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I had the pleasure of running into one of my HS "play" cousins (you know when you
are super close with someone or have the same physical attributes as a friendly
acquaintance in our community they become 'FamLay') recently
during a quick in between jobs lunch at Friday's.
Excitingly catching up with one another, especially on us
embarking on our hobby turned professional careers to my surprise, she was now Bianca the
artist, a painter! I was left speechless as she showed me pictures of her work
and I knew we HAD to #jumpinthecab
avec mon amie.
Check out this candid and awe inspiring interview as I
display not only the masterpiece that is her art, but, her life. Ladies and
Gentlemen... Mademoiselle Belve.
I'm Haitian
WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM
AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Queens, New York & I still live in Queens.
DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD
(RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR PARENTS, YOUR SCHOOLING, YOUR DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS
AT THE TIME ETC, FRIENDS ETC.)
I am an only child so being alone has always been something
that I used to. Since I can remember my mother has always been a huge support
system, she always kept me busy while placing me into all types of dance classes
and sports. Our relationship has always been special, since I can remember till
today she is my absolute best friend and number one supporter. When I was younger,
I wanted to play basketball and when I broke my ankle that dream sadly enough
was shattered. I did continue to stay active, although I couldn't play
basketball I joined the track team to strengthen my leg, cheerleading it was
all a great fun in high school. All of the people that I surround myself with
are friends that I have had forever, I can go back all the way to the 3rd grade
and we are very close still till this very day.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO HAITI?
Yes. I haven't been to Haiti in a couple of years, but I can
say I loved it when I did visit and hope to return very soon.
WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR
ARTISTRY? AND WHY PAINTING IN PARTICULAR?
I was always interested in art coming from an artistic family
where some make music, others paint I honestly think it runs in my blood. I
decided to take a class and all we did was paint, listen to soft music and
drink wine. It was such a great time and from that day on I continued to paint.
I enjoyed how calming and therapeutic it was and still is for me till today.
DESCRIBE A TIME OF TURMOIL THAT YOU WENT THROUGH THAT CHANGED YOUR FOR THE
BETTER
My relationship with my father was basically non-existent and
it took a really huge burden on me while growing up, my mission was to speak to
him and build a relationship. I decided to reach out a couple of years ago and
we did meet however, no relationship was build I guess he didn't feel the same
way as I did. "Every little girl needs her daddy" When I realized
that we would never have that bond that I yearned for, yes it hurt, but, with
time I allowed myself to continue to be great after all it really is his loss.
This has changed me for the better because with or without him in my life I
will be successful.
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST THING
ABOUT ESTABLISHING YOUR SELF AS AN ARTIST?
The hardest thing would have to be getting people to take you
seriously everyone does something and not everyone is serious and sometimes
it's hard to distinguish the two. However, being that I have over 90 pieces in
6 months should set me aside from many.
WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE OF YOUR FIRST SALE OF A PAINTING, HOW DID IT GO
DOWN?
I recently sold my first piece and it happened because I was
emotionally attached to it, being that it was made for someone I use to date.
However, I decided to part with it and some other pieces and it was the first
to go. It was a very nice experience, very humbling and the words of
encouragement from the buyer who is also a very good friend made the experience
very sweet.
WERE THERE NEY-SAYERS WHEN YOU
FIRST STARTED YOUR JOURNEY? AND WHAT IS THERE OPINION NOW?
Yes, of course anytime you want to do something to better
yourself there always seems to be people who think you can't do it and you’re
wasting your time. I never fed into the idea of not making my dreams reality
EVER since I was young so it would be tough to really discourage me. Now that I
have been exposing myself more and getting more exposure I don't think they
have any choice but to respect it. Basically, I am living proof that if you
want something bad enough you have to work hard and eventually you will be
recognized for your work.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR
WOMAN SUFFERING FROM A SERIOUS BREAKUP?
I would simply say I know it hurts, it hurts to have to leave
someone you put time, energy and love in but you have to leave with a smile
because god really makes no mistakes he doesn't put people in situations they
can't handle and this too is a learning lesson. It's ok to hurt just don't let
it consume you write it down in a journal, cry it out and 6 months or even a
year from now go back and I promise you will ask yourself what in the world was
I thinking.
AFTER YOU FINISH A PAINTING
HOW DO YOU FEEL?
After I finish painting I feel almost empty I try to put my
feelings and emotions in every painting, so if I'm hurt before I paint I won't
be hurting after.
HOW DO YOU FEEL PROUD AND
CONNECTED TO YOUR HAITIAN CULTURE?
I love being Haitian! I really do, from the culture, the
language and the food, ohhhh my, if you have never had Haitian food your truly
cheating yourself. I wear my Haitian flag proudly everyday letting everyone
know that I am Haitian and my family, both my mother and father’s side have
built a name for themselves in the Haitian community, I myself must live up to.
When I last visited Haiti I saw many things but, one I will never forget was
all the paintings on the street from all these talented young, old artist and
they paint beautifully. This alone symbolizes more than most can grasp an
artist paints either what they see or how they feel and every single painting have
a history, had life and had a culture within them. So I ask what is there no to
love?
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO PAINT?
I mostly paint upon emotion so I listen to music and go off
into my own world with colours that represent how I feel or what I'm missing,
this allows me to also create something I'm missing.
TAKE US THROUGH YOUR PROCESS
WHEN YOU START A PIECE.
When I start a piece the first thing I do is to rub on the
canvas with both hands to get the feel of what I am about to create. I then
decide if I will be drawing first or just using paint. I start off small and
move my way around the canvas. Sometimes I flip the canvas over and over to see
exactly what I may be creating and I just let the brush flow.
IF YOU HAD TO DO A CUSTOM
PIECE FOR A SPECIFIC CLIENT, WHAT WOULD YOU NEED TO KNOW OR FEEL OR SEE FROM
YOUR CLIENT?
I would ask for a story and through that story I could put my
spin on it and create something I feel would connect to their emotion.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE
THAT YOU HAVE DONE? AND WHY?
It would have to be my very first piece that I did on my own,
it's a mother and newborn baby, and it is my favourite because it reminds me of
my mother and me. It's beautiful, it's
peaceful and I truly believe it is us.
WHO IS SOMEONE THAT YOU
ADMIRE/LOOK UP TOO IN YOUR INDUSTRY/FIELD?
I am still learning about artists and getting familiarized
with the industry, however, Claude Monet has a piece at Moma in NYC. It's huge
first of all and it took a while to let it all sink in but, it's fantastic,
it's called “Water Lillie's” and it's the reflection of the shadow in the
water. My goodness, such amazing work and it has been influential to me as a
new artist.
IN ONE WORD DESCRIBE BIANCA
THE PAINTER
Confidence Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..
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