Tell us about Black on Paper
I founded Black on Paper (BoP) in September 2016 with the aim of celebrating black glamour through art. My work features female celebrities from recent history, from Joyce Bryant to Pearl Bailey. I use vintage and modern photography, geometric shapes and bright colours to create playful, digital collage art that pays homage to the beauty of my subjects.
Did you feel there was a gap in the market?
Absolutely! There are very few artists creating modern black art, and even fewer that choose to feature vintage icons. I believe that many black people like me love the vintage aesthetic but are frustrated by a lack of diversity. My hope is that BoP will prompt a reimagining of vintage Hollywood with black stars at the forefront, appealing to lovers of vintage as well as those with an interest in black culture.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I’m often inspired by nature, flowers in particular, but I try to let my subjects influence the art as much as possible. I learn what I can about them through stories and images before getting to work, which helps guide me and shapes my creative process.
What do you hope to achieve?
My mission with BoP, aside from creating beautiful art, is to demonstrate that Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn were not the sole authors of glamour in the old Hollywood era. I also hope to move towards redefining glamour, through celebrating glamorous black women and beauty diversity.
Anyone you admire?
I’ve bene so inspired by fashion blogger Freddie Harrel and her ability to add more strings to her bow!
Who’s worth a follow?
@receipesforselflove is great for positive affirmations. Similarly, @blackgirlinom is a beautiful self-care feed. For vintage inspiration I love @vintageblackglmaour by Nichelle Gainer and @pinupsofcolour. I also follow @iamkristabel and @inmysundaybest for lifestyle content.
A few beauty questions… best haircare tip?
Make sure your diet includes plenty of foods that your hair will love, like protein-rich eggs and iron-rich spinach.
Fave beauty brand?
Bobbi Brown!
Celeb whose style you love?
Zendaya. Her Met Gala look was definitely my favourite of 2017!
OK, back to business. What’s new for 2018?
This year will see my first solo exhibition. I’ll be exploring what black glamour looks like in the 21st century, featuring women of different ages, sizes and hues from Sheffield, and the surrounding area. I also hope to expand my product range, blog more and start offering glamour workshops/photshoots to empower women. Just watch this space!
