We were lucky to catch up with Onnissia Harries recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Onnissia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, at the age of 5 I declared that I wanted to be an artist. Regrettably, the adults in my life had embraced the notion that artists often face financial struggles. My Carribean mother knew I was an intelligent child and wanted me to be a doctor or a lawyer. Driven by love and concern, she suggested I explore alternative career paths deemed more secure. In high school, I developed an interest in politics, specifically, speeches, debate, rhetoric and campaigns. I decided that I wanted to pursue a career as a Lobbyist. After serving as the student body president for two years in college and graduating with a BA in Communication, I worked on grassroots campaigns and spent three years as a paralegal at law firms to determine my stance on investing in attending law school. The dull, humorless environment drained my spirit. When I was 24, I started getting back into art. I immersed myself in a community of artists and poets who were at the edge of new schools of thought. So on my 25th birthday, I made the most important promise of my life to myself. I wrote in my journal that I was going to create art every day for the rest of my life. Since then, I’ve found profound joy and peace. The sad thing is that even as a child, I think I knew in my soul back then what art did for me, especially considering the tumultuous environment I grew up in. Art soothes me in ways I still can’t understand. It is the sun in my life.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a self-taught artist and at the core of my work lies a deep commitment to crafting a visual legacy of liberation and celebrating the resilience and strength of Black women. Liberation in the context of Black womanhood resonates deeply with me, as it signifies the reclaiming of our narrative and the dismantling of oppressive systems that have historically marginalized us.
Can you share your view on NFTs?
Are people still buying these? I understand that the art industry is huge and I support being anti, but no one that I know in the industry is taking NFTs seriously. It feels like a directionless cash grab that divests from any real community-building. The best art comes from artists who care about the community. Your favorite artist is probably down the street from you. They’re pulling up at the local art fair and creating spaces that bring people together. Invest in artists and your community.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to learn how to get out of my own way. It sort of clicked for me when I was at my residency at Wassaic Project earlier this Winter. I barred myself from so many opportunities because I told myself that I wasn’t ready yet. It stemmed from me being hard on myself and not feeling worthy. At Wassaic, I saw my art on my studio wall and I was blown away that I made something so beautiful. I doubted my talent to myself, but at the residency, I was confronted with my greatness. I could not deny it anymore. Now I’m in this era of cultivating opportunities. It has already been rewarding and I’m only just getting started.
Contact Info:
- Website: onnissia.com
- Instagram: @onnissia