Today we’d like to introduce you to Valencia Washington
Hi Valencia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up surrounded by art, thanks to my parents who fueled my creativity from the start. My mom always supporting and being open about anything new I wanted to try and inheriting a passion for music and books from my dad. Being raised all over the U.S. as a military brat, I had to learn how to adapt quickly. Music became my way of connecting with others and making friends in new places.
As a Black Queer artist in the rural South, I’ve often felt like there weren’t many safe spaces to express myself or tend to my spiritual needs. Growing up, moving around so much, I knew what it felt like not to have control over my environment, and creating art has always been my way of finding happiness and a sense of control. my work dives into the intersection of Afrofuturism, Queer identities, and the power of imagination. I love to weave together narratives that challenge societal norms and celebrate the beauty of our diverse experiences. Sci-fi has always inspired me because it lets me imagine a world where possibilities are endless, and where marginalized voices can truly thrive.
Through my collages, I want to create a visual language that transports viewers to alternate realities—places where Black Queer individuals are the heroes of their own stories, and where our identities are not just embraced, but celebrated. I use a mix of found imagery, vintage magazines, photographs, and digital manipulation to blend past, present, and future, and to challenge traditional notions of identity. My goal is to create a space for dialogue and representation through my art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m a self-taught artist, which means I’ve had to carve out my own path and learn through a lot of trial and error. My journey started with experimenting on my own, using whatever materials I could get my hands on. I didn’t have formal training, but I was driven by this need to create and express what was inside me. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours honing my craft, learning from both my successes and failures.
Finding my voice as an artist has been a gradual process. It’s been about digging deep into my experiences as a Black Queer woman and figuring out how to translate those into my work. I’ve grown by constantly pushing myself to explore new techniques and ideas, and by staying open to where my creativity wants to take me. Every piece I create brings me a little closer to understanding who I am and what I want to say through my art.
I continue to find my voice by immersing myself in different forms of inspiration—whether it’s through the music I love, the books I read, or the conversations I have with others. I’m always evolving, always learning, and always looking for new ways to challenge myself and my art. It’s a journey of self-discovery that never really ends, and that’s what keeps me passionate about what I do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my art, I focus on collage and mixed media, using these techniques to tap into a childlike sense of creativity. When I start a new piece, I deliberately go back to the simple, instinctive techniques we all knew as kids—like painting, playing with patterns, using vibrant colors, and crafting with paper. There’s something liberating about allowing myself the freedom to make mistakes and embracing them as part of the process. Not every piece I create is meant to be showcased; sometimes it’s just about enjoying the imperfect, unfinished journey of making art.
I’m just like other Black artists whose voices demanded to be heard. We all have this deep need to express our truths, to push back against the narratives that have tried to silence us, and to carve out space where our experiences are recognized and celebrated. I’m proud to be part of this group of artists who’ve made space for us to be seen. I’m driven by that same desire to make my voice heard, to challenge the status quo, and to contribute to a bigger movement that refuses to be ignored.
What really drives me is the freedom that comes with creating. I love diving into a piece with no set plan, just letting the colors, patterns, and textures guide me. It’s about getting lost in the process, and sometimes, the result isn’t perfect, but that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s what makes my art feel real and honest. I don’t always create with the intention of showing it to the world. Sometimes, it’s just about enjoying the act of creating itself, embracing the messiness, and finding beauty in the flaws. That’s where I find my joy and my voice.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to embrace imperfection. For the longest time, I felt like everything I made had to be perfect or good enough to show off. But I’ve realized that some of the best art comes from just letting go and allowing myself to play around, make mistakes, and create without worrying about the outcome. It’s in those messy, unfinished moments that I’ve really found my voice and learned to express myself in a real way. This journey has taught me that it’s not always about the final piece—it’s about the process, the learning, and discovering more about myself along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkd__/
