Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Holbert.
Monique, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been drawing since I was a child, but I did not begin to perfect my craft and to explore other forms of media until I was about eleven years old. At this age, my artwork primarily consisted of cartoons and fashion designs. At times I would spend hours on YouTube watching drawing tutorials. My interest for art, drawing and creating began to grow, and my transition from drawing cartoons and fashion designs to creating real-life portraits emerged.
By my junior year of high school, I became inspired to paint. My first paintings were not the best, but the feelings I experienced while painting were new and exciting. Painting was at the forefront of my creative expression, and it has continued to remain there.
Family would see my artwork and ask if I am pursuing a career in the arts or ask if I am selling or displaying my artwork for the world to see. When they would ask these questions, the answer would always be “no.” When it came to my artwork, I was very protective of it, and although I enjoyed it and others close to me were fond of it, I did not want to present my artwork with scrutiny from the public.
As I developed as an artist and matured into an adult, I realized that my artwork should not be kept a secret; instead, it should be shared and celebrated. While everyone may not appreciate my artwork, I know there are people who will, and those who value my creativity are my intended audience–no one else.
September of 2018 I began an Instagram page dedicated to my creative journey and to showcase my artwork. The overarching theme of my artwork stems from an African American perspective. Creating this social media page has presented various opportunities and has inspired new ideas within me. As of right now, I am taking commissions and hosting paint parties. This segment of my artistic journey may have just begun, but it has been both exciting and enlightening, and there are so many things I still plan to do!
Has it been a smooth road?
I am still in the beginning stages of building my business and relatively new to the social media realm, but overall my journey has gone smoothly. My biggest challenge that I have faced is exposure–which is to be expected as a new artist. I am confident that my artwork will gain more exposure as I continue to create.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Art by Monique Evonna story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is meant to present people with a piece of artwork that they cherish and to awaken the artistic side in those who believe that this piece of them does not exist. I have the ability to accomplish both of these conditions by accepting commissions and completing them, in addition to hosting paint parties where individuals can actively express their artistic capabilities.
Within the San Diego region, I noticed a lack of painting opportunities with African Americans at the focal point. As a black woman, I know that I enjoy painting people who look like myself, and I know that others may share the same sentiment. I think my paint parties encompass this sense of celebrating blackness and its many forms of beauty. Although all of my artwork and paint parties are not from a black perspective, I believe that presenting those with the opportunity to engage in artistic forms of expression and creating something or someone that they can relate to sets my business apart from others.
Ultimately, my goal is to create. When I engage in painting, a sense of peace and enjoyment overcomes me. If I am able to create artwork for myself or others, I am content. I experience a deep sense of pride when I complete a portrait for someone, and he or she loves it. This feeling of pride overflows when I have finished a paint party and everyone is surprised and satisfied with their artwork. Overall, I am proud of my growth as an artist and for pursuing something that I have enjoyed doing for years.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The art industry is very popular among certain audiences and have many influences, but I have noticed a lack of emphasis placed on African American artwork. I hope to witness a change in this fact. I believe that art from an African American perspective has the ability to introduce a new outlook and new attitudes in regards to our artwork and to the art world in general. Having adequate exposure in relation to our counterparts allows us to generate new influences. In the next five or ten years, I do believe there will be a surge in our overall exposure and influence.
Pricing:
- Paint parties $20 per person
Contact Info:
- Phone: 619-335-5145
- Email: moniqueholbert@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monique.evonna/
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