Jimise Winston- Artist Statement


As far back as I can remember, I've always been fascinated by bold patterns and vivid colors. My mother filled our home with fabrics, paintings and sculptures from Africa that helped spark my creativity. They are memories interconnected with some of the most important landmarks of my life.

My artwork is a reflection of my childhood memories. I paint using intense colors of acrylic paint on canvas. I am fascinated with African textiles that have a variety of patterns, textures and colors. I create mostly painting of women and children because of my upbringing with my mother and grandmother. My mom's love has always been I driving force in my life that has inspired almost every painting that I've created. Now that I'm a mother myself, I truly feel that motherhood is the most rewarding role I could ever have. The unconditional love that I have for my daughter and mother is endless. The love I feel for them gives me the passion to create my work throughout the struggles of life.

I am captivated by artists such as Charles Bibbs, Elizabeth Catlett, Lois Mailou Jones, and Jacob Lawrence who were artist that advocated for positive images of African Americans. I choose to paint people of African descent showing pride in their heritage by wearing fabric, jewelry and hairstyles from their culture. I create and promote images that communicate people of African descent are beautiful, confident and proud of their heritage.

Through my art, I would like to help break the negative stereotypes that has plagued our country by creating artwork that expresses that we are human and full of beauty that is a manifestation of our divine creator.