We were lucky to catch up with Monteque Pope-le Beau recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Monteque , thanks for joining us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
The most wonderful kindest act I’ve ever received came from my mother. Although I was born a relatively healthy baby, I faced severe health challenges in my later years. My condition became so dire that I was not expected to reach my 20s, let alone my 40s. It was my mother, a highly skilled medical professional, who fought tirelessly for my survival, giving me the precious gift of life. While others lost hope, she remained steadfast. I often say that I am here today because of a mother’s unwavering love for her child. The greatest gift she bestowed upon me was the chance to embrace my future.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I hail from a family steeped in the arts. My mother was not only an exceptional artist but also a top-tier medical professional. My grandfather had ties to old Hollywood, while my grandmother was a talented chef. We shared a close-knit bond, filled with love and care for one another. My mother chose to homeschool me, allowing me to learn under her guidance while we traveled the globe. From a young age, I was immersed in artistic endeavors; I began painting at six and wrote my first play at nine. My family nurtured my creativity, which enabled me to flourish. Despite battling illness for half my life, I pursued my passions and became a screenwriter, playwright, abstract artist, and the founder and CEO of the cultural arts organization, Dreamweaverarts.
Dreamweaverarts is a cultural organization committed to showcasing artists and their creative expressions, while also providing numerous benefits to the community. The organization includes a magazine, a digital gallery, and a literary review, operating as a multimedia entity that attracts over 100 million views globally across its network.
Currently, we are focused on our latest initiative, “The Tapestry of San Francisco.” This project aims to shed light on the effects of homelessness on the artistic community in San Francisco, while also celebrating the city’s vibrant cultural scene. We are seeking funding to support this ambitious endeavor, which will create opportunities for artists, especially those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to share their talents and stories with a wider audience.
The Tapestry project will provide a significant public platform for local artists to display their work, acknowledge the value of their creativity, and engage in meaningful conversations with both the San Francisco community and their fellow professionals. By highlighting the importance of art-making, this initiative encourages the community to appreciate the creative expressions found in San Francisco. It not only celebrates the city itself but also honors its artists, who are treasured symbols of San Francisco. Ultimately, the Tapestry of San Francisco seeks to educate the community about the arts and their creators, demonstrating how art can cultivate a better world and transform lives while enriching our community. For more information about the tapestry of San Francisco or if you are interested in supporting and donating please go here :
Weaving Together: Empowering Homeless Artists Through The Tapestry of San Francisco
To donate: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/dreamweaverarts-organization/general_support
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most fulfilling part of being an artist is the opportunity to share my work with others. I create my art to uplift, instill hope, and bring peace to those who experience it. My aim is to enhance people’s feelings about themselves, their environment, and their community through my creations. Art is meant to be shared; it serves as a profound benefit to the community, allowing it to thrive and see itself from a new perspective. Moreover, art contributes economically, influencing every aspect of daily life. It enhances our lives, making them better, easier, and more sustainable.
Throughout this journey, I have embraced a specific goal—a mission to honor my mother’s vision of establishing a supportive space for creators while generating numerous community benefits. My focus is on uplifting those in need, providing them with the tools to become independent and self-sufficient, all while shedding light on the social issues within our society and crafting solutions for our most vulnerable populations. This was my mother’s mission, and it has now become my own aim to create a positive impact in my corner of the world.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My purpose became evident later in life. For over 26 years, I struggled with illness. Initially, I was a healthy, active child who loved the outdoors, but my health took a downturn. Raised in a nurturing, supportive home by a single mother, I was encouraged to realize my full potential. Being homeschooled allowed me to immerse myself in literature, broadening my horizons. From an early age, my mother instilled in me a passion for the arts, culture, and travel. However, illness cast a shadow over my life, leading me into a dark phase of poor health. Despite the odds, my mother remained steadfast in her belief in my recovery. Tragically, I lost her in 2009, which turned my world upside down. In the wake of illness and loss, I found myself searching for purpose and contemplating my next steps.
I see myself as an artist, storyteller, minimalist, and an enthusiast for both the environment and the arts, but above all, I once felt adrift in time. The illness crept in stealthily, robbing me of much of my life. Those years were the darkest of my existence. In the midst of that gloom, my mother was my sole source of light, serving as my pillar of strength and motivation. Throughout my battle, she refused to entertain any thoughts of defeat. Each day felt daunting, bringing more pain and suffering. The relentless cycle of despair trapped me in a storm of hopelessness. Occasionally, the thought of slipping into eternal peace seemed tempting, yet my mother’s presence was my anchor.
One of the greatest gifts my mother gave me was the rediscovery of my artistic side. Her unwavering faith in my abilities and potential rekindled my spirit. It began gradually—with painting, then relearning how to read, write, and express myself. To be honest, the illness left me with mild dyslexia and aphasia, as well as nerve damage in my left arm. Every part of my being was affected, from my eyes to my legs, approaching my brain. The journey was challenging, but the end result was rewarding. My mother provided me with the tools to lead a purposeful and meaningful life. Art has become my essence, the rhythm of my heart, and my greatest passion.
Writing and painting are integral to my existence, serving as the driving forces behind my life. During some of my darkest moments, the ability to write and paint pulled me back from the edge. They are not merely hobbies; they represent the core of who I am, a gift inherited from my compassionate and talented mother. Her artistic brilliance and remarkable character left an indelible impression on me. Looking back, I realize how unique and valuable her presence was, far beyond what I once understood. Her sacrifices and unwavering love went beyond maternal care, embodying the purest form of affection. Her influence has shaped me into the person I am today, infusing me with her strength, will, and inspiration. Her spirit breathed new life into me, granting me a second chance. Her steadfast belief in me propelled me forward, defining my character and resilience. My mother was not just my support system; she eas the very essence of my identity.
Since childhood, my passion for art and helping others has been guided by my family’s loving support. Despite life’s challenges, I’ve chosen unconventional paths to pursue my creative dreams. Sometimes, the most fulfilling journeys come from taking unique routes. Becoming a keen observer of life has been my greatest teacher. My journey as an artistic storyteller may not follow the traditional path, but it is rich with emotions, character, and the essence of humanity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dreamweaverarts.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamweaverartsorg
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamweaverarts.org
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dreamweaverarts
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCQWyr2NC7GnuXjykWV_nmmw
- Other: For more information about my artwork and where to find it you can use the links below.
Instagram @circlesofenlightenment
Image Credits
Image credit: Monteque Pope-Le Beau