Today we’d like to introduce you to Clara Kent.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Clara. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Creating has always been apart of my life. Since I was a very little girl, I used to watch my mother paint in the living room of our apartment, incense burning and records playing. I’d grab a crayon or anything I could magically imagine into a microphone. Singing along with Nina, Sade, Mary J Blige, Sarah Vaughan, Sade Adu, Janet Jackson, Marvin Gaye.
Envisioning myself on stage and performing for the whole world. That vision has always stayed with me. To be able to share my story and experiences with people who feel no one else understands. To help them remember life is full and vibrant, even when it’s low. I have the same passion in my painting as well. The two go hand and hand. One helps wash and clean the other.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Anytime you chose your heart, the journey will be challenging. I know that my journey isn’t one I wish on anyone, as much as I know it’s what I needed to be the woman I am today. There are a lot of blocks and hurdles as an afro-indigenous woman & artist. The walls are made to intimidate you, to make you doubt possibilities, or to even question if you truly believe that your passion is valid. There will be friends and family that project their fears of failure into you, some will have disbelief in your ability as well, and that’s ok! I learned that it’s not for them, it’s for me, my soul calls me to this, denying its call is denying God’s blessing on my life.
My mama taught me that life is about holding your joy close to you for you, she was the biggest teacher of this lesson. After I lost my mother to cancer, I felt like I was suspended in space. Music was so hard to love, it burned when I tried to sing or even paint. Luckily, after years of reflection, tough self-love, and extreme change in my social life, I was able to remember that deep love and joy that I have to create. I carry her story and wisdom with me always; live your life for you unapologetically, comparing is equivalent to suffocating, time is wasted when it’s counted, live your passion, not your work, better to be a healed Black woman than a “strong one,” and failure is the key to winning!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a self-proclaimed Multidimensional Artistic Individual. My passion is to create with my voice, hands, eyes, and ears. I’m a jack of all trades and a master of one: connectivity. Things I do range from being a singer-Songwriter, emcee, touring artist, painter, visual artist, event planner, artist consultant, and I’m venturing into film as well.
I’d say I’m known for my music, live performances, and connecting artist with other artists or promoter companies. I’m most happy when I’m alone writing songs & recording in my home studio or painting alone, listening to my favorite artist. When I’m brainstorming ideas for plans or events, I love to do so with my friends and peers. It is exhilarating to be around talented people and visualize a plan for an event or arrangement for an album.
I’m most proud of my “think big” mentality, it’s really done wonders for my life to remove limited thinking from my goals. What sets me apart from others is my eclectic personality, I am a big believer that imagination is the fuel for great art and vitality. Life can present us with conditions that will damage our inner child, so I make it a point to keep space for the child energy within to have space to live and heal. It shows in my work and my connections with other artists as well.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I always keep “The 4 Agreements”, “The Alchemist,” “Sacred Women,” and “The Lakota Way” in circulation. They all teach lessons of humility and inner strength. Also, to not be too attached to circumstances, because then you lose sight of self and of the full picture.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/48BjT3EKDgW0mBi9mWIAOu?si=GSZPnKe8S4aUcD9Ox6Kgug
- Email: iamclarakent@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamclarakent
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/iamclarakent
- Twitter: https://Twitter.com/iamclarakent
Image Credit:
First/top photo is by Sarah “Huny” Young
The 7th photo is Brian Photography
Clara Kent
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