We recently connected with Dafeney Josue and have shared our conversation below.

Dafeney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I honed my art skills through visual learning, which I affectionately refer to as “YouTube University.” Watching step-by-step videos from acrylic artists covering various themes and techniques was my main method of learning. Looking back, I realized that I needed to increase the frequency of my art practice. Initially viewing art as a hobby meant I only sporadically picked up the brush. As time has gone, I’ve come to understand that consistently creating is crucial for artistic growth. Mastering color theory and managing time effectively are essential skills I value highly for any artist’s career. My greatest challenge was venturing beyond my comfort zone. Artists can easily fall into a routine of sticking to familiar themes or relying on one medium. However, this can hinder artistic development and lead to stagnation.

Dafeney, 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?

My artistic journey began in a casual setting on my back patio with my best friend, painting on 8 x 10 canvases using $1 dollar paint while enjoying a glass of wine. Unlike many artists, I didn’t start until my early 20s. Initially, I explored acrylic art of various themes purely for enjoyment, learning from YouTube tutorials whenever I felt inspired. My professional path began when I volunteered at the Arts & Medicine department at Orlando Regional Medical Center, creating art with cancer patients and their families. This experience led me to participate in pop-up art shows, fairs, and eventually exhibit at the Orlando Museum of Art. I’ve also had opportunities like appearing on local news, showcasing in galleries across Orlando, and live painting at places like City Hall. My art is a source of inspiration for black women and girls, encouraging fulfillment and self-worth. Working with children has been a highlight, as I offer paint classes and strive to nurture their creativity in a world that sometimes stifles it. My brand revolves around positivity and inspiration, aiming to bring light and healing through my art.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Black women are sadly a minuscule part of art sales, accounting for less than 0.1%. As a Black female artist, I face significant underrepresentation in the art world due to pervasive racism and sexism. It’s evident in the intentional bias on platforms like Google Images, where art by white creators dominates search results for “art.” My limited access and exposure aren’t due to my talent but solely because of who I am and the colors I choose to paint with. I urge everyone to actively support Black artists, especially Black women, to help bridge this gap.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As an artist, I’ve encountered periods of “Artist Block,” where creativity seems to come to a standstill. Recently, I faced this block for several months, causing me to miss out on opportunities and lose focus on my business. Fortunately, I was presented with a chance to paint for the opening reception of the 2024 Black History Month exhibition at Orlando City Hall. Initially hesitant, I almost passed up this opportunity as well due to doubts and fears about what message I wanted to convey through my art. Despite these challenges, I pushed through and created a piece that impressed Orlando officials, earning a spot in the exhibition and opening doors to more opportunities and income. If I had succumbed to fear and doubt, I would have missed out on valuable connections, financial gains, and the chance to exhibit my art at such a prestigious event.

Contact Info:

• Website: dafeneyjosue.com
• Instagram: Iamdafeneyj
• Facebook: Iamdafeneyj
• Other: Tiktok: Iamdafeneyj