We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rashonda “Zoe Blaq” Bartney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rashonda “Zoe Blaq”, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Environmental awareness through art.

Rashonda “Zoe Blaq”, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an interdisciplinary artist, urban gardener and metal health advocate who created her own lane in the art and food justice communities. I’m bilingual, I was born in America and raised in Europe. My passion is using art and science to empower marginalized communities. I seek to engage audiences in meaningful conversations about current issues through growing food, storytelling, healing arts and wellness. My work provides a platform for discussions about the environment, cultural similarities/ differences and intersectionality.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Community is the driving force behind my creative journey and my approach to creating change. It provides me with diverse perspectives, a support system, inspiration, and a shared sense of purpose. When I witness the passion, resilience, and determination of individuals within my community, it drives me to push the boundaries of my own creativity.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson I had to unlearn was that constant busyness leads to success. A near death experience with a chronic illness served as a wake up call, leading me to prioritize rest and playfulness. Ultimately, bringing about a positive transformation in my life. During that period of rest I discovered a new perspective and a sense of liberation that I had never felt before.

Contact Info:

• Website: RBZBarts.com
• Instagram: @zoe_blaq
• Twitter: @soul_farmer
• Youtube: @urbansoulfarmers