At the start of the Pandemic, for the first time in my adult life, I picked up a paintbrush. With no direction, just me and a blank canvas. I knew I had emotions to release and I was tired of talking about them. Tired of crying with no emotional relief. It wasn’t until I picked up a paintbrush that I felt free. Free to express the feelings no one else including myself could understand. Painting set me free. Art became my therapy. Since embarking on this journey of healing through art I've never felt more alive. More free. Creating has become a huge part of my life. I create solely for the love I have for my craft. It’s a passion. A bit of an obsession but more importantly a story. My story.
Soraya’s Peace
“30x40” Acrylic on Canvas 2022
Serenity
“30x40” Acrylic & String on Canvas '2021'
The state of being calm. Unbothered. At peace. Exist alone, in silence. Face yourself. Tell you, You mean the world to YOU! Love you FIRST, love you hard. Find peace alone, in silence.
The Girl in the Orange Bucket
“23x46” Acrylic on Canvas '2022'
A story or better yet a journey - a journey of self discovery. A deep dive into the act of becoming. Becoming me. Becoming whole enough to see my worth, whole enough to pour into myself as I pour into others. Allowing myself space to grow in love with the woman in the mirror. Space to admire this body, to love, care and cherish this body. To celebrate the parts of me that the world convinced me were flaws. To exist in a space where self love is the highest form of endearment. To prioritize self over everything and everyone. Alignment. Mind Body and Soul. Peace. Soraya’s Peace.
The Young, the wild, the loc’d. The powerful, the courageous, the divine. The Girl in the Orange Bucket. The diamond. The direct result of sacrifices. The dreamer Albertha wanted her to be. The free soul they told us we couldn’t be. She is young, powerful, and courageous.
An ode to my grandmother Albertha K. Byrd.
Inner Peace
“20x20” Acrylic on Canvas '2020'
They say the most beautiful artwork is made during the most painful times. Painted during one of the darkest times of my life, Inner peace was created but more importantly… discovered. I trusted the paintbrush with my heart. I told it my secrets. I shared parts of me no one has seen. I cried, I laughed. I painted in silence, I painted with music. I went hours without food and water. I got lost, completely disconnected from the outside world. I was sucked into this realm of creativity. As I felt the emotions the brush translated them to canvas. This was the beginning of my career as an artist. A rebirth. A healing session that changed my life. Inner Peace.
Life in the Color Brown
“16x16” Acrylic & Texture on Wood '2023'
An Ode to Ronnie Brown, a creative and lyrical genius but most of all a friend. 15 years of friendship and creative ideas. 15 years of simultaneously pursuing our dreams. Most times we seek inspiration not realizing it has been in front of us the entire time. I urge you to give your friends flowers while they can smell it.