Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kamaria Webster. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kamaria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
That is definitely a hard one; because, all of my projects come from wherever I am or have been in my life. However, I feel my most meaningful project would have to be my most recent, which was sold last year at The Chocolate and Art Show in Dallas. It was titled, “REBORN.” The title explains the part of my life where I finally let go of situations that no longer fit where I am headed. Months prior to creating this project, my family and I travelled back home to Portland, OR to lay my cousin to rest. Being home after 14 years and seeing my family made me realize who I really am. My roots are home; and, seeing the love, care, strength, and generations of perseverance gave me the strength to choose me. That moment will always be the moment that straightened my back, and lifted my head. It will also be the day i thanked my late absent father for being the only kind of man he knew how to be; because, it molded me into who I am today.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
The first time I picked up anything that had to do with art was in the 3rd grade. We had to do a book report for class; so, I tried tracing the cover of the book, and you could only imagine how that turned out. I tried again and kept failing at it; so, I decided to freehand. That day, I learned I had a natural talent and eye for art. For years I would draw animation, graffiti, and anything I could get my eyes on. It wasn’t until college I started to go out of my comfort zone and drawing realism/black and white. I mastered certain techniques by going to school for fine arts, during my sophomore year in college. My passion grew each time I created something new. One day, I wanted to experiment with painting. I picked up a brush and started letting my brush and paint speak for itself. I began creating and mastering my craft day by day. My family is my biggest support system; and, they were the reason I gained my initial clientele. It pushed me to hone in on a different level of creating. My favorite type of paint to use is acrylic, due to the many pigmentations. I paint afrocentric pieces because growing up I wish I saw more people and art that represented me as a black, lesbian woman. I feel my use of color and meaning behind each project sets me apart from others. I want my current and future clients to know that I will always turn their vision into a masterpiece. I put my heart, faith and God into each of my projects; because, each project has a home, and that home deserves nothing less than my best. I have always been told to keep doing what I am doing and that one day it would pay off. Initially, I didn’t believe it because along the way people tore me down. However, I now have a partner who pushes me to reach beyond my limits; and, I am proud that I can finally say my dream is coming true. I am proud that I stayed true to who I am as a person and an artist. Every project has been done the way a client has asked; however, each project has a piece of ME in it. I want my brand to continue to reach, touch, and inspire those who want to find their voice, passion, and who they are/want to become.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Breaking generational curses and creating generational wealth is what pushes me to keep going, even in the face of adversity. I watched my mother raise my twin, my older brother and I on her own, along with my grandmother. That taught me no matter what always keep fighting. My name is my armor. It is who I am and no one can take that from me. Creating a life with my partner and making it out of every statistic, and doing what generations before me couldn’t is what drives me to be better, and continue this journey.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to bring someone’s vision to life. I love being able to create a piece that represents the voice of my client. I love being able to create a piece that remembers a loved one; because that is a piece no one else can have. I love being able to bring that emotion through my paintings; because, everyone isn’t able to express those emotions verbally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: harmonic.vibez
Image Credits
Photo Credit: April Tyler