We recently connected with Afi Ese and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Afi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I was an advanced child, honor roll, AP classes, and such. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a psychologist. I was heavily invested in the disparities my community faces. Though I was always gifted in art, I never saw it as career- worthy. I went to high school in the 90s, when a college education was pushed on students. We were taught we’d be flipping burgers if we didn’t go to college, which, of course, it’s true at all. Nevertheless, I obtained 3 degrees and became a licensed clinical and forensic psychotherapist. Seven years into my career, I became disabled from a chronic illness I developed when I was 16. Rheumatoid arthritis forced me to retire early and I found myself home doing nothing while I recovered from knee replacements. Soon after, I started painting to keep me busy. My work was received so well by family and friends that people started asking me to paint their portraits. Six years later, I’m a full- time professional artist.

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

I’m a native Houstonian, Malian and Togolese in background with a focus on black narrative portraiture that reflects my upbringing in rural Texas as well as a West Africa. Art came to me as a replacement career after I retired from mental health work. Through my work, I help write the Black narrative that, not long ago, was written by others from their perspectives. A people should always have the liberty to tell their own story. African Americans have been marginalized and overlooked in most of the American glory story so I decided to play my part in telling our truth. Art is an amazing way to do that.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I am not the typical artist. I am wheelchair- dependant. I also have quite limited range of motion in my arms. Being a painter is not easy when you can’t stand or sit effectively at an easel. I started painting small and medium- scale work but, as my work grew in demand, I wanted to paint on a larger scale. My peers around me who I started this art journey with were surpassing me and doing amazing things with museums, galleries, television and movies, etc but I was stuck because my work was small.

I knew I needed to find ways to work on larger surfaces. I have probably spent $15k over the last 5 years purchasing and trying equipment that would help me with painting larger. Most things didn’t work out and it was a struggle to fund my artistic endeavors while providing for myself. Being disabled can be very costly. I didn’t give up though. I just continued to modify and think outside of the box until I found things that worked for me. Now, I paint on surfaces up to 5 feet in length or width thanks to modified and custom equipment like a 360 easel, height- adjustable drafting table, and swiveling wheelchair.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My journey as a professional artist is feuled by my need to be independent and productive despite having a chronic disorder. Rheumatoid arthritis can be a dream killer. It steals your energy and health and, often times, joy. I just always knew I wouldn’t let it determine my greatness.

Contact Info:

• Website: AfiEse.com
• Instagram: @Afi.ese.art
• Facebook: Afi Ese Art LLC