We recently connected with T’onna Clemons and have shared our conversation below.
T’onna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
Being from Ann Arbor I have found it is extremely hard to be a success as an African American in any facet, especially art. I have been successful in other states in regards to my art but never in the state or town I was raised in. I want to be able to be a success and open doors so that people who look like me will not have to struggle or have as hard of a time as I do/did. I want to be an inspiration to the youth and aspiring artist. I believe by offering the opportunity to me, it would be a inspiration to other artist and children that i work with and specifically the children who reside in the neighborhood. My initial goal is to buy a large space and turn it into a youth art gallery and safe place.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
’onna Clemons is an Ann Arbor-based freelance painter/ muralist and originally a graphic designer. She has been traveling around the world for the past several years, gaining experience in mediums such as oil, gauche, acrylic, watercolor and welding. She has continued to use these skills to develop her own style of mixed media and futuristic textures that she is now known for.
T’onna’s style focuses on conveying and capturing the emotions of the African American experience currently in America. She has recently extended her subject matter to include wildlife and wilderness portraits. Currently, she is focusing on the styles of stencils and comic books. Via her educational background and life experience, she tells these stories using texture and sharp images. This helps garner conversations and insight emotions…
T’onna studied Fine Arts at Eastern Michigan University and The Art Institute of San Francisco. She also studied Art History at Arizona State University.
TLC ART is not only a place where we create awesome art, and connect with all kinds of people. We will work together to bring wonderful creative visions to life. All while serving the youth in our community.
We focus on painting that evokes emotions.
We take time getting to know you and finding your creativity.
Most importantly we give back!
We provide nurture and support for youth and aspiring black artist.
We go the distance to make sure we are not just painting for fun but with purpose.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I was struggling to sell my art on my website. I was only selling in person and that was pretty slow. I decided to write a children’s book that showcased my new art style. I was surprised that after i released the book and some of the artwork my online sales skyrocketed. When things are slow and your not willing to wait always be able to evolve and try new things. it worked for me.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I used to say “Im not gonna be a sell out and make sunshines and rainbows. i’m making my own art and it doesn’t matter if nobody likes it or buys it.” That mentality was childish and i had to realize if i want a successful business i have to cater to my customers. I learned i can keep my integrity and creative freedom while appeasing others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tlcart.gallery
- Instagram: @comicbookartist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonna.clemons
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/t-onna-clemons-53a327138/
- Youtube: t’onna clemons
Image Credits
multiple pieces The lonely astronauts based on my book by the same name custom skateboards murals of blm, abstract triangles on the argo cascades painting of my grandmother hip hop history collage