We recently connected with Mercede Hankins and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mercede, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Growing up in the Englewood area of Chicago, my walks to school were always filled with a sense of wonder. One particular area that captivated me was the ever-changing vibrant murals adorning the viaducts along my route. Every morning, as I passed by, I found myself drawn to the details and bold colors that seemed to tell stories of the community’s resilience and creativity.
It was during those moments that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the arts professionally. The way the mural transformed the forgotten or mundane into something extraordinary sparked a curiosity within me about the power of visual expression.
As I continued my education at an underfunded school, lacking arts programs, I found myself constantly searching for different mediums and experimenting with my own artistic style with drawings.
Looking back, I realize that my daily encounters with those murals laid the foundation for my career path in the arts. It taught me the importance of art as a means of communication, as a catalyst for change, and as a reflection of the world around us. And it all started with a simple walk to school and a moment of awe-inspiring creativity.
Mercede, 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?
Art programs in CPS schools were (and still are) scarce, but one always finds a way back to whats meant for them. In my youth, we moved around a lot and that meant changing schools often and getting comfortable with the idea of change. My first art class was in 4th grade and it was my favorite part of the day. But alas we moved again and the next school didn’t have funding for that sort of enrichment.
For several years art was out of sight and out of mind. I found other interests like running and science so when I went to college I thought that was my path. But one day I attended a lecture by author Rebecca Skloot who wrote The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and it was life changing. Life changing as in “I switched my major from Biology to Studio Art the next day” kind of life changing. I felt more settled in my journey and since then I have been exploring the essence of me the way it was meant to be.
As an artist I have learned that my experiences are to be shared. My inspiration comes from things felt and I see my art as an embodiment of the senses. Colors spark vibrations, vibrations create rhythms, and those rhythms are moving.
My paintings reflect a very unique experience. One that is vibrant, powerfully feminine, and at times… trippy. I find inspiration in womanhood, music, and my need to let go. I am receptive, I process, I then express. Like, what it’s like to walk to earth as a woman, more specifically a black woman. To be of color and live in constant process of all the hues of the world around me. To be a culmination of curves and softness as I move though an environment sprung up in steel and short talk. I want viewers to see the many facets of this sort of womanhood. I look to share my views, feels of my skin, pictures of my thinking.
Expression lightens my being and without it I would feel congested. I share so you see that it is okay to do so and in whatever way you please. Every experience can be turned into an energy to set forth into the world. These works are deep expressions of things felt.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist lies in the absolute freedom of creating without rules. As an artist, I find joy and fulfillment in the boundless possibilities that come with expressing myself through my art. Unlike many other professions that operate within rigid structures and guidelines, being an artist allows me to break free from constraints and explore my imagination without limitations.
There are no strict formulas or predefined paths to follow., instead, there’s an open canvas waiting to be transformed by my vision and creativity. This freedom allows me to experiment with different techniques, mediums, and styles, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and constantly evolving as an artist.
That lack of boundaries allows me to continue to foster a sense of authenticity despite boxes society wants you to check and fit within. It enables me to tap into my deepest emotions, experiences, and beliefs, translating them into visual expressions that resonate with others on a profound level.
It’s a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and growth that brings endless fulfillment and satisfaction.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
By recognizing and funding arts programming as a basic need. Art is not just a luxury or an optional indulgence; it is a fundamental aspect of human expression and cultural enrichment that deserves serious support and investment.
Providing access to quality arts education from an early age will nurture the next generation of artists and creatives, This includes not only funding for visual arts, but also for music, theater, dance, and other creative disciplines, ensuring a holistic approach to arts education. That baseline support will grow the interest in supporting local arts organizations, galleries, and cultural institutions which vital for cultivating a thriving creative ecosystem.
By recognizing the intrinsic value of the arts and investing in arts programming as a basic need, society can create an environment where artists and creatives can thrive, and where the arts play a central role in shaping our cultural landscape and fostering a more vibrant and inclusive society.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereigncede/
Image Credits
all photos are property of the artist