Art. Rebirth. Rejoice. Create: A talk by Janice King

Janice King presents to us, Art. Rebirth. Rejoice. Create, an Artistic Talk.

This event is only for our current NYU Tisch ITP/IMA Students, ITP/IMA Faculty, and ITP/IMA Staff.

"In 2018 I emerged as a self-taught visual artist at the tender age of 60, after having so many stops in my life since childhood and many illnesses and suppressive circumstances.

After having become so debilitatingly ill and diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2011, I could not walk, stand, sit comfortably. or even hold a toothbrush as my hands were so painful and weak. I went to many holistic and medical specialists. Subsequently, I had to have both hip joints replaced, one knee replacement and be put on many strong medications. Afterwards and during long bouts of physical therapy, spiritual healing and natural supplements to feel somewhat normal again, I had an 'ah ha' moment. I suddenly realized that all my life since childhood I was very creative and suffered many stops. As a child I loved to draw, dance, write and paint. But, with so many stops I pushed the creative side of myself deep within and put it aside. Becoming a mom as a teenager I had to work, raise my family and there did not seem to be time to seek out a living being creative. Plus. In early adulthood, when I expressed that I wanted to be a writer and artist I was emphatically told by a family member, 'artists and writers don't make any money and to go into business.' So, guess what? I went and studied Business Management. I learned a lot; however, it was not what I wanted to do.  I was being obedient to what others wanted me to do as and be. I allowed myself to be stopped and did this many times throughout life and lost myself.

So, at age 60 with the realization of 'ah ha' I said. 'It's my turn to live what is within me'. I reconnected and rebirthed my creative side. I purchased supplies and began painting. I've had exhibits, pop-up shops, sold paintings and have my paintings on art products. I have come full circle. and rejoice in my creativity.

I am inspired by Beautiful Black Women and that's why I paint them. We carry so much of society on our shoulders, and we are sheroes. Sometimes we are unsung by others. Here is my way of paying homage to us, our past, present and our future selves. I also pay gratitude to my late mother, Bernice Payne who was so creative and talented. She has left me a great legacy! Be inspired as you view my work and be mindful of the great women in your life and around the world. The first woman, Eve, was a black woman. Encourage the creatives that you know, even if they are little girls. For you do not know what great gifts those little girls possess. But they do! Do not stop them in their creativity.

My artwork is now in the Meta Verse of the Virtual Soulful Chicago Book Fair. I am also preparing to launch my clothing line designed with my artwork in March for Women’s History Month!"

You can check out Janice's artwork here. 

Janice King. Art. Rebirth. Rejoice. Create.