We were lucky to catch up with Teeyah. (Cynthia Z.) Nérette recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Teeyah. (Cynthia Z.) thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
My journey towards pursuing a creative path professionally began at a young age with a passion for dancing, which unfortunately was not supported by my parents. Despite this, I pursued a traditional academic path, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s in Marketing. However, the tragic events of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, where I lost my mother and friends, led me to a profound moment of realization after giving birth to my son. This moment ignited a deep need to create, leading me to explore various artistic mediums such as drawing, painting, and crafting.
Under the guidance of a personal teacher, I honed my skills in pencil drawing, charcoal, aqua, and acrylic. After two years of dedicated practice and experimentation, I found my artistic voice as an abstract artist. The impact of the earthquake and the subsequent challenges faced by Haiti have deeply influenced my work, inspiring me to reflect on the resilience of humanity and the beauty that can emerge from adversity.
My art serves as a platform for expressing the interconnectedness of humanity and addressing pressing social issues, including the rise in crime and violence in Haiti. Through my exhibitions, such as Aqua Art (Art Basel) in 2022 and 2023, I aim to inspire change and foster connections through the transformative power of creativity. My belief in the ability of art to bring about positive change drives me to continue creating and sharing my work with the world.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Teeyah, and I am an abstract artist whose journey into the world of art was sparked by a deeply personal and transformative experience. After the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, I found solace and inspiration in creating art as a means of expressing the interconnectedness of humanity and the beauty that can emerge from adversity.
As an abstract artist, I specialize in creating vibrant and emotive pieces that reflect my belief in the transformative power of creativity to inspire change and foster connections. My works often explore themes of resilience, hope, and unity, drawing from my own experiences and observations of the world around me.
I believe that art has the ability to spark conversations, evoke emotions, and bring people together in meaningful ways.
What sets me apart from others in my field is the deeply personal and introspective nature of my work, which is rooted in my own experiences and emotions. I strive to create art that is not only visually captivating but also carries a powerful message and emotional depth. Once, a buyer cried in front of a piece I created and at that time I knew that I have reached my goal.
I am most proud of the impact that my art has had on viewers and the conversations it has sparked. Whether it is through exhibitions like Aqua Art (Art Basel) or interactions with clients and followers, I am constantly inspired by the connections that my art fosters and the conversations it ignites.
Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my art is a reflection of my passion for storytelling, my commitment to addressing social issues, and my belief in the power of creativity to inspire change. I invite everyone to engage with my work, explore the emotions and messages within each piece, and join me on a journey of introspection, connection, and transformation through art.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with others on a deep and emotional level through my work.
The opportunity to share my personal experiences, insights, and perspectives through my art and have them resonate with others is incredibly fulfilling.
Additionally, being an artist allows me to continuously explore and express my creativity, pushing the boundaries of my own imagination and skills. The process of creating art is cathartic and therapeutic, providing a space for self-reflection, growth, and expression. It is a constant journey of discovery and growth, both personally and artistically.
Moreover, seeing the impact that my art has on viewers, whether it inspires them, provokes thought, or elicits an emotional response, is truly rewarding.
Knowing that my art has the power to evoke change, inspire connections, and spark meaningful conversations is what drives me to continue creating and sharing my work with the world.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
As an abstract artist, I approach the topic of NFTs with a cautious perspective. While I acknowledge the potential for NFTs to offer artists new opportunities for showcasing and selling their work in the digital space, I also recognize the concerns surrounding the environmental impact of blockchain technology.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teeyahs_art?igsh=eTJ1N24wcXl3N2Y%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.nerette?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/cynthia-z-nérette-b25a993a
- Twitter: @cynNerette
Image Credits
Credit : Jean Claudr Michel