We were lucky to catch up with Makala Fields recently and have shared our conversation below.

Makala, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One big risk that I just took was leaving the classroom after 18 years! I’m using this time to rest, create artwork, and really pour into my business. I’m excited and a tad bit anxious because I am stepping out 100% on faith.

I started teaching in my hometown of Providence in 2002 at The Met School, which is a project-based school. It was a whole new world for me and such a beautiful 4-year journey! After moving to Atlanta in 2006, I started working as a 6th grade social-studies teacher at KIPP South Fulton Academy and stayed for seven powerful years. I left to explore my passion a little deeper, which is art education. I was blessed with a job as a visual art teacher at KIPP Vision Academy for seven life changing years. (7 is the number of completion)

The backstory of this recent risk is filled with love, passion, triumph, grit, and faith. Throughout those 18 years I have:

*Raised two amazing, smart, beautiful daughters with the help of my village
*Taken on the role as my mother’s primary care-giver
*Carried loved ones through a journey with depression and suicide attempts
*Educated hundreds of students
*Rediscovered my creative juices and began a deeper artistic journey
*Stopped and restarted my creative business over a dozen times (but never gave up)
*Went back to school at KSU at 43 years old

After 18 years of service to others, I decided to step out and bet on myself. God has consistently shown me throughout my life, that I am on the right path. I’m excited about this risk! I’m excited about creating the time and space to do the work! I’m grateful.

Makala, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I love all things creative. My business, Unspoken Word Designs grew from my love of creativity and the process of helping people memorialize the moments in their lives that they find sacred or personal. I love creating collages as a way of storytelling. For me, it provides an intricate intimacy that showcases their lives or vision through visual and textural imagery. My jewelry making was also done in the same spirit.

I started taking my artwork and the idea of entrepreneurship seriously in 2004 while living in Rhode Island. I was teaching at The Met School in Providence to a group of 15 amazing high school students. My passion for the arts has always been coupled with my love for education in my community. For me, they go hand in hand. The students inspired me with their trust and admiration and pushed me to step out as artist and at that point I started to take a more creative interest in my collages.

When I moved to Atlanta from Rhode Island, desperate to find an artist community in which I would fit and thrive in, I was blessed to connect with an amazing group of creative people who often serve as great inspiration for me and my artwork. As most artists, I also use my work as a vehicle to help pull me out of uncomfortable life situations.

I had a lover who was incarcerated as I was blossoming and exploring being an artist. I would write poems to him often. I wanted to make my words dance across the page for him. I wanted to create a visual expression that could replace the words in efforts of giving him a visual that would hold him as he served his time. So, I stuck to what I knew best–collage. I always loved pictures! When put together creatively they tell an amazingly full and often layered story. It was just what I needed, what he needed. I was so proud! I printed the first collage onto an Old Navy shirt, so I could wear it to work. The seed was planted. I was forever changed.

In 2004, Unspoken Word Designs started out as a company that created customized collage and prints. Now in 2022, Unspoken Word Designs expanded and split into two organizations. Through my e-commerce platform, I create and sell original artwork as well as clothing and accessories decorated with my artwork. I also create collage and art kits to help people along their art journey.

Create and Connect LLC derived from UWD; it’s an arts education program that specializes in adding value to communities through rigorous art integration programs based on Black artists from the US and the African Diaspora. I provide an art curriculum and resources for art teachers and homeschool networks.

Although I offer so many artsy things as a business owner and artist, my main goal is help people feel empowered through art. Art is fun, therapeutic and engaging. Whether someone is purchasing an original piece of artwork or downloading one of my art lesson plans, I want them to feel empowered.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I knew more about residencies earlier in my art journey. I did not go to school for art in my 20s and everything that I learned came from research and experimenting. When I started creating collages, I didn’t know that there was a whole world of us, collage artists, out there! I also didn’t realize that there were lots of opportunities for artists to separate from everyday life and go create! Living in Atlanta and being immersed in such a dope art scene, taught me so many new things. I just applied for my first residency a few months ago. Although I didn’t get it, I’m grateful that the opportunities are there.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is having the ability to create magic–real magic that’s guided by my imagination! I love the freedom that creativity gives. I love having the power to create new worlds and experiences for people just from imagery and colors! I love that my creativity is so therapeutic and versatile. Aside from the beautiful imagery, emotions and passion that comes from being a creative, there is also great power to educate through my art. Creativity is my superpower!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.unspokenworddesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unspokenworddesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Unspoken-Word-Designs-161463943921592
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makalafields/

Image Credits
Headshot- Melissa Alexander