We were lucky to catch up with Rajine Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rajine, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

In May of 2022, I hit a turning point in my career journey. I was three months into a digital media/communications role at a non-profit in Minneapolis, a job I took out of necessity after being unemployed for six months. The pattern felt all too familiar – my previous role at a different non-profit in the same field didn’t resonate with me either. This stint in communications was a detour from my true passion – art. I earned my art degree in 2020 amidst the pandemic’s height when creative job opportunities were scarce.

The realization that I craved a career that melded my creativity with my job hit me hard during a particularly disheartening meeting with my supervisor. Their micromanagement and microaggressions pushed me to my breaking point, prompting me to quit without a second thought. I decided to take a leap and joined Americorps with the Minnesota Alliance with Youth, determined to work in a school setting teaching art – the only way I saw to break into the education system without starting as a paraprofessional. It was a tough year filled with change and sacrifices, but it proved to be the best decision for my career.

This experience crystallized my desire to further my education. I am now pursuing a master’s in art with teaching licensure, recognizing that a bachelor’s in art alone wouldn’t open the doors I aimed to enter. Beyond that, I have my sights set on obtaining a license for art therapy. The growing need for Black therapists and the demand for art therapists aligns perfectly with my long-term goals.

My journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and strategic decision-making. It’s not just about realizing my creative potential but also about contributing to fields where my unique perspective is urgently needed. As I embrace these changes, I am navigating a path that aligns with my passions and promises both personal and professional growth.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always had a knack for creativity, effortlessly translating my imaginative thoughts onto paper or canvas. Growing up, the support and encouragement from both students and teachers affirmed that art was something I excelled at. However, my experiences in art classes were tainted by the fact that all my teachers were white women who seemed to harbor preconceived notions about me.

Despite being recognized for my talent, my journey through art classes was marred by unfortunate encounters. The most memorable one occurred in high school when my art teacher assumed my mother fit a stereotypical image of a Black woman. I vividly remember coming in early, well before the start of the school day, to complete an assignment that was given an absurd amount of time to complete. As a young perfectionist, I took my time with my artwork, and it was frustratingly slow progress.

What irked me most was the assumption that my mother lacked the means to provide transportation for me. The teacher assumed, based on misguided stereotypes, that my family was underprivileged. To me, a young black girl from a middle-class background, this assumption was not only inaccurate but deeply offensive. The memory of this incident, which took place 13 years ago, still lingers and affects me. It was a defining moment that led me to walk away from art classes until I reached college.

Despite these challenges, my love for art persisted, and I eventually found a space for my creativity in a college setting. Reflecting on those past experiences only fuels my determination to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for aspiring artists, where assumptions based on race and background have no place.

My college journey in art was initially nudged by family, and it turned out to be a transformative experience. For the first time, I had Black teachers, especially in the field of art, and it was a revelation. The fact that these Black people were not only teachers but also practicing artists made a profound impact on me. Seeing someone who looked like me in the position of an art teacher was a powerful and validating experience, unlike anything I had encountered before.

Growing up, people of color were often present among school staff, but they were usually in support roles rather than in teaching positions. In college, having Black teachers in the arts allowed me to connect with mentors who shared not only my passion for art but also my cultural background. It created a sense of belonging and representation that had been lacking in my earlier educational experiences.

During my college years, I had the opportunity to develop my artistic statement and refine my aesthetic. It was a period of self-discovery and growth that laid the foundation for my future artistic endeavors. The pivotal moment came in 2020 when, amidst the challenges of the pandemic, I started selling my artwork. Since then, my artistic practice has flourished significantly.

I’ve had the privilege of participating in a residency, showcasing my work in multiple group shows and exhibitions, and, notably, selling over $2,500 worth of art. This success is not just measured in monetary terms; it reflects a journey of artistic fulfillment and community engagement. Teaching art in the community has not only allowed me to share my passion but has also become a source of income, adding another dimension to my evolving artistic career. Overall, my college experience opened doors to representation, self-expression, and artistic success that continue to shape my journey in profound ways.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

My journey is a long and windy one. I kept it brief due to brevity. Eventually, I’ll make a vlog about my experience coming into my artistic journey and practice.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Inspiring other people, for me since I work with young people, mostly Black kids that they can do whatever they want to do all they have to do is put the work in. Representation is key and it does matter

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rajinethequeen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whataweirdkidcreates/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whataweirdkidcreates
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCDZlDbb7kUVNcgT5RDsm1Q

Image Credits
First photo taken by Maya Explains @Mayaexplains