We recently connected with Che’Naomi Durant- Lyons and have shared our conversation below.

Che’Naomi, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My dad is an artist as well and recognized that I liked art at young age. He helped me to understand art and taught me the basics. He made sure that if it was something that I loved, that I constantly worked at getting better at it. As I grew older and life got real, I put art to the side to basically be an adult. I do wish in those years that I would’ve continued working on my craft because when I did pick it back up it felt like I had to relearn alot. Focus, passion and the desire for growth were essential skills in my journey and still are. Is there any obstacle other than just the demands of adulthood? Adulting kept me from progressing as fast as I may have wanted at the time.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am Che’Naomi, also known as OG to my peers and fellow artists. I have a passion for representing and showcasing Black women through my art. I specifically set out to put more beautiful brown faces on canvas, clothing, stationery and more in homes all over. It may not be easy to find this type of representation in stores, so I want to fill that gap. I think Black women and Black girls deserve to see themselves in the world more. I am proud of the way my art touches my audience, I am proud that Black women see my art and connect with it. It feels amazing when I’m told my art reminds someone of a loved one, or the features are similar to their own features.

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

One of my biggest goals is to open my own creative studio that would serve artists and creatives within my community. I want to offer a space that cultivates creativity in the way that I had it in my home. I want to be able to give back to my community in a major way. I plan to offer classes, tours, co working spaces and community events.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I feel like art is something that is so hard to sell because the audience has to have a special connection to the art, or a good reason to buy. I think society can help by actually supporting and attempting to understand why we create art. I think art is looked at alot of times as something just pretty with no value, but our art is valuable. It means something to us, and we want it to mean something to you as well. A simple share or like on social media, occasional purchase and consistent support go a long way. Don’t just support an artist when they pass on. Support them now.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ogidentity.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ogidentity
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ogidentity
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/ogidentity
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/ogidentity
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@ogidentity www.patreon.com/ogidentity