patience and skill it took to paint something beautiful. Before life got more complicated, I was very creative; I absolutely loved to write, and my imagination was so vivid. as a child. The pandemic, while stressful, offered the space around me to slow down and get back in touch with my creativity. What inspires me to continue painting even when it’s hard (or not my best work) is my desire to express myself.
Me: How long have you been painting?
I’ve been painting for 4 years now. My first painting I made was in January 2021. I’ve established my art business, She’s So ArtCi, in 2022.
Me: In your opinion, what was the hardest part of putting your artwork out there?
As a self-taught artist, it is so intimidating being in galleries or other art spaces with amazingly talented and professionally trained artists! I often find myself a minority in my style of art and have major imposter syndrome. It only started posting my art online in 2022; an entire year of my art was never shared because I felt like it was not “good enough." I finally had a push to share my art from my amazingly supportive friends and family who would rave about the art that I was so critical of. My creativity felt like a personal part of me that I should only share with those I loved. Being vulnerable and sharing my art was harder than I thought it’d be, but three years later, and it’s been the best decision I’ve made!
Me: What advice would you give to an upcoming artist?
The best advice I’d give to upcoming artists is to follow the excitement! When you get inspired to paint something, DO IT. When you decide midway that maybe you want to switch it up and do something a little experimental, DO IT. So many times, as a new artist, especially when starting to share, I’d think, “Maybe I should make the background beige so it’s more marketable” or think about what will get the most likes. As soon as those thoughts come (and they will), let them go and do the weird thing that made you excited. You’ll find your people, and if you don’t, that’s okay; you’ll find joy.
Me: What are you hoping people gain from purchasing and seeing your artwork?
I want my artwork to bring people joy. I want it to speak to them and their style or personality, so when they hang it in their homes, it makes that place feel a little more like themselves. I am so big on curating a space that feels authentic to the person. If someone sees my art and it feels authentic to them, it represents them and their self-expression; that’s my only hope. Art is a reflection of what we, as a society, see as beautiful. Black artists and black art are severely underrepresented in the most respected echelons of the art world. It brings me so much joy knowing I’m adding another drop in the ocean of art and beauty.
Me: Do you have an upcoming project coming out?
My upcoming project is called "Different." I created nine digital drawings that exist as prints at the moment (oh yeah, I do that too!) that I will be making into wood wall art.
My pieces can be purchased on my website,
shesoartci.com, or you can always reach out via email or DM to purchase an existing piece or request a commission.
Me: I can be found on Instagram and TikTok as shesoartci.
