Conversations with Imani Bilal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Bilal.

Hi Imani, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Peace! Thank you for having me. I think every story begins as a child. Our childhood affects us and shapes who we become in so many ways. A lot of times, our creativity is activated by adversity and the need to convey things we cannot express via speaking. To cope with my parents divorce, I used words to create worlds I could escape to. I wrote page after page of poetry and expressing myself in this way eased the pain and confusion of my strained family dynamic. After I was sexually assaulted as a young adult and the sound of my own voice startled me. I didn’t speak for weeks. At one point, I remember gathering old dolls, cutting their hair, stripping them of clothes, and decorating them with pushpins and various stitchings using a needle and beautifully colored thread across the contours of their body, like a road map to everywhere my rage couldn’t reach.

And so I made art. And still, I make art. I paint. I create wearable art (jewelry), and functional art (home goods). Together, they merge as Venus Visuals.​ Initially established in 2009, solely as a jewelry line, Venus Visuals has since expanded and manifests itself as an expression of spirit and a timeline of interwoven stories that come into fruition through numerous forms of creative expression. We carry everything from intricate, handcrafted earrings and archaically jeweled chokers to harlequin pillows, slightly thrown vases, and beautiful artwork. We also offer “home healing” services that help people transform their homes into sacred spaces conducive to peace and comfort via chromotherapy, art, and general concepts of feng shui.​

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think every road is full of smooth and bumpy parts. Honestly, my biggest challenge has been getting the heck out of my own way and not allowing the fear of others to become my own. Also, juggling motherhood while simultaneously being a full-time artist, is an arduous yet rewarding feat. Being a mother brings me so much joy, but I was an artist before I became a mother, and I believe being an artist makes me an even better (and cooler, lol) mom. Learning to balance the two is a never-ending journey. Another struggle I’ve encountered is stepping out of my comfort zone and learning that I cannot always do everything myself. In my earlier years, I had to train myself to ask for help and delegate roles when necessary. It has been and will continue to be essential to my growth as my creativity broadens and business expands.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve been talking a lot about my jewelry line, but I’m an abstract artist, first and foremost. Painting is the primary focus in my life and has been for some time. In October of 2020 I had a solo show in New York City, entitled “Fingerprints of Ruh”, curated by Nemo Librizzi. Inspired by the Islamic concept of “ruh” or breath/inner soul, it explores the mystery of beginnings & the journey of soulmates, from an Islamic perspective. It features lush palettes and undulant shapes against pure obsidian wash. The show was received exceptionally well (especially considering we presented in the midst of Co-vid19), and led to me being represented by Chase Contemporary Gallery (https://chasecontemporary.com/ ) in New York, NY. I’m very excited about this merging and expect major things in store, God willing! My work will be carried in all three of their gallery locations, so I hope you all stop by one of them…or all of them!

Jewelry design is how I began. I tell women’s stories through my pieces. I work with metals, textiles, and found objects to create bold, imaginative pieces that I refer to as wearable art. I run an online store as mentioned earlier, and also contract with unique boutiques and museum gift shops. My pieces have been carried in stores nationally and internationally and have been worn by celebrities such as Mya, Garcelle Beauvis, Mary J Blige, and more.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see art continuing to change the world. I see love, winning. I see the presence and recognition of women in the art and entrepreneur world growing massively.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.venusvisualsonline.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/venusvisuals
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/venusvisuals
• Other: www.imanibilal.com