Mood Board Monday: a black and white home office

It all started with the task chair. I noticed a few accessories that coordinated with it and decided to build a whole home office around it. The glass bead wallpaper I chose give it a little unexpected glamour. I think that the busy patterns could be very stimulating to look at.

raising my prices and raising awareness

Last year on Black Women's Equal Pay Day, I decided to give myself a raise, and I'm doing it again this year. Note that in 2018 Black Women's Equal Pay Day was on August 7th and this year it's August 22nd. That's because the ratio has dropped from 63 cents to 61 cents per dollar. I'm not an economist and don't know all the factors that resulted in this 2 cent drop and two week lag, but I'm sure that the resurgence of racism and sexism in this country are contributing factors. If I don't advocate for myself, who will? I certainly can't wait on the approval of the art world. 


Original artwork and commissioned work will now cost more, with the exception of mini paintings and collages. Please note that my prices for my illustration and interior design services will remain the same for now. My new prices are below:

12” x 16” -	$250	16” x 16” -	$350
16” x 20” -	$400	20” x 20” -	$500
20” x 30” -	$750	24” x 24” -	$750
30” x 40” -	$1500	36” x 36” -	$1650
48” x 72” -	$4400	48” x 48” -	$2900
* Prices apply to all textures except pods. Pods cost an additional 10%

To find out more about ordering a custom painting, please click here. To buy an existing painting online, visit Etsy. Or if you're in Chicago, contact me to schedule a time to visit my studio.

Mood Board Monday: a sunrise bedroom

These colors remind me of a sunrise. Some articles say that bright colors are a bad idea in a bedroom, but once you turn the lights off, does it really matter? If you like bright colors, this is a nice place to wake up.

The abstract painting is by CarolLynn Tice.

Mood Board Monday: a lobby furnished with recycled products

Here's a throwback from design school. I did this project for one of my classes. The design was for a fictional company with very eco-friendly business practices. The seating and lighting are made with fused plastic grocery bags. The panels I selected for partition walls and the reception desk are made with recycled plastic containers. And the flooring is recycled glass terrazzo in a rich shade of blue. This project was a big influence on Post-Consumerism later. And speaking of Post-Consumerism, notice the piece in the top left corner? I thought The Sum of its Parts would be a good fit.

Mood Board Monday: decor for a tropical restaurant

It all started with a chair, a hanging light fixture and a wall sconce that seemed like they were meant to be together. I could see this over-the top design making for a very dramatic setting in a tropical restaurant, on land or on a cruise ship. Inspired by textures of the natural world, I chose feathered wallpaper and a hair on hide leather rug.

Art by EttaVee

Art by Manuja Waldia 

"Choose you" Art by Maggie Stephenson on Society6

And the metal wall sculpture in the upper right corner was handmade by a Haitian artisan, though unfortunately that person is unnamed.

Serpentine Fire

After finishing Cosmic Ocean, I decided that I would make another circular painting, this time in shades of metallic coral. I was inspired by some beautiful glitter I found. 

Living Coral is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2019 and I suppose I wanted to make something trendy. Besides, I have never made anything other than a mini painting in this color before. 

I began with several paper towel rolls. 

As I did with Cosmic Ocean, I added acrylic media to create textures. Instead of a butter knife, this time I used a fork.

I used several shades of coral, salmon, melon, and peach.

I knew I had made progress when the colors coordinated with the glitter I bought. I added it in a final layer of glazing.

Serpentine Fire
acrylic and ink on recycled cardboard and wood board
24" Ø
$500

Because of its textures, it looks different depending on the angle of the light that hits it. Here are some detail shots.

The title is borrowed from an Earth, Wind & Fire song that's on my painting playlist. Songwriters Maurice and Verdine White said that it's about creative energy.

Serpentine Fire is now for sale in my Etsy shop for $500 and I will ship it to you for free if it's going to any US state except Alaska and Hawaii. If you happen upon this post after it's been sold, don't despair. I can make a similar custom painting for you. Click here to learn more about my commissioned art process.