Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlita Scarboro-Vazquez
Hi Carlita, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Born in Washington, D.C., and now based in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia, I am an overall creative, artist, educator, wife and mother who navigate the rich interplay between digital art, graphic design, painting, photography, programming, and mixed media. My artistic journey began at Howard University School of Fine Arts, where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus on Experimental Studio, specializing in printmaking, painting, and sculpture. Fast forward to current day I now have my MAED and MAOM and I work educating young adults in Engineering, Technology and all STEM bases areas.
Raised in North Carolina, my Southern upbringing has deeply shaped my artistic vision. The resourcefulness I bring to my work stems from watching my paternal grandmother craft quilts using the materials available to her, while my maternal grandmother had a remarkable gift for color selection and placement, creating intricate and unique designs. These early influences taught me the value of creativity through resourcefulness, a lesson that has carried through my artistic practice.
The philosophy “Art is EVERYWHERE” is central to my work, guiding me to see the potential for beauty and meaning in the most unexpected places. My creative process is deeply rooted in this belief, as I blend traditional and contemporary techniques to create works that speak to both personal and universal themes.
The Covid pandemic marked a turning point in my creative practice. The ability to paint and connect was altered, prompting a shift toward digital platforms. As an artist, I began to evolve into what I call an “evolutional” artist—one who marries traditional painting with the possibilities offered by digital tools like Adobe, Procreate, Resolume Arena, and Touch Designer. I also began integrating programming into my work, using AI to create pieces inspired by my original photography and paintings.
In addition to holding a Master’s degree in Business and Organizational Management, I also have a Master’s in Education, which has allowed me to merge creative, analytical, and teaching skills. My work has been exhibited in various venues, and I am honored to have my prints included in the permanent collections at the Howard University Law School and Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C and a solo exhibition at the Rialto Center of the Arts at Georgia State.
Recent exhibitions, including ArtFields 2024, Empower Her at the Emma Darnell Aviation Center 2024, Real Surreal 2023, Atlanta Art Week, Art Basel Miami 2024, Rialto Center Solo Exhibition (“A Brown Girls Tale”) 2019, Fulton County Arts and Culture Inaugural Photography Collection 2023, and a collaboration with T. Lang Dance at the Goat Farm Atlanta (AR Experience) 2022, have allowed me to share my vision with diverse audiences.
Currently represented by Violet Theory Art, I plan to continue exploring digital platforms in my work, particularly in the creation of immersive installations using projection mapping and digital transfer.
Through my art, I aim to evoke reflection, challenge perceptions, and inspire others to find art in the everyday.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My art career has been a long and rewarding journey, marked by both challenges and personal growth. As a African-American female in art, technology, and engineering, I often do not see myself or an image of myself holistically represented. Balancing the roles of a full-time professional, wife, mother, and creative has required immense discipline and focus. Working in education, I found it important to not only “talk the talk” but also “walk the walk.” As I encourage my students to break out of the mold I do the same for myself by staying active in the art community.
Over the past 10 years, I have worked tirelessly to develop my work and brands: Cvaz Designs (Art Portfolio), STEAM by CVaz (STEM Educational Services incorporating the Arts), and Cvaz Designs HOME (Online Store). I began taking what I learned from coding Python, HTML, and CSS and using those skills to merge with my art—whether it be on canvas or through photos made with my iPhone. This jump into the pool of creativity has left me with many options and continues to inspire my artistic journey.
Through prayer and meditation, I have been able to focus on my goals and create a brand that not only serves as a form of healing for me but also for others who experience it. This journey has allowed me to merge my passions for art, education, and entrepreneurship, evolving my work into platforms that inspire and resonate with diverse audiences. Despite the many demands on my time, my commitment to growth remains strong, as I continue to expand my artistic voice and bring both creativity and healing to those I encounter.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Exploring the Lives of Women Through Art: Carlita Scarboro-Vazquez’s “EDO SISTERS” Collection
Carlita Scarboro-Vazquez is a mixed media digital artist whose journey began with acrylic painting and has evolved to incorporate photography and digital effects. Specializing in themes of female empowerment, diversity, and inclusion, her work features a unique blend of traditional and contemporary techniques.
Known for her digital collaborations and installations, Scarboro-Vazquez embraces AI generative art to create interactive experiences. Her recent showings include Empower Her at Fulton County Arts and Culture, ArtFields in Lake City, the Diverse Opulence Silent Auction, Art Week Atlanta, and Art Basel Miami, highlighting her commitment to engaging with diverse narratives through her art.
One of her most compelling works is the new collection, “EDO SISTERS,” which explores the lives of women in the Edo society during the Tokugawa Shogunate from 1603 to 1868. This collections was inspired by a recent booking of a trip to Japan with my students for the Summer of 2026 to explore new developments in Robotics and AI and the impact on current day. This period showcased significant disparities in women’s experiences based on social status. In samurai families, women were expected to submit to their male heads of household but could ascend to prominent roles within the family if their husbands passed away. In contrast, women from lower classes often played vital roles in family businesses, balancing household chores with agricultural work, significantly contributing to their families’ livelihoods.
“EDO SISTERS” represents Scarboro-Vazquez’s interpretation of what she envisions these women might have looked like, while also highlighting the influence of the African Diaspora that reaches back to before the 1600s. This blending of cultural narratives allows her to explore the interconnectedness of histories and identities, celebrating the resilience and strength of women across different societal levels.
Through her work, Scarboro-Vazquez creates a dialogue that honors the complexities of women’s roles in history, showcasing their enduring legacies and inviting viewers to engage with the rich tapestry of their stories.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
In my journey as an artist and educator, I have found profound inspiration in Japanese principles that resonate deeply with my life and meditative practices. Concepts like Wa (harmony) guide me to foster community and collaboration, creating an inclusive environment for my students. The idea of Mono no Aware (transience) influences my artistic exploration, allowing me to capture the beauty of fleeting moments and the natural cycles of life. Embracing Wabi-Sabi (imperfection), I celebrate authenticity in my work, highlighting the beauty found in asymmetry and uniqueness. My quest for Ikigai (a reason for being) drives me to empower others, while Shikata ga nai (acceptance) teaches me resilience in the face of challenges. The philosophy of Kintsugi inspires me to view flaws as integral parts of my narrative, transforming them into sources of strength. Finally, the principle of Mottainai (mindfulness in consumption) encourages sustainable practices in my art, reinforcing the importance of valuing resources and minimizing waste. Together, these principles enrich my creative process, guiding my exploration of identity, empowerment, and the intersection of art and technology.
Pricing:
- https://www.violettheoryart.com/fine-art-reproduction-prints
- 8x10in Matte Paper Gicliee’s $100 (+100 Giclee set up fee) Artwork will be printed on Giclee)
- Canvas Gilcee’s $200 (+200 Glicee’s set up fee) Choose what fits your needs
- Choose your own substrate $400 (+400 Substrate set up) Choose from printing on canvas, fabric, wall paper, or paper.
- https://linktr.ee/cvazart
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cvazdesigns.com/ and https://www.steambycvazhome.com/
- Instagram: c_u_sunshine
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cvazdesigns
- Other: https://linktr.ee/cvazart
Image Credits
Carlita Scarboro-Vazquez
Joel Vazquez
Jamal Hardiman
Myron Miles-Clayton
