We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Destiney Powell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Destiney, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic comes from my mother. She was a teen mom/single mom, My mother worked 3 jobs yet she was and still is always optimistic and supportive. She encouraged me to pursue my dreams even when she didn’t fully understand what I wanted to do. She taught me by example that working hard at something I love would yield results. I am so grateful for her guidance and the independence she gave to me by showing me that gender, race, finances, nor social status can stop a gift from making room for you. I saw my mother complete degrees and learn new skills, build businesses. I am always inspired by her willingness to go for what she wants and accomplish her goals. As her daughter I know that same determination is within me.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello, my name is Destiney Powell, i’m a visual artist and illustrator currently creating colorful afro-futuristic visual stories with paintings and digital illustrations. The most exciting part of my current body of work to me would be a combination of the visual narratives and the colors, patterns, and textures i’m introducing in this series. Whats special about this collection, is the ancient yet futuristic portrayal of people of color in a natural and vibrant world. In this work i’m honoring the past while looking to the future bringing ancestral knowledge and connection to the natural and superatural worlds. The title of this series is “Ancient Future”, and I will be exhibiting some of the pieces at this years Artville. I have limited edition prints and canvas prints available on my website poeticallyillustrated.net for any interested collectors.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Number 1: curiosity is an important quality to have as a creative. Curiosity leads to research which often leads to an answer and inspiration. For me curiosity lights the fire to my imagination.
Number 2: its important to know what you want to say with your work. This takes practice and experience living in the present and observing your life experiences. So practice and solitude, spending time alone to learn who you are and what you want to say are skills you should have as a creative. This will help define your voice.
Number 3: believe in yourself. Self confidence is important, make what you are passionate about, what makes you feel something. Don’t worry about what others are doing, make art that represents you and your voice, what you want to see in the world. Someone else wants to see it too.
All of my tips require inner work and knowing yourself, what do you like, what makes your happy, what are you interested in, how can you share it with the world through your gifts. Being able to answer these questions honestly and guide yourself with your interests will help you stand out.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The Artists Way is the book that has played the biggest role in my development. Three key points that stuck out to me, that I immediately applied to my creative process is to feel free to play and experiment, Take time to go on a artist date alone for inspiration, Act on my ideas, if the ideas spark an excitement act on them while releasing control of the outcome. My current body of work is very playful and experimental. I use so many colors within skin and hair, flowers, patterns etc. I apply the paint with expressive freedom and I leave room for happy accidents. I am having fun with no attachment to the outcome.
I go on an artist date once a week. Sometimes its to the gardens, or a art show. I always get really inspired to create after the time spent admiring all of the beautiful art in different ways.
When I get an idea I write it down, sketch it out, anything to solidify that I received the idea and I want to create with it.
The artists way is a must read for all creative minds
Contact Info:
- Website: poeticallyillustrated.net
- Instagram: @poeticallyillustrated
Image Credits
Destiney Powell ( I took all of my photos)
