We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Barbara “barby” Beauvais. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Barbara “Barby” below.

Hi Barbara “Barby”, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is a newspaper I created that highlights the voices and experiences of women from different backgrounds. The idea stemmed from my interest in storytelling through visual art and my desire to create a space where important issues affecting women could be explored. The first issue featured photography, artwork, interviews, and stories from everyday heroes, covering topics such as Roe v. Wade, art representation for immigrant artists, and the ongoing struggles in Haiti. Beyond the content, the newspaper felt significant because it was the first time I fully merged my art, research, and personal perspectives into a cohesive project. It reinforced my belief in the power of art as a tool for education and advocacy.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Barby Beauvais, a visual artist and educator based in New York City. My work explores themes of culture, identity, and womanhood through painting, photography, and printmaking.

My journey into the arts began while working in the fashion industry, where I often found the environment to be highly competitive and impersonal. I realized that my passion for creativity was too strong to be limited in that space, and I wasn’t seeing my work being fully recognized or valued. This led me to develop my own studio practice, where I taught myself new skills, embraced my artistic voice, and later transitioned into art education. Eventually, I pursued my MFA at Lehman College in the Bronx to further refine my practice.

My portfolio showcases paintings, photographs, and prints that reflect my artistic exploration of culture and identity. Through Art Made by B. Beauvais, I primarily create silkscreen prints celebrating legendary women such as Shirley Chisholm, Nina Simone, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and more to come. This work has expanded into products like stationery items, including greeting cards, as well as mugs.

What sets my work apart is my ability to bring together artists from different backgrounds to share their stories as women navigating contemporary issues and how they face them. I’m especially proud of the newspaper I created to amplify women’s voices through art and storytelling.

At the heart of my work is a belief in the power of visual art as a tool for connection, education, and advocacy. Whether through my own creative projects or in various teaching settings, my goal is to inspire meaningful conversations and provide others with the tools to tell their own stories.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

A key moment that influenced my entrepreneurial thinking came from a video by Yoji Yamamoto. While I don’t recall his exact words, the message about not feeling guilty for leaving your family behind to focus on your creative practice resonated with me. Coming from a Haitian family, where being an artist isn’t always seen as the ideal career, this advice gave me the confidence to prioritize my art, even if it meant stepping away from my family’s expectations. Over time, I have learned that to be successful as an artist, I need the time and space to develop my practice without feeling weighed down by their judgments. Now, I am proud to see their happiness with my accomplishments.

In addition to this video, books like *Just Kids* by Patti Smith and “The 9th Street Women” by Mary Gabriel have also influenced my thinking. “Just Kids” taught me about the relentless pursuit of art and the personal sacrifices that come with it, while *The 9th Street Women* helped me understand the struggles that women artists have faced historically, which drives me to continue breaking barriers today. These resources have reinforced the importance of carving out space for creativity and staying true to my vision.

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

I focus on using art as a tool for advocacy, education, and connection. Whether through my creative practice or my role as an educator, I strive to create work that sparks conversation, challenges preconceived notions, and helps people connect with the experiences of others. At the core of my work is the belief that art can serve as a powerful means of exploring complex issues while fostering understanding and solidarity.

Ultimately, my goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of how art engages with significant social issues and to promote a deeper appreciation for the diverse voices that contribute to our collective cultural identity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cestlavienyc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbybea/