Today we’d like to introduce you to Kemi Yemi-Ese.
Kemi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story begins in 2006 with a crayon and a sketchpad placed in my hands while I am sitting up in a hospital bed. I had just survived a serious car accident and sustained a cervical level spinal cord injury which caused paralysis from the chest down and in all four limbs. That year I was finishing up my undergraduate degree at Baylor University. The plan was to become a doctor and art was just a relaxing hobby and outlet. Being run off the road by an erratic driver coming from the opposite direction changed all of that. I thought I’d lost everything I had and everything I was to become, but my faith, family, and friends gave me hope and strengthened me. The crayon and sketchpad were given to me by my former boss who had always encouraged my creativity. My hands were very weak so my first attempts at drawing were clumsy, and it took a lot of patience to create a recognizable image. I traded the crayon for a paintbrush and canvas when I was strong enough to return to school and finish earning my degree. My initial paintings were personal and represented my experiences after the accident with this new normal of having a physical disability and using a wheelchair. I sold a few paintings to friends and family but only started taking myself seriously as an artist in 2013. It was then that I realized that I wanted to make an impact with my art in the form of empowering other people with disabilities. Creating art was such a strong coping tool for me, and I want to give others the same opportunity to heal from trauma through creative visual expression. I entered my art in several exhibitions across the country, participated in group shows, and put together a solo show; all while earning my master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. Currently, I am working towards my counseling license while I create new art pieces and commission paintings. I sell my artwork through local businesses and galleries as well as my website.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey as an artist has not been smooth, but the challenges I’ve endured so far have taught me valuable lessons. Rejection is inevitable, and I’ve learned that my art will not engage with everyone. I’ve been turned away by galleries and exhibitions, and initially, I thought the value of my work was measured in the opinion of others. This doesn’t decrease the significance of my paintings because there are times when the most groundbreaking art pieces are criticized. I would advise young creative women to allow other artwork and artists to inspire them, not intimidate them. Your work is important, and your style is unique so push forward and seek every opportunity to share your art with others.
Please tell us about your work.
I am a visual artist, and I create works in oil and acrylic paint on various surfaces. I am known for creating paintings and collaged imagery on canvas, papyrus, and wood. My works, whether naturalistic or surreal, explores West African mystical traditions, womanhood, and the complexities of living with a disability. My approach to portraiture and use of West African ideographs is what sets me apart from other artists.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
In the art world women, and especially women of color are underrepresented. In a report published in Artnet News, Billie Davis found that women, on average, will, therefore, have 22 percent fewer resources to go into making and producing art. Women will, on average, have to work 22 percent harder to compete at the same level for scarce opportunities. Women will have 22 percent less of the “crucial financial support.” I believe that these are some of the biggest barriers faced by females in the art world currently.
Pricing:
- Contact the artist via website or email in regards to purchasing custom artwork or limited edition prints
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kemisart.com
- Email: kyemiese@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kemisart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kemisart/
Image Credit:
Hakeem Adewumi, Joyce Yemi-Ese
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
