We were lucky to catch up with Bobbi Reagins recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bobbi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
Honestly neither. I think I’m right where I need to be in this exact moment. I remember during the lockdown in 2019 and sometimes recently when I hit a block or get down I reflect on a lot and question things. It’s normal and human to do so. What always helps me realize I’m on the path that’s meant for me is the ability to look at how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown. The most high always sends reminders in our darkest moments. It’s no point in having regrets. We have to look at where placed in life right now as a gift because there’s so much more to our journey that we have yet to experience, which is exciting.
Bobbi, 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?
My name is Bobbi Reagins Im a Cleveland native and a painter who works in oil and acrylic paint, primarily on larger scale canvas pieces. My artwork takes a critical view of physiological, social, political and cultural issues in a subtle approach. Often referencing African American history, my work explores the varying relationships between past and present. I take commissions as well for murals, paintings and logo’s. If you’re looking to gift someone a painting for anniversaries, birthdays, weddings etc. I will create a stylized painting that will last forever. I am always asking questions to get an idea of who my client is and know the personality of the subject I’m painting. Me knowing the memories shared and a subjects personality really helps me capture the essence of said person conceptually.
I’m big on collaboration in any project, meaning all voices will be shared and shown in the end result. I’m grateful to share my story with others. Being an artist is such a freeing choice, to create for you. When we choose to share our work and find that people resonate with it, that means everything. I’m happy that people have resonated with the work I’ve shared thus far and have supported my efforts.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The goal is to support my community. I definitely identify as an extroverted Introvert because I need to preserve and protect my energy but the work that I do is rooted in togetherness. I run a program and initiative called the Black Arts Showcase Cle. that I created in hopes of creating a sense of unity and celebration for African American Artists in the Cleveland Area. It’s an annual showcase that highlights the talents of artists in varying mediums while brining awareness to mental health. I often times think about how can we come together to really show society and ourselves that Art is valued by our people, and be representation to the following generations. The creative climate in Cleveland needs to continue to be nourished and I want to be apart of that push. I also am big on authenticity + trying and doing everything your heart desires. A lot of times people will try and put you in a box or tell you, you have to pick a lane and that’s not true. You can do it all and do it all superbly! With determination, the most high, the right people in your corner, and the right mindset you can achieve more than you can imagine.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being limitless and boundless in my expression. For me creating is a outlet for my emotions and thoughts. There’s a sense of peace and freedom that occupy my spirit and my mind when I am painting. Another great thing about being an artist is allowing+accepting change in whatever medium you use and whatever topics you decide to touch on. It’s so much autonomy and space for growth in this work that fascinates me to the highest degree. It’s your business, its your work, you decide what you want it to represent and how you want to translate that. We also have this power to change and shift the narrative. Art is apart of politics, history, social constructs, brands, companies, all of these aspects of life and more. It’s the act of doing for yourself and once you share it,your work ,your piece is now apart of something bigger. That piece is apart of a community, a conversation, an idea..I think that’s something really cool to reflect on. For most artists people creating is part of who we are and sometimes can serve as a therapeutic method of healing. So to have the opportunity and freedom to create for self and others is extremely rewarding and most of all fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: nahh.b and blackartshowcasecle
- Other: Website coming very soon!