ArRchiTectIST

God has richly blessed me with the creativity and vision for two talents for which I have devoted my life: architecture and artistry. Having gifts that work simultaneously to create something tangible and can speak both consciously and subconsciously to the senses is something that I never take for granted.

I use these blessings humbly in the hope that they inspire, uplift and motivate. I approach the design of a building and a painting the same way—with a blank canvas and a single vision. The goal of the final product is to celebrate, tell a story and spark a lasting dialogue.

The artwork I create—be it painting or sketch—is often inspired by conversations, stories, personal experiences, and music. The sounds of gospel, jazz and soul music intertwined with my southern upbringing have been greatest sources of inspiration. A good song tells a story. I try to capture a song’s melody on canvas with vivid colors and paint strokes to evoke an emotional reaction, and give a sensibility of what I am experiencing in the moment of creation.

Great architecture and art are parallel in that they document their place in time, yet can be timeless. They carve a moment that is conveyed in colors and character. My paintings embrace the human spirit in laughter, love, song, and dance. They offer a look at the conscious and subconscious because as much as we love to sing and laugh outwardly, sometimes we have to cry, be angry, fall, and persevere by faith. It’s the telling of what makes us beautiful. Imperfect. Human.
Written By Kionna Coleman