Today we’d like to introduce you to Nalani Dowling.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nalani. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m a graduating senior at Spelman College and excited to see what the world has to offer! I’m majoring in studio art with a minor in creative writing, I love crafting stories.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely not been a completely smooth road for me. When my school decided to restructure the entire art department during my sophomore year, I panicked. Core classes were removed and I became so stressed. I worried that I’d never gain enough knowledge to find my artistic voice or be competitive in such a fast-paced world. I was no longer enjoying the visual arts and began to seek a new creative outlet. That’s when I found writing. I randomly took a fiction class for fun in the spring of my junior year and absolutely loved it! I signed up for the minor that very semester. Fiction, screenwriting, and poetry opened up an entirely new sector of my imagination that had been dormant since childhood. Now, I seek ways to combine my persistent love for art, with my passion for writing. My advice to other young women starting their journey is to be flexible and willing to explore! School, family and general societal pressures can sometimes make us feel glued to a certain track or path, but ultimately, these are the best years for us to try new things. If your original plan doesn’t work out, regroup and redirect. Chances are you’ll get back on your feet, and end up running full speed ahead.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I currently work at the High Museum of Art, helping to plan an exhibition for the summer of 2020. I love my role there, as my research surrounds the ways the Civil Rights Movement is explored for children through picture books. It’s truly fascinating and combines my passions for art and writing! I am also an artist in the ongoing final stages of completing a mural at Morehouse College, as well as the Story Team Director for a nonprofit called The Real Movement. As a creative, I’m most proud of my ability to shift between mediums and use what I have to the very best of my ability.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think this is a prime time for women in all areas to be able to tell their stories (in whatever way speaks to them). I consider myself a content binger and love to hear women’s voices through podcasts, films and the bevy of other media and entertainment resources available. I’m especially excited to see more and more women coming to recognition as directors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nalanisart.com
- Email: nalani.dowling@gmail.com
- Instagram: yesitsnalani
Image Credit:
Elijah Dormeus
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