Today we’d like to introduce you to Afi Ese.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
To be an artist, is to be vulnerable at all times. I was a precocious child, excellent at drawing, but disinterested. I ultimately became a forensic psychotherapist and started painting portraits to supplement income during graduate school. Eventually, my passions for painting surpassed my passions for psychology.
As a native Houstonian, I have been influenced by some of the oldest, most historical areas and buildings in Houston. The true story of Houston’s beginnings, heavily shaped by black slaves of Transatlantic diaspora, is becoming less identifiable as gentrification efforts and the city’s population continue to increase. I decided that my talents would serve best by painting the most influential liberators and revolutionaries of black America. I try to put a modern take on our most beloved teachers, leaders and heroes by capturing their images in oil or soft pastel portraits.
I am a Pan-Afrikan, pro-black, Afrikan-centered economics enthusiast, that is here to do my part in liberation and connect with and encourage as many like-minded individuals as much as I can. My art is acknowledged in Houston’s black community because I understand the importance of economic growth and stability that we lack. 100% of the money I earn from my artwork, goes back into black hands with no exceptions. My art is black propaganda. I want each piece I do to leave the viewer feeling culturally empowered. I wish to embed bold fresh images in the minds of viewers and hopefully replace some of the mis-education and misleading imagery that plagues my community.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I live life with few complaints. Everyone has a story to tell. Changing mental images is hard but I’ve managed to deal with struggles gracefully.
KML Portraits – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a fine artist who specializes in portrait oil and soft pastel painting. With over 15 years of experience, I have created hundreds of custom artworks for patrons and collectors. I pride myself on capturing the essence of a person by focusing on the face. My paintings encapsulate the warmth and energy in each unique face, which results in an enraptured expression. I am a believer in the strength and permanence of classic art and draw inspiration from my greatest influences, Johannes Vermeer, Leonardo Da Vinci and Galveston artist Eddie Filer.
Though my first love is oil painting, I expanded my work into pastels in an effort to better artistically express the human spirit. Portraiture gives me the opportunity to focus on the spirit of the subject. Consider the pleasure of having your loved ones painted and honor those you love with beautiful portrait art.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is subjective. I think it is important to establish smaller goals along the way of pursing a large goal. As they are reached, these smaller goals validate the purpose of the larger goal so whether the larger goal is reached or not, there was success along the way.
Pricing:
- Oil paintings starting at $400
- Pastel paintings atarting at $200
- Graphite drawings starting at $125
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kmlportraits.com
- Phone: 832-498-3568
- Email: kmlportraits@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Afi_ese_art
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.
