Artist Statement
I love two dimensional animation! Its expressiveness and motion are elements I use in the aesthetic of my work. However, art is a calling for me: not just to create fun images, but to, many times, address issues in a manner that emphasizes the positive alternative. This fuels me. This uplifts me. This challenges me to go against the grain of seeing something for what it is, and to imagine how a topic that may be considered ugly or harsh can morph into a beautiful outcome or a beautiful expression of celebration. This has birthed several series such as,"Strength In Weakness," "So Loved," and, "Church Women In Hats." What I see turns into dancing buildings, elongated limbs and exaggerated movements. I use strong lines and bright acrylic colors to bring my work to life.
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To create imagery everyday that pushes my mind out of the negative realm is exciting! My work is food for my soul, not only because of the process of creating it, but the process of interacting with people who view and interpret my work. I have had the privilege of hearing viewers' amazing testimonies of healing, of overcoming obstacles and of childhood nostalgia. I see my work feed the soul of others, as well, and I am thankful.
Bio
Movement, color & whimsy! Since 2001, Darlene has used these three components to capture any subject she paints as a professional artist. Growing up in the age of television, she has allowed the influence of animated cartooning to show through in her work. Through lively, stylized human forms and bright, expressive colors, her work mixes humor with positive images, bringing them to life. Bright, acrylic brush strokes and strong, stated lines harmonize to create a finished work that is flavorful.
This artist holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and the Arts from Dillard University and an MFA in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design. She has illustrated for the Wall Street Journal and other periodicals as well as four children’s books and several book covers.
Darlene strives to show her work in as many places as possible. So far, she has traveled throughout the north, central and southeastern regions of the U.S. to show her work. Her work is currently hanging in the homes, businesses and work places of people spanning from California to New York in the U.S. and in Singapore. Her work has hung in formal and unconventional galleries in New Orleans, Atlanta, throughout Memphis, Cordova, Oklahoma and also at the TN Arts Commission Gallery in Nashville.
Darlene believes that THE Creator has given her purpose as A creator and strives to fulfill her purpose every day. She has completed multiple public murals in Memphis, has been commissioned for murals in homes and businesses across the tri-state area and has been featured on PBS’s television program, Creative License. She has been listed as one of today’s hottest artists by Visions Fine Art Magazine, a U.S. and Canadian publication. Her website is DarlenesArt.com.