Nzingah's Page

Crafting Status:

Active

City and Province/Parish/State

Fort Lauderdale

Country

USA

Specific crafting I do (NOT what people do in my company) -- a LIST of what I make, decorate, or artistically alter with my hands, and/or other part of my body.

Pastel, graphite, & acrylic artist. Jewelry making.

About Me:

THE ARTIST

Nzingah was born in Florida a year after her parents arrived to the United States from Haiti. It is in Florida where she would receive her upbringing. At a young age her genius was demonstrated from walking at six months to reading at three. Once she was able to control a crayon with dexterity Nzingah began her career as artist. Coloring became her favorite past time when not under the supervision of her aunt to stay in the lines. While in grade school she started drawing freelance, mainly portraits of her classmates. However, she did not realize the degree of her talent until she won first place for a Martin Luther King drawing contest when she was twelve. It was not until high school did she attempt to perfect her craft. Her innate talent in combination with art teachers and classes gave birth to artistic works that left most viewers in awe. After several high school galleries Nzingah and several of her fellow classmates were given an opportunity to have a showing the spring of 1999 at the Milagro Center in Delray Beach. Following a brief hiatus Nzingah was featured at several museums and galleries; in addition to having her work noted in various periodicals. Her goal is to be the owner of a gallery where she can feature the works of other artist as well her own. Furthermore she expects to be able to inspire youth to recognize the artist within through different activities connected to the gallery.

My words…
Themes are always expanding and contracting in my world of artistry but one thing remains constant: My art exists to plant a seed through imagery to make people think and even possibly change the way they think. I chose the name Sankofa’s Child because through the idea of Sankofa I am able to create my art which in many ways symbolically represents a child. Sankofa is a term from Ghana which literally means “Go back and fetch.” It usually represented by a symbol of bird looking backwards. It is interpreted to signify there is wisdom in learning from the past in building for the future. This is a principle I try to live by on a daily basis and has manifestations in my art.
I am currently working on a proverb series. I am attempting to connect wise sayings (proverbs) with imagery. I find a proverb and create an image that aligns with it. Or create an image and locate a saying that gives the viewer a better understanding of the subject matter. Most of the proverbs have come from the continent of Africa specifically from the Yoruba or Akan people whose lives are guided by proverbs. My ultimate goal with this current series is to bring imagery to life through proverbs.

My webstore (not "TBA")

http://www.sankofaschild.etsy.com

Favourite supplies website

http://www.dickblick.com

Favourite crafters' resource website

http://www.beadstylemag.com