In the wake of the trials and tribulations that have disproportionately affected the Black community over the last year, it might seem in vain to look for the light. But, as Black people have shown time and time again, their resilience and strength always shines through. After the brutal killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others, artists rose up to give a voice to the voiceless by creating works of art that captured their emotions as well as the current climate. Now during Black History Month, some of those same artists have opened up and shared what inspires their joy.
In a world where people try to dim other's lights, these artists have found happiness in the most unexpected, sometimes mundane, and always beautiful parts of their lives. Whether their joy comes from celebrating the beauty and diversity amongst Black women or from sending prints to customers, these artists have proven that dimming their light is easier said than done. Commemorate Black History Month and the Black artists that have held on to their joy ahead.
"I develop joy by seeing new visuals of any sort. That can be seeing someone in an outfit combination that I haven't seen before, seeing someone wear makeup in a way on their face that isn't conventional, seeing people expressing themselves fully and unfiltered as they are. I love seeing the variety that is out there in the world. In simple terms, new visual input inspires me and brings me joy." — Monica Ahanonu
"I find joy in gratitude, and moments of reflection. Whether that's making time to take breaks, meditate, journal, dance or work on my art. I think it's important to disconnect so that you can slow down, and reconnect with yourself." — Frances Smith
"Creating with my hands inspires joy for me. Because I do mostly digital art, I rarely get to put away my screen and create art more traditionally. Painting, cutting paper, even packaging orders in our store, really brings me life and keeps me inspired!" — Danielle Coke
"What Inspires joy for me is knowing that I have the potential to create joy for others through my photography work. It is exciting to know that a photograph I create could potentially bring someone else joy or at least distract them just long enough to not feel burdened by whatever emotional weight they may be carrying. It inspires joy for me to research and to learn even more of how to create photographs that have this particular kind of effect on the viewer." — Sean Howard
"Joy for me is an intentional act of resilience — its peace of mind, its laughter, and freedom of expression. It's being unapologetic in my creativity and sharing that with the world. It's watching the sunset after a long day. It's going through skincare routines with my friends. It's coming together on Black Twitter to watch and comment on a new episode of our favorite shows. It's speaking up in spaces where we were once silenced. It's loud, but also sometimes it's quiet. Knowing this joy, is honestly the only thing keeping me going during these unprecedented times." — Shema Love
5 / 21
Jekein Lato-Unah (@jekein)
Image Source: Courtesy of Jekein Lato-Unah
"Just being able to exist freely, swimming in self-love, celebrating my wins no matter how small, doing mediocre things and not being defined by suffering 24/7." — Jekein Lato-Unah
"I think there are many things for me but at the core of that is my children, my significant other and my work. They all go hand in hand for me. Of course the main person in my life has inspired growth, healing and truly joy. He has been the support I needed to get through the last year and my children constantly motivate me to do everything necessary to make it in my line of work. Each of them inspiring the joy I find in creating. I think over the last year we've had to get more creative and resilient. I know for me focusing on the little moments have carried me through. The relationships that have nurtured me, guided me and supported me are at the forefront of what brings me joy." — Lauren Mckenzie
"Helping others and seeing them enjoying being their unique selves in an era where it is normalized to conform to the notions of others. People should be celebrated regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, or disability. It truly makes me happy when I see people smile and feel unashamed being their beautiful authentic selves." — Teddy Phillips
"As an artist, my mission is to celebrate the beauty and diversity amongst black women. So, when someone views my work, and instantly identifies with it, it fills me with an immense sense of joy and pride. There is tremendous power in representation, and to be a part of that narrative is a constant source of inspiration for me." — Andrea Ballo
9 / 21
Watson Mere (@artofmere_)
Image Source: Courtesy of Watson Mere
"Peace of mind inspires a tremendous amount of joy for me. Being a black person in todays world often comes with a plethora of different levels of trauma, some overt and some subtle. Whenever I can find a sliver of peace of mind within all of this, it brings great joy. Peace of mind for me can come in many forms, whether it's a delicate smile from a stranger on the subway or laughing uncontrollably with a group of friends, all of this provides a mental and spiritual break from the oftentimes serious aspects that come with being black. These short yet invaluable stints of peace manifest joy within me, which ultimately adds to this amalgamation of different emotions that we call the black experience." — Watson Mere
10 / 21
Perryn Ford (@perrynryan)
Image Source: Courtesy of Perryn Ford
"For me, joy comes mostly in the form of people, places, experiences, and sometimes things! Pre pandemic, joy meant traveling to another country and getting to experience and learn about other cultures through the people, their food, and traditions. Since the pandemic, joy has meant finding it in the little things like getting my nails done with fun new nail art. Joy is going for a walk with my camera and finding one really good shot! Joy is trying and learning new things, like taking a pottery making class, that stretch me creatively. Joy is spending the entire day drawing and painting. Joy is cooking myself a really tasty and nourishing meal. Joy is remembering to drink enough water each day, because it makes me feel well taken care of. Joy is crossing 1 thing a day off my to do list. Joy is giving myself grace when I'm feeling unmotivated. Joy is indulging in a vegan gluten-free rice krispie treat from Clementine Bakery. Finally, joy is waking up everyday and knowing that I get to choose how I spend my days!" — Perryn Ford
"When humanity sets aside their differences to work to work together for a greater good. I'm inspired by the hope-fullness and tenacity of my community, every day." — Devon Blow
"What inspires joy for me is indulging in self care which may look like treating muse to a meal, new lipstick or bottle of wine, creating random artwork just for fun that I don't post and of course watching lots of funny videos from talented creators on social media." — Kendra Dandy
"To me, Black joy is powerful. It is the strongest armor that we have during a period time that may seem like it's meant to break us. It's an act of resistance that encourages us to celebrate all of our wins instead of focusing on our traumas. Black joy is so incredibly beautiful to witness because it means Black people are intentionally using happiness as a basis for preservation while simultaneously spreading love to those around them." — Melissa Koby
"I truly am happiest when I've made someone else smile or feel a little better. Sometimes that comes as a bit of a sacrifice for myself. But it truly does make me happy." — Isaiah Stephens
"What inspires joy to me is to see black people at their best! Seeing Black people being treated equally to other human beings. Rights, justice, respect, success, and Happiness for my people inspires my joy." — Nicholle Kobi
"Spending time with my friends is when I am the most joyful. Hearing their stories, their laughter, and supporting each other through difficult times helps me feel connected to something bigger than myself." — Queenbe Monyei
"I think for me what inspires joy is the ability to uplift others through visual art. I get filled with joy and hope knowing that someone will see something I created and connect with it, feel seen, feel heard, feel loved. Just knowing that I can touch someone who needs it - inspires me to live more boldly, more freely, and shine bigger - in hopes that it will inspire someone else to do the same too." — Jena Holliday
18 / 21
Adrian Armstrong (@adrianarmstrongart)
Image Source: Courtesy of Adrian Armstrong
"What inspires joy in me is my friends and family. I love moments spent together. They inspire me." — Adrian Armstrong
"Something that inspires joy is the freedom to express myself creatively. Whether that expression comes in the form of writing, drawing, painting, etc., being able to communicate in one of the only languages that I'm truly fluent in (art) is truly a blessing. The work I create often holds more weight than the words I speak, so connecting with people without the syntax is one of the greatest feelings ever. Creating is truly my life, it's all I think about. Continuously working on my craft and finding new ways to exhibit that expression inspires joy. There is joy in the journey." — KaCeyKal!
20 / 21
Natasha Cunningham (@aboutnatlife)
Image Source: Courtesy of Natasha Cunningham
"The promises of freedom. The light at the end of the tunnel. I'm inspired by the process and struggle of being freed from the things in life that suppress creativity, self-expression, and growth. This inspiration keeps me going." — Natasha Cunningham
