Today we’d like to introduce you to Vernita Akua Hardy.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Even as a youngster, I have always had a strong desire to create. To bring forth my experiences, my perspective, my aspirations in both the visual and written form. I reared in a southern home, well-versed in African American fine art, photography, literature, and music. Consequently, creativity was encouraged as an invaluable tool in one’s exploration and understanding of self. As a young adult I chose a career in arts education, which initially left little time to pursue my own artistic endeavors. However, about 2 years ago I began to make more time for my own personal work as I realized it’s importance to both my spiritual and mental health. So, along with teaching art in the public-school sector, I began painting profusely; Channeling my thoughts, perspective, and vision into my work. Since then I’ve been exhibiting around the city, creating portraiture work for clients, and painting subject matter that I personally find thought-provoking and necessary in our current social climate.
Please tell us about your art.
I view my calling as a visual artist as that of a conduit. I am a painter. My goal is to speak to the experiences that have shaped my life and molded me. What does it mean to explore one’s womanhood, one’s culture, one’s historical identity? The complexities and innuendos of African American life in both a critically explorative and celebratory manner. I hope that all people take away some sense of honor and pride within the varied stories of African American life; That the work/s allow the viewer both a space to confront and confide in. My purpose through my art is always to challenge, explore, and heal both the wounds of contemporary black America and yesteryears.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I definitely feel as though the world is a friendlier place for artists currently, particularly in Atlanta, there are many avenues in which one can find their niche to promote their art and access their creative community. A continued appreciation for the arts through education, as well as the continual promotion and of public works and artists throughout the city can only serve to help artist and the creative community thrive!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Currently, you can view my art via my website at www.aestheticsbyakua.com and via my Instagram @aesthetics_by_akua.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aestheticsbyakua.com
- Email: akua16@yahoo.com
- Instagram: aesthetics_by_akua
Image Credit:
Dior Abdus-Salaam
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