Today we’d like to introduce you to Genea Morrow.
Hi Genea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It’s amazing to look back and realize I picked up my paintbrush just because I wanted to paint clouds! For six months, all I could think about was painting clouds! Well, I gave in, bought supplies, and tried it out… was not successful, in the slightest! But I really couldn’t shake the fact that painting was what I was supposed to do! I’ve always been involved in the arts, whether it was modeling, photography, or digital animation! But I fell in love with sketching and shadow work during my figure drawing classes. So when I was unsuccessful with painting clouds, my next thought was to paint the female form. I was so proud of my first painting on a small 8 x 10 in Canvas panel. I took off from there. Now I’m a year in, traveling while doing what I love! Doing big shows like Seattle Erotic Art Festival and being featured in a few cities for the Spectacular Black Girl Art Show shows me the skies the limit! I look forward to expanding the services I can provide! I’m a self taught artist and creative who just so happens to be the owner of Black Omi Art Co.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road. I struggled with imposter syndrome for 6 to 8 months during my first year of painting; I was always at an internal war with myself! I didn’t believe I was good enough to submit my work to art shows because I was so new at it but being told by peers that my work was really good. I wasn’t like many artists who knew from early on, like in middle school, that they were good at painting! I found out at age 27! So imagine my struggles to accept that this is my passion! But that wasn’t my only struggle! A big obstacle was getting my stories to push through in the final product! Without using in-your-face references, how can I get this painting to show a subconscious battle of feminine and masculine energy? I may have grown more confident in my work and my place in the art world, but getting my stories to push through will be an ongoing challenge for now!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an acrylic on canvas type of gal, and I make paintings for a living! I am the owner of Black Omi Art Co, where I am known for painting the female form in its natural state…naked. I paint to tell a story of the battle between feminine and masculine energy; I use color choice and object symbolism to convey the specific stories. I am new to this, and I enjoy seeing how my painting style develops as time progresses! I think my proudest moment to date would be co-hosting an exhibition four months into starting my career! To see people walk up and discuss my pieces was exhilarating and humbling all simultaneously. I believe it was the first time a piece of mine was purchased by someone I completely didn’t know! I’ve already accomplished so much in the first year that I look forward to giving even more of myself and pushing myself to put out the best pieces worthy of you all in this second one.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Oh! Support comes in so many different forms! I’m all about getting my work in front of the right people! So if you are into celebrating the female form in all its shapes, sizes, and stages of undress, if you are into innocent all the way to naughty representation, please follow my personal instagram @yessitsdior_ ! If you are looking to commission a piece or wanting to purchase a print both can be done through my website! Be on the lookout because I plan to tour an intimate style Paint and Sip Experience! But most importantly, word of mouth is so powerful, so please start a conversation about me!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blackomiartco.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/blkomiartco_
