We were lucky to catch up with Latifah ShaDaé recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Latifah , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I’m currently working on a super meaningful project right now. It’s been in the works for a while now and I’m so proud of where I am with it. Back in 2019 I went on tour in China. I spent time in Beijing, Xian, Nanjing, Suzhou, Yangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, and Shanghai. I was there to study Chinese art and history. My experience there inspired this collection I’m working on. It’s a body of work that depicts a black girl traveling around this big beautiful country where no one looks like her. The food, culture, fashion, art and nature, played a major role and I hope that translates into each piece. I created this body of work for all the little black girls who want to travel but don’t know anyone like them who does. For all the people who never traveled outside of their comfort zone. For those who needed to see it be done because representation matters.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m from Brooklyn, born and raised. I started my art journey at 4 years old, drawing on building blocks in the back of the classroom. Creating art at home with the free supplies my teachers would give me because they “saw my talent”. I didn’t take any art classes or go to art school but I made art on whatever I could find. About 7 years ago I went to my first sip and paint and it changed the way I created art. I had never painted before this. From there I created murals, hosted sip and paints, did countless numbers of commissions, attended so many group art shows and had my first solo exhibition in 2018. My art is a representation of the black culture. From historical events to black hair to pop culture to black women. Things that are admired, yet also relatable.
I’m extemely proud of me right now. I became a new mom in the middle of the Pandemic and as much time I put into being a mom to my daughter, I still find time to put effort into my artistry. It’s a tough job juggling both but I’ve been doing the damn thing. I owe a lot of that to going to therapy. (I’m a huge fan of it)
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Being an artist is so rewarding in so many different ways for me. For one art is something I enjoy. I’m happy when I’m creating. When I’m creating I have my music on and vibe out, I don’t have a care in the world. All issues dissolve when I have a brush in my hand. So not only does it bring me joy but it brings me peace. Which is a blessing for my mental health. Another rewarding aspect is I get to share my gift with the world. My art tells a story without words so its a way I get to connect with people without having to say a word. Hearing things like “Your art inspires me” is super rewarding. Whether the body of work is about the past, present, or future I get to bridge gaps with everyone through my artistry. Like Nina Simone said, “An artist’s duty is to reflect the times”.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I want non-creatives to know that we don’t want to do projects for you for free. You have to pay us just like you would expect to be paid for your product or service. Or just like you pay for high-end brands. A lot of times people look at art like it’s just something fun that we do. And although that may be true, our art is also how we make money, pay bills, feed our families, and live our best lives. Right now in NYC the Department of Sanitation is running an “art program” where they’re looking for local artists to paint murals on garbage trucks. This would be volunteer work. You mean to tell me you want an artist to put time, effort, and skill into painting a truck for FREE? Yea, no. I hate the idea that they thought this would be okay. People have been saying things like “This would be great exposure”. This is a terrible idea and I think it’s selfish. Don’t we deserve to be paid for our labor, talent, and skill? I think so.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://latifahshadaeart.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/latifah_shadae