We were lucky to catch up with Imani Monroe recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Imani , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Sometimes we are given a gift but don’t see at the moment how important it is until much later. One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was creating the ‘Black History Collection’. This project was special because the images I used in this collage were given to me by my mothers youngest sister, my Aunt Ella. She knew I loved creating collage, and gave me her collection of Ebony & Jet magazines years before she passed. I was asked to develop this project for a ceremony and exhibit at the USPS Vanderveer Station in Brooklyn, NY. Through brainstorming, research, weeks of arranging and rearranging the images selected, my focus was how to represent the endless contributions and events that would honor and tell even a small part about the history of my culture. I am thankful for those who continue the process of uncovering truth, and for the reflective discussions this labor of love has generated.
Imani , 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?
I am a visual & teaching artist whose work navigates through illustration, painting, photography and collage. I love working with my hands, and my process becomes an abstract collaboration of torn, cut and painted papers arranged and mounted onto paper. The images in my mind are created from fragments of objects I see and study. The details of ordinary things that capture my attention, like how I see faces and features of people on the surfaces of floors and walls. Patterns, textures and colorful images emerge and become new stories.
Some of my art shows and works include ‘Floral Fragments’ (a solo show) at the Callahan Gallery – St Francis College, Brooklyn NY, ‘Salon Show’ at the Livingston Gallery – SUNY Empire State College, Brooklyn NY, ‘In the Spirit – A Celebration of Black History’ at the Livingston Gallery – SUNY Empire State College Brooklyn NY, ‘Community Faces’ – pastel painting commissioned by USPS Vanderveer Station, Brooklyn NY, ‘Annual Exhibit of Black Women Artists of Brooklyn & Environs’ at the Lafayette Ave Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, NY and ‘SQPA 18th-20th Annual Colors in Black Art Exhibit’, Jamaica, NY.
I have also curated student work for Art 29/Imagining the Future Arts Festival, and Renzulli Enrichment Program Exhibits. I’ve worked as a Teaching Artist for the District 29 Center for Arts Education/Future Arts Initiative, Scholastic Writers of Tomorrow – developing PS 195 students story and cover art for the published books “Superwomen” in 2012, “Island Adventures” in 2013, and “Big Dreams” in 2014. I have also taught Arts Exploration classes at Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning. Since retiring as a public school teacher, I am grateful for more time in my studio to develop new works, and a book I’ve been commissioned to illustrate.
One of the services I provide is through my company “Created to Create with Imaniartist!” I offer creative sessions designed to help participants reconnect with their artistic potential. Each session encourages personal growth & reflection while creating art, memorable experiences and team building with family, friends and colleagues.
Aside from enjoying time together in a creative activity, what sets “Created to Create with Imaniartist!” apart from others is the atmosphere of encouragement created while acknowledging that we are layered. Our lives are multi-faceted, and consist of layers of experiences and perceptions. Each one of us sees things so differently, and our work should empower us to remember this.
I am most proud of the transformation people experience at “Created to Create with Imaniartist!” events. Based on the paint & sip model, we primarily use acrylic paint & work on canvas, but other mediums are also explored. My goal is to share my passion for the arts and to help people create a piece of work that is unique for them, recognizing through each session, changes they can make in the ways they see, and think about things and themselves on a daily basis. I am grateful for the feedback after every event I lead… and for the joy I have while doing it!
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
On my journey to recreate myself since retiring, I am still a lover of books! Here are a few of my favorites… some old, some new. What Do You Do With A Chance? by Kobi Yamada
Think and Grow Rich – A Black Choice by Dennis Kimbro and Napoleon Hill
How to Be An Explorer of the World by Keri Smith
The Right Brain Business Plan – A Creative Visual Map for Success by Jennifer Lee
The Entrepreneur’s Playbook by Leonard C. Green
The 40-Day Sugar Fast by Wendy Speake
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Everyday I think about the gift of simply being alive again. Especially after recovering from Covid-19 …waking up, the ability to take a deep breath, and having the stamina to move… things that were challenging for me in that season. So many are no longer with us, but the fact that I’m still here means God has more for me to do. The mission is to not take the gift of time for granted! Whether creating with my words, my hands or my interactions with others, each day is a gift that I am given to share… to be used as a motivating factor, just as those in my life were. This is what drives my creative journey… and my desire to share my passion for life through the arts. We don’t know who is waiting for us, to do what we’re supposed to do. We are all created to fill a need, and make a difference. This is the goal.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ imaniartist
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Mona Bass, Lawrence Gallmon, Leilani Rosine