We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Annick Duvivier a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Annick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Definity my current collection “Summer Blooms” : Last year in July (2021), I was in the NICU with my baby girl. She stayed for a total of 110 days. There, I was continually told by the physicians and nurses that I needed to create a CONNECTION in order to have LOVE, ENERGY, and HAPPINESS. Difficult challenges provide the foundation for COURAGE and GROWTH, to have HOPE and POSITIVITY.
I created this painting collection illustrating with orchid flowers each of those words, using the meaning and symbolism of color.
During a six-month period from January to June 2022, I create these pieces baby wearing and whenever feasible, through naps, early mornings, and late nights.
It was a challenging time for me, a time of incredible growth as a young mother was carving her place in the art world on her own terms. My baby was just 9 months (and 4 months corrected) when I started the collection, feeding every 3 hours and pumping breastmilk exclusively. What is being exhausted? What is back pain?
Additionally, because she was born 24 weeks early, painting time was in between the many doctor appointments and therapies. I felt that she had a doctor for every body parts. Some weeks I could have 4 follow-ups. And that would mean I had to be more flexible, and kind to myself if I didn’t have the strength to create.
A normal painting schedule looked like 7 pm to 1 am, and caring for the baby during the day. Two full time jobs with high expectations.
Being part of different support organization like ICU Baby, and groups breastfeeding café, it has occurred to me that my story is no different than many mothers that have similar NICU stories, the collection is to celebrate them.
This project is so meaningful to me as it took me a great deal of commitment to paint and I am extremely proud to present this collection! It is a year-round celebration of color, feminine strength, and desires.
The show “Summer Blooms” is on exhibition at the Kimpton Epic Hotel for 6 weeks July 7th August 16th 2022.
Annick, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m from Haiti based in Miami, I speak 4 languages French, Kreyol, English, and Spanish. Art chose me, it was first a hobby as a teen that I eventually pursued and obtained an AAS Cum Laude in Fine Arts/ Illustration from Altos de Chavon (affiliated with Parsons in NY). And I graduated with a bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Visual Arts at Miami International University of Art and Design.
What sets me apart from others is the passion I have for the arts, the positive attitude, consistency, and professionalism that I bring to every project.
Additionally, all the different services my art business offers:
– Artwork, I am foremost a multidisciplinary artist, I draw, paint, sculpt, and started incorporating performance in my art practice. I exhibit and sell my artwork worldwide.
I am open to commissions and portraits.
– Live painting and art activations where I can create a piece during an event. It is so much fun and, people enjoy watching my creative process.
– Art workshops and painting parties for kids and adults, where I can teach a group a specific artwork or skill through a 2 hours session/class from start to finish, for a minimum of 10 people at your private location.
As an artist, there are so many ways my artwork has provided the solution for clients, in a personal space and a corporate setting like the poolside cabana mural “Tropical Paradise” that I just completed(12×10) at the Epic Hotel.
I eternalize a moment in time by creating a commission and portrait of a loved one. Art has the power to transport you to a whole new world and different energy. Most of the artwork I have created are happy pieces that can uplift the mood of any space, office, living or bedroom.
I am proud of the many opportunities that my artwork continues to offer me. How far my art has taken me, from Haiti to The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, The Yellowstone Museum of Art in Montana, Miami International Airport…
Also, I am very grateful for all the relationships and partnerships with curators, galleries, The Art of Black program, and the GMCVB.
I want to take the opportunity to thank the Kimpton Epic Hotel for exhibiting my artwork multiple times and for selecting me for the EPIC Art Residency. The purpose of the is program to advance the works of local artists and provide visitors of Kimpton Epic Hotel with an insider’s look into Miami’s Vibrant art scene. The yearlong initiative brings a wide variety of disciplines and mediums to the guest experience from both established and emerging artists of diverse backgrounds. I feel honored to be one of the twelve artists selected.
Lastly, I am proud to be a full-time artist and I am grateful to all the people that make that possible, my supportive husband and family, collectors, and followers. I would love for art lovers to become fans, like, and follow me on Instagram @annickduvivier as I share my creative process.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I was in the NICU, I couldn’t give my art the same hours, between pumping breastmilk every 3 hours and worrying I was missing painting. After a C-section, there’s not much creative work that can be done, so I organized my computer files, reformatted my images, and did all the necessary boring work that facilitated the application for many calls for Art.
I saw the listing for “the Art of Breastfeeding”, I had given birth just a couple of months before. I was accepted and painted during my stay in the NICU, sometimes just 10 minutes a day. But in those 10 minutes magic happened, and I was transported, I forgot my fears and sadness. Art has the power to heal and connect with the community and my painting “NICU Journey“ was a hit. I receive over 200 messages from mothers during and after the exhibit. Mothers that had lived similar experiences told me their personal stories, and grown adults that were once premature babies told me about their special bond with their mothers. They sent me pictures, cards, and good wishes, I get overwhelmed with joy just thinking about it. Sharing my experience through art enabled me to connect with the community on a deep level and that is priceless.
The painting “NICU JOURNEY” is an emotional self-portrait of me pumping during the night with all the daily stickers of the NICU, the bleu ones that have your picture and date that you visited, They were collaged in the background to prove the many days I had spent there. That painting was selected for the WIC calendar for November 2022, NICU Awareness Month.
After applying for all the shows in the NICU,
I had my busiest season with: The juried exhibit at The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. My artwork traveled to shows, including to Vestige Concept Gallery in Pennsylvania. The exhibit and acquisition at the Miami International Airport, a successful partnership and window display for Black History month at West Elm Dadeland, the virtual exhibits with DVCAI, Gallerium, and Shoebox in California… And finally my solo show “ Summer Blooms” at The Epic Hotel. Every single one of these opportunities happened because I was resilient.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Social media changes all the time, but posting consistently does amazing if you are trying to grow your account. I started using a lot of videos and especially “Reels”, recording everything I do and sharing my process. I gain about 3 to 5 followers for every Reel. Also Hashtags, they help you find the people in your niche. Interacting, and answering the comments helps to stay in touch with your community. Having my Instagram connected to Facebook also helps reaching a different audience and staying active on both platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.annickduvivier.com
- Instagram: @annickduvivier
- Facebook: [email protected]
- Linkedin: [email protected]
- Other: My print and Merch STORE www.annickduvivier.com/test special page for my solo exhibit “Summer Blooms” www.annickduvivier.com/summer-bloom-at-epic-hotel
Image Credits
images by my husband JM Ligonde 1- Painting titled Hope and Light diptych 60″x96″ acrylic and gold leaf on canvas, 2022 on display at Summer Blooms at the Kimpton Epic Hotel. 2-Guests visiting the solo show Summer Bloom on opening night at the Epic Hotel July 2022 3- left to right Miami Herald journalist Mr. Fabian Lyon, artist Annick Duvivier, Director of Marketing for the Kimpton Hotels Mr. Eric Jellson in front of painting titled, Love Energy and Happiness triptych 48″x109″ acrylic and gold leaf on canvas, 2022 4- Painting titled Courage acrylic on canvas, 2022, on display at “Summer Blooms” Duvivier’s solo art show until August 16th 2022 5-Painting titled Connection acrylic on canvas, 2020 on display at “Summer Blooms” at the Epic Hotel. 6-Painting titled Positivity, acrylic on and gold leaf on canvas, 2022, on display at “Summer Blooms” at the Epic Hotel. 7-Annick painting in the NICU, summer 2021 8-Painting titled ” NICU Journey” 23″x19″ acrylic and collage and canvas and frame 2021