We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aleathia Brown. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with aleathia below.

Aleathia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

I was down to counting coins in jars, coat pockets in My apartment in Riverdale not quite age 30 and I am boo-hoo cryin’ in a tissue full of tears questioning “am I an Artist” pondering getting a “REAL JOB” as what folks say at the height of Artists struggle. I headed down the steps convincing Myself that this would be the “responsible Adult” thing to do. My intentions were to get a newspaper and start looking for the proverbial “real job”. Passing a neighbor in the lobby I asked if the mail had arrived? He looked at His watch said it was a little early, but You never know, go ahead and check, He said “You never know”… My feet were literally cemented to the floor as I tried walking. I was able to pivot then head to the mailbox area. I opened My mailbox, a yellow envelope drops downwards, tears return to gushing, running up the 1 flight of stairs, I unlock the door
Lifting the envelope in the air I say again in the ugly cry now, nose, eyes running
“Am I an artist” is this what I’m supposed to be doing- GOD Father-“You KNOW WHAT I NEED” what I needed I was to the penny within prayer and beyond bottom-line I really-really needed these funds!
Prior to heading to the store, I had scribbled what I absolutely NEEDED it was fifteen hundred dollars and one cent not a penny more
I lowered the envelope opened it up barely able to see through wet lashes and swollen eyelids from all the crying that day
This letter from was from a client and the check inside a handwritten note was for $1500.01
She had misplaced it cleaning, then lost My contact info. Now Spring cleaning finds the envelope and recalls How kind that She remarks I had been to Her. She writes basically that She hopes this check comes at a time most needed…
the tears dry up and I say out loud
“I AM an ARTIST”

Aleathia, 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 proclaimed being an Artist from age 3, would correct folks saying that it was what I wanted to be when I grew up and I’d say “NO, I am an Artist”. Mom tells this story annually around My birthday reminding me how aware and strong My conviction was and has continued to be regarding this assignment that I know the Creator sent Me here for and to be. As an Artrepreneur I’ve had to put attention into observing the needs and behaviors of clients and treat this Art business just as the Hospitality industry regarding service with a smile and a keen sense of what little things warm and welcome folks wanting to not only do return business purchasing My Art but advocating for Me and being supportive on the other areas of this journey. I am elated when they speak of My reputation and integrity as well as remark that I am a pleasure to do business with. Being patient has its rewards even when sometimes a deal doesn’t go the way anticipated. I say “it don’t cost You nothin’ to be kind” that gentle side has allowed Me to get referrals, tips and donations during times working on projects needing extra funding or traveling between shows etc. The Art Business touches personal as well as professional dynamics unlike many other businesses. It is an experience with noteworthy elements especially if Your brand is successful. There is a Pride putting Your “babies” aka Artwork in the hands and lives of Patrons that may pass beyond Your lifetime. I am elated seeing My art in spaces like institutions where a placard inscribed acknowledges that I am the Artist displayed. Being a one stop shop has its benefits with new and seasoned Clients, I apprenticed with a Frame-shop that produced museum quality framing. The owner staged putting a beautiful frame out one night on the curb and shut the lights off as if closed for business, when He saw My hands lifting the frame with joy and astonishment, He flipped the lights on saying “I knew it-I knew there was an artist in the neighborhood” sessions with this master-framer in the early part of My career Priceless. Packaging My Art the way that I wanted it to be presented has put My Artworks directly in the hands and spaces that I have thankfully been celebrated being in. I realized that the average Art Buyer has unframed works in closets, stored in bags and boxes not being enjoyed because getting the Art framed is daunting with the details of matting, the right molding and then the cost so many times is more than purchasing the Art. Then there are the stories that I will engage with Clients to make deeper connections with or building relationships with clients becomes extended family, we’ve traveled and dined together and bonded.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being an Artist allows Me a freedom to express lived experiences good and not so good without having to necessarily reveal My inner self. It’s almost like color coding a conversation, most connect with the hues and visual images from a place of aesthetic beauty which can be distracting both in good and not always beneficial ways. Having that anonymity makes creating therapeutic for Me liking My privacy. I get to affect People beyond the aesthetic value because we all have a story Art provokes dialogue which often softens our judgement towards each other without getting to know a back story or simply where common threads between us exist. I get to maintain My humanity, spirituality, cultural heritage and it if learned well can be a monetarily rewarding endeavor as well legacy building.
Hearing others tell their stories while viewing my Art touches Me in a way like getting that “a” on the school report card. Often listening I am learning the similarities that we can have no matter the cultural or generational differences. Sometimes the varied views spark new works. The art is an unretired journey with joy-filling components where it challenges and takes Me outside comforts.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

A fellow Student that was one of the Teacher’s favorite interrupted Him informing that He had skipped over My Art during the class critique.
The response that this Teacher gave in front of the class was that My Art was mediocre and that I would never amount to anything so My art was not worthy of a critique.
I launched Aleathia’s Original Artworks 2 years after college using the images that were denied review and returned to His Class in progress showed the largest check received selling wearable clothing with those images printed and announced to the students never allow anyone to diminish You not even a teacher. I live by the premise that thoughts inform Your behavior. Un-allowing others with low frequencies power over My assignment unquestionably is nonnegotiable. Being a creative, touches layers beyond the canvas and it comes through in How I think and approach most things. Art is for me solving problems with creativity You now have solutions. I have a Self-awareness that I am a Child of God and No Man, Woman or Child gets to diminish Me. I am clear that I was sent here. No, I am not religious but divinely Spiritually Blessed and aware of that gift of knowing I am worthy. Many have said from grade School through College that My self-determination, passion and humanity is very present. Resilience shows up for Me once all the calamities have fallen to the wayside and I despite the smoke rising up off of Me that I can still stand-up means I haven’t expired

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.AleathiasArt.us
• Instagram: @aleathias_original_artworks
• Facebook: Aleathia’s Original Artworks
• Youtube: Aleathia Brown

Image Credits

#1, #2 Steven Richar Paul, #3Kortez, #5 Aleathia Brown, #6Steven Richard Paul, #Apollo Theater,