We recently connected with Sheila Fox and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheila, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I’m currently at the exciting beginning of my journey as a full-time mixed media artist. It all began last June when I faced a challenging moment being laid off from my welding job. I can vividly remember crying over the uncertainty, OMG I cried for like two weeks straight! Lol but amidst it all, I felt a deep calling to pursue my lifelong passion for art. Despite having another job offer in welding, I felt a strong pull towards my creative side. Thanks to the unwavering support and encouragement of my husband, I took a leap of faith, and I’m truly grateful for that pivotal decision.

Balancing my roles as a full-time welder, devoted wife, and mother of four, I made sure to carve out time for my art. I immersed myself in creating, participating in gallery shows, and showcasing my work at art festivals across Louisville and beyond.

This journey has been a humbling experience filled with beautiful moments of growth and discovery. Every step forward is a testament to perseverance and the power of following one’s passion. When I was granted the 2024 Emerging Artist of the Year by Louisville Visual Art, I knew that this path I chose is the right one. While I’m still on the path to establishing myself fully, I approach each day with gratitude and a sense of purpose, knowing that I’m walking in my truth and living out a dream I’ve cherished for so long.

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?

Hello, I’m Sheila Fox, known as Godiva Goddess Art, originally from Chicago and now rooted in the vibrant artistic community of Louisville, KY. My artistic journey isn’t just about creating; it’s about pouring passion and love into every brushstroke and creation.

Art has always been my soul’s language, a profound way to express my deepest emotions and empower those who connect with my work. Growing up in a melting pot of cultures, I found endless inspiration that fuels my artistic fire to this day.

My art is a heartfelt fusion of traditional mediums like acrylic paint and oil pastels with unconventional materials such as wire, clay, jewelry, hot glue, and fabric. Each piece carries layers of depth and texture, mirroring the complexity of human experiences.

Themes of resilience, beauty, strength, and the human spirit are at the core of my creations. Transitioning from a full-time welder to a dedicated artist was a leap of faith driven by my love for artistic expression and the transformative power of creativity.

Under my artist name, Godiva Goddess Art, I channel my love for capturing the timeless essence of Black women and men. My art delves into themes of history, race, power, and liberation, celebrating the multifaceted narratives of marginalized communities with every stroke.

What sets my work apart is not just the vibrant colors and unique blend of mediums but the love and intention infused into each piece. I want my art to be a mirror that reflects the beauty, resilience, and radiance within each viewer.

My art is a testament to the love and inspiration I draw from my family and my journey as a Black woman. It’s a privilege to share my passion and love through art and connect with others on a deeper, soulful level.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist for me is the heartfelt connections my art creates with others. I focus on themes like hair texture, culture, and fashion, aiming to capture the beauty of identity and expression. Art has a special power to stir emotions, start conversations, and inspire change.

Seeing how my art resonates with people, bringing them joy, contemplation, or a sense of connection, is truly humbling. Knowing that my work can touch someone’s heart or offer a new perspective keeps me motivated and grateful to continue creating with love and passion. It such a beautiful feeling.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson that has been a cornerstone in my journey is learning to overcome imposter syndrome. Art has been a beacon of confidence for me, but I had to confront the fear of judgment as a self-taught artist. For a long time, I kept my creations private, hanging them in my home out of doubt about my abilities. I struggled with feeling unworthy of showcasing my work to the world, especially without formal training in visual arts.

Around three years ago, I made a pivotal decision to step beyond my fears and participate in my first outdoor festival. It was a leap of faith where I embraced vulnerability and shared my art with others. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and it marked a turning point in my journey. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to be accepted into juried art fairs locally and beyond, invited to various art festivals and exhibitions, and honored with accolades such as winning first place at the ‘Show my Craft Art Festival’ and earning second place at the St. James Art Show (Belgravia Court). Being recognized as Louisville Visual Art’s 2024 Emerging Artist of the Year, in which I’m still on cloud nine.

It was a humbling experience filled with love to be selected to paint one of the 11 black jockeys on a Gallopalooza horse for the Kentucky Derby’s 150th-year celebration. Contributing to such a historic event was an honor that I will always cherish.

Through these experiences, I’ve also been blessed to connect with amazing art collectors and have found tremendous support from the art community. It’s a journey filled with gratitude and humility, reminding me that growth comes from embracing vulnerability and staying true to my passion for art and creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://godivagoddessart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godivagoddessart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoddivaGoddess40
• Other: http://www.tiktok.com/@godivagoddessart